Simplify the top diaL

The goal of this course is to simplify the camera and the process. This is where we get started in the process of simplification.

Exposure mode overview

Setting the exposure mode is always the first step in photography. This tells the camera how we want to control our BIG 3 settings of ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed.

Your camera may not be listed here however, the top exposure mode dial should look similar to one of the above. Exceptions are the Nikon Professional series cameras will have a MODE button rather than a dial with these printed logos.

How a camera works – ISO, Aperture, Shutter

Every camera ever made can only change three settings. The ISO, aperture and shutter speed. This diagram will give you a quick understanding of what each of these BIG 3 settings does.

Narrow the options. Manual and Aperture mode

Simplify, Simplify…Simplify.  Now we are going to make this top dial of the camera really easy. From this point forward you will only ever use two of the settings on this exposure mode dial. Manual Mode and Aperture Mode.

For now, set the top dial to M for Manual mode. Don’t panic, its much easier than it seems. I want you to imagine that your top dial only has two options to work with. This will make the decision making process very easy. Manual or Aperture.

Easy Choice

Manual Mode or Aperture Mode. These are your only choices, but for now lets only use Manual Mode. 

Exercise: Set the top dial to ‘M’ for manual mode

Forget the rest.

Q: But Greg, they make these cameras with the other  exposure mode settings such as Program, running man, landscape etc… they must work, right?

A: You bet, people way smarter than me build these cameras. The additional exposure modes on the top dial do work however, we can shoot every photo, ever, using Manual or Aperture mode. So, lets keep it simple and use just two.