The Mode Dial and Histograms

Most DSLR cameras have a physical mode dial located somewhere on the camera. To the left of this, I have a photo example of a mode dial. Mode dials will often have two main sections. The first is a “Basic Zone.” This mode includes settings such as, auto, portrait, landscape, macro, sport, night/party, and a no flash mode. These modes are pretty self explanatory. If you were to be taking a picture of someone playing soccer, you would most likely use sport mode. If you were to be hiking and came across a beautiful view, you would most likely use the landscape mode. These settings are programmed to automatically adjust the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed based off of the assumed setting. The second part of a camera’s mode dial is its “Creative Zone.” There are four main parts to the “Creative Zone”, program shift (P), time value/shutter speed priority (Tv), aperture value/aperture priority (Av), and manual mode (M). In the program shift mode, the camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture, though you are able to adjust these simultaneously as you wish. This mode is really helpful for beginners to learn the behind the scenes of photo taking. Time value, also know as shutter speed priority allows you to set the shutter speed, while the camera automatically sets the aperture. The best time to use this setting may be when a freezing or blurred motion look is wanted in a photo. The aperture mode is the opposite of Tv mode. In this mode, you are able to set the aperture, while the camera sets the shutter speed. This mode is best for when you need a specific depth of field. Many photographers use this mode for portraits. The final part of the mode dial is all you. Manual mode allows the photographer to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO all on their own. They have full control over their cameras settings.

Portrait Mode

I like this photo because of the shallow depth of field. I did not like that there was a flash, so I might adjust that in the future.

Sport Mode

There is several people frozen in action in this photo, which I like. I might try to get a better angle next time I take it.

Sport Mode

I believe that when I took this photo, I still had it on sport mode. I like the picture, but next time I might try changing it to auto or macro mode.

Macro Mode

I really like the detail that was captured in this photo by having the camera in macro mode. The mulch around the small sapling and the tree itself bled together a bit much, so till another time, I might try to have more color in the picture.

Auto Mode

I love the contrast of the tree branch and the bright blue sky. I could have practiced my skills a bit more by using manual mode in this photo.

I like this photo because of the detail captured on the water bottles. I also like the contrast between the bright and colorful bottles and the deep green grass.