Should you use Manual or Aperture Priority mode?

While there are plenty of different modes on your camera, the most common and often used seem to be Manual mode or Aperture Priority.

As someone who has ALWAYS been told you had to shoot in Manual, well … these days I find myself shooting more and more in Aperture Priority. And here is why …

It’s so simple

While it’s a very good idea to learn and understand the Exposure Triangle, Aperture Priority mode makes things easier, especially when there are lots of variables to take into account. Sometimes letting one of them go can make life so much easier.

There is light and composition, perhaps movement, directing a model or client and lots of other things to keep in mind. If you are losing light during sunset, or maybe you’re not quite as quick as you might like, Manual mode can slow you down.

Aperture Priority — it just works

Once you set your ISO (which can be set to auto, with minimum shutter speed), using Aperture Priority mode just makes sense. You still have creative control with exposure compensation to adjust if need be. But if you are busy trying to capture a sunset or children playing, sport or anything that moves quickly, adjusting all your settings can mean you miss the shot.

This is in no way an inditement on your skills as a photographer — you still are a large part of the process. You’re just letting your camera do some of the work. Think of it as a delegation. A good leader always delegates.

Let your camera do the heavy lifting

Often when it comes to photography, one of the most important aspects is your aperture. So let the camera do the heavy lifting (mathematically speaking) and= just set the aperture that works for you and your current situation.

Manual vs. Aperture Priority. It’s still a choice, but why not give Aperture Priority a go?