» We have Nikons, so we will be looking at the Nikon mode dial » Most cameras use similar icons

» There are TONS of options and controls on a dSLR – even entry level ones » The exposure mode dial is one set of controls that you will use the most and is essential that you understand

» P, S, A, and M Modes » Full control over camera exposure settings » P – Programmed Auto » S/Tv – Shutter Priority » A/Av – Aperture Priority » M - Manual

» The camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and aperture for the best exposure in most situations. » Use for snapshots or other unplanned shots.

» You choose the shutter speed and the camera automatically adjusts the aperture. » Shutter speed controls how motion looks in your image. » Slow – blurred » Fast - freeze

» Use for any photography where the motion of the subject is the most important thing. » Do you want to show or freeze it?

» You choose the aperture while the camera selects the shutter speed. » Large apertures reduce depth of field, blurring the background » Small apertures increase DoF, bringing background into focus

» Short DoF is usually used in portraits and close ups to blur the background » Great DoF is usually used for landscapes where you want everything to be in focus

» You control BOTH the shutter AND the aperture

» In A mode, use the command dial to change the aperture » In S mode, use the command dial to change the shutter speed

» In M mode, use the command dial to change the shutter speed » To change the aperture, hold down the exposure compensation button and rotate the command dial

» Scene Modes » The camera automatically controls settings optimized for the scene selected. Match what you select to what you are taking a picture of. » Portrait » Landscape » Child » Sports » Close up » Night Portrait

» Portrait – Camera selects large aperture for short DoF » Landscape – Camera selects small aperture for great DoF » Child – Camera selects different focus mode to track movement » Close Up – Camera is set for close up shots of small objects » Sports – Camera sets a fast shutter speed to freeze action » Night Portrait – Balance between subject and background in low light

» Auto Modes » Select for point and shoot – camera does everything » Auto » Auto – Flash Off

» Guide Mode » Take and view pictures and adjust settings with the help of an on-screen guide

» Use the whiteboards to draw the correct icon for the action I request. » You may work with a partner. » It does not need to be drawn perfectly – just the basic idea should be there.