1. Overview
Every camera has a mode dial on top that lets you choose how the camera determines exposure. There are five main modes you need to know.
Choosing the right shooting mode depends on the situation, the subject, and your experience level. There is no single "best" mode — only the most suitable mode for each moment.
"The mode dial is not a beginner's tool versus a professional's tool. It is a set of strategies. Each mode is appropriate in different situations."
2. The Five Main Modes
2.1. Program (P)
Symbol: P
The camera automatically selects both aperture and shutter speed. The photographer only needs to set the ISO (or let the camera choose ISO with Auto ISO).
- Pros: Fast, ideal when you need to shoot quickly.
- Cons: No control over depth of field (DOF) and motion.
- When to use: Casual memories, snapshots, travel.
2.2. Aperture Priority (Av on Canon / A on Nikon)
Symbol: Av / A
The photographer selects the aperture and ISO; the camera automatically selects the shutter speed for correct exposure.
- Pros: Direct control over depth of field (DOF).
- Cons: In low light, the camera may select a shutter speed that is too slow → risk of camera shake.
- When to use: Portraits (wide aperture), landscapes (small aperture), still life.
2.3. Shutter Priority (Tv on Canon / S on Nikon)
Symbol: Tv / S
The photographer selects the shutter speed and ISO; the camera automatically selects the aperture for correct exposure.
- Pros: Direct control over motion — freeze or blur.
- Cons: In very bright light, the aperture may be stopped down to its limit → underexposure.
- When to use: Sports (fast shutter speed), flowing water (slow shutter speed), panning.
2.4. Manual (M)
Symbol: M
The photographer has full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The camera only displays the exposure meter for reference.
- Pros: 100% precise control. The camera will not automatically change exposure between frames.
- Cons: Slower than the other modes. Requires experience.
- When to use: Studio, long exposure, panorama, time-lapse, shooting in constant lighting conditions.
"The Reciprocity Law in Manual Mode — when you change one variable, you must compensate with another to maintain exposure."
2.5. Bulb (B)
Symbol: B
The shutter stays open as long as the shutter button is held down. When you release the button, the shutter closes. This allows exposures from a few seconds to several hours.
- Pros: Extremely long exposures with no time limit.
- Cons: Requires a tripod and remote release.
- When to use: Astrophotography, light painting, star trails, fireworks.
3. Comparison Table
| Mode | Who sets aperture? | Who sets shutter speed? | Primary Control | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | Camera | Camera | None | Quick snapshots |
| Av / A | You | Camera | Depth of field | Portraits, landscapes |
| Tv / S | Camera | You | Motion | Sports, flowing water |
| M | You | You | Full control | Studio, long exposure |
| B | You | You (hold button) | Unlimited time | Astro, light painting |
4. When to Use Each Mode?
Portraits
Recommendation: Av / A with an aperture of f/1.8 – f/2.8 to isolate the subject from the background.
Landscapes
Recommendation: Av / A with an aperture of f/8 – f/11 to keep the entire scene sharp. Use a tripod if the shutter speed is slow.
Sports
Recommendation: Tv / S at 1/500s or faster to freeze motion. Enable Auto ISO if needed.
Flowing Water / Long Exposure
Recommendation: M or Tv / S at 1/4s – 10s. A tripod and ND filter are essential.
Studio / Product
Recommendation: M to maintain consistent exposure across frames.
Night / Astrophotography
Recommendation: M or B. Use a tripod, turn off VR/IS, and use a remote release.
"Start with Aperture Priority. It teaches you the relationship between aperture and depth of field — the most creative control in photography. Once you understand this, Manual mode becomes intuitive."
5. Demo: Choosing a Shooting Mode
Click each mode to see a detailed description and use cases.
The camera automatically selects aperture and shutter speed. The photographer only needs to set the ISO. Ideal for beginners or quick shooting.
6. Summary
After this lesson, you have learned:
- P (Program): The camera selects everything. Fast and convenient.
- Av / A (Aperture Priority): You set the aperture, the camera sets the shutter speed. Control depth of field.
- Tv / S (Shutter Priority): You set the shutter speed, the camera sets the aperture. Control motion.
- M (Manual): You set everything. 100% control.
- B (Bulb): Keep the shutter open as long as needed. Extremely long exposure.
Hands-on Exercises
- Set the camera to Av / A at f/1.8 (or f/2.8 if f/1.8 is unavailable). Take a portrait. Then switch to f/8 and shoot again. Compare the depth of field.
- Set the camera to Tv / S at 1/1000s. Photograph a person walking. Then switch to 1/15s and shoot again. Compare motion blur.
- Set the camera to M. Take three photos with the same exposure but different settings. Note down the three sets of parameters.
Moving on to Phase 2
You have completed Phase 1 — Foundation. In Phase 2, we will dive deeper into composition, natural light, focusing, and hands-on practice.
Don't assume professional photographers always shoot in Manual (M)! When working outdoors or on the street, 80% of the time they use Aperture Priority (Av) combined with Auto ISO (with a minimum shutter speed of $\ge$ 1/160s). With this setup, you can focus entirely on turning a single dial to control depth of field (shallow background blur or deep focus); the camera automatically ensures you never suffer from camera shake or underexposure!
Insisting on Manual (M) when capturing fast-moving moments or rapidly changing light (events, street photography): you will miss decisive moments because you are busy spinning dials to adjust exposure. Second mistake: Using Tv/S indoors in low light and setting the shutter speed too high ➔ the camera opens the aperture to its maximum but still cannot gather enough light, resulting in dark, underexposed images.