If you're planning on entering our Wilderness Photographer of the Year, presented by Mountain Designs - which you should as we have so many amazing prizes! - then you should turn off the Auto setting on your DSLR and swing to Manual.
Now, switching your camera to Manual mode can feel intimidating at first, but it gives you complete creative control over your photography.
Instead of letting the camera decide everything, you choose how bright, sharp or dramatic the final image looks. Manual mode helps you understand the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO, making you a more confident photographer in any situation.
Whether you’re photographing landscapes, wildlife, travel scenes or portraits, learning Manual mode allows you to adapt quickly to changing light and create images that truly match your vision. Here are 10 practical tips to help you master shooting in Manual mode.
- Learn the Exposure Triangle
Understanding aperture, shutter speed and ISO is essential. These three settings control brightness and image style. Changing one affects the others, so practise balancing them together. - Start with Aperture
Choose aperture first based on your subject. Wide apertures blur backgrounds for portraits, while narrow apertures keep landscapes sharp from front to back. - Watch Your Shutter Speed
Fast shutter speeds freeze movement, ideal for wildlife or sport. Slow shutter speeds create motion blur, useful for waterfalls or night photography. - Keep ISO Low When Possible
Lower ISO settings reduce digital noise and produce cleaner images. Increase ISO only when light is limited and you need a faster shutter speed. - Use Your Camera Meter
The exposure meter inside your viewfinder helps judge brightness. Aim for the centre at first, then experiment with brighter or darker exposures creatively. - Check the Histogram
The histogram gives a more accurate exposure reading than the LCD screen. It helps avoid losing detail in shadows or highlights. - Shoot in RAW
RAW files capture more image data, giving greater flexibility when editing exposure, colour and detail later on. - Practise in Consistent Light
Start learning Manual mode outdoors on clear days or indoors with steady light. Constant lighting makes settings easier to understand. - Use Auto ISO if Needed
If Manual feels overwhelming, combine Manual exposure with Auto ISO. You control aperture and shutter speed while the camera adjusts ISO automatically. - Slow Down and Experiment
Manual photography improves through practice. Test different settings, review your results and learn how each adjustment changes the mood and feel of your images.
For more info on the Manual setting on your camera check out this how-to video. Look and learn.