Is there a point of learning Aperture,ISO,Shutter speed?

paul85224 · Nov 1, 2011

Matrixgravity said:
The only cool looking aesthetic effects you can do with a camera are Depth of field, and Bokeh. Other than that, is there really any point in learning how to use Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed? I mean, can't a beginner just purchase an expensive DSLR and just shoot on auto and produce professional looking pictures? I mean, the only reason you would need aperture,ISO, or shutter speed is if you wanted to create depth of field, or bokeh. Other than that, what is the point though? Thats what confuses me..There really doesn't seem like there is much to do with a camera aside from bokeh and depth of field..That is all I ever see..

The short answer to that would be, no. There is a misconception that buying an expensive DSLR makes you a better photographer. Well, it doesn't. Being able to understand shutter speed, apeture, ISO, white balance, depth of field, rule of thirds, composition, exposure, lighting and so on, will make you a much better photographer. Personally, I would advocate buying a used DSLR somewhere and taking some classes to learn the basics.

dxqcanada · Nov 1, 2011

Well, you could just shoot everything in Auto ... and you can get some great images ... the problem is the predictability of obtaining those images.

Understanding the controls provides the photographer tools to manipulate how the image appears to the viewer in a more consistent manner.

Now, I will say that I do use Auto ... when I know the Auto algorithm will set the exposure to what I wanted.

Village Idiot · Nov 2, 2011

dots said:
Hey Will.. I enjoy reading "Slough Roast". I remember looking at it a while ago. Pleased that you carry on with it. :thumbup:

Thanks. I started doing reviews for a travel and food site too, which has turned out to be a blast as well as profitable.

jake337 · Nov 2, 2011

Wow!!! 212 replies. I thought YES would suffice.

2WheelPhoto · Nov 2, 2011

jake337 said:
Wow!!! 212 replies. I thought YES would suffice.

That may have excluded the *drama* factor

Proteus617 · Nov 4, 2011

Not sure why I am bothering, but the definition of exposure is:

Exposure=Intensity x Time or E = I x t

Next, some handy tools for the photographer (just a few of many):

The Sunny16 rule
The Exposure Triangle
Ansel Adams' Exposure Formula

Those are handy tools and mental shortcuts for the field, not technical definitions. If you want to know why those tools work and are useful, refer to the technical definition of the terms.

Helen B · Nov 4, 2011

Proteus617 said:
Not sure why I am bothering, but the definition of exposure is:

Exposure=Intensity x Time or E = I x t

Next, some handy tools for the photographer (just a few of many):

The Sunny16 rule
The Exposure Triangle
Ansel Adams' Exposure Formula

Those are handy tools and mental shortcuts for the field, not technical definitions. If you want to know why those tools work and are useful, refer to the technical definition of the terms.

Why not read the thread and engage in meaningful discussion - you know, debate specific points instead of reiterating what other people have already said, without giving reasoned arguments? Everything you wrote has already been covered. 'Exposure' has more than one meaning, and more than one technical, Standardised definition.

Best,
Helen

Proteus617 · Nov 4, 2011

Point taken.

Helen B · Nov 4, 2011

I do what I accused you of all the time, I think. Your contributions are always valuable, so I wanted more!

Raian-san · Nov 4, 2011

dots · Nov 4, 2011

...ooops

posted in the wrong thread gaahhhh

RacePhoto · Nov 5, 2011

I suppose the number of replies should send a message.

My camera hasn't been on A for Auto since the day I unpacked it. Even worse I probably shoot more on Manual than any other settings. We pay for all that electronics and fancy little computers in the camera and then I don't use it? LOL That's all I can add.

The answer that there are six settings for any shot is true and the most basic starting point, explaining why Auto is fine for snapshots and nothing else.

kami · Nov 5, 2011

Very interesting thread! I actually read thru the 15 pages, 200+ posts front and back! :popcorn:

Its a little comedic as the tension seems to escalate, midway thru the 10th page Tevo responds back to the OP's original post then a slew of posters apparently unaware of the drama unfolding follow in Tevo's footsteps! haha! In fairness, I've learned a lot from things I was never aware of. Thanks Derrel and Kerbouchard for that informative session.