Today Yuri and I discussed the difference between shooting in Auto vs Manual for street photography. What method you should approach and how to really get to grips with the different settings in your camera.
What mode do you shoot in?
We started by talking about the mode of the camera we choose to shoot in as well as how we got started and changed from there. I think there is a reputation that Auto is for beginners (something we do make a few beginners jokes about) and as a “pro” you should go full manual but neither of us uses completely manual mode.
Have your settings decided before you shoot
We picked on one of David Barnett’s quotes from out Twitter hashtag chats where he said.
Take away point, Exposure settings/ decisions matter but should be sorted before engaging with your subject. #streetchat
— David Barrett (@streetfotouk) May 15, 2016
Both Yuri and I think this is the aim no matter what settings you choose, that your settings don’t get in the way of the shot.
Autofocus can be hit or miss
One of the things I’ve noticed and complain about is that autofocus can be very temperamental. Sometimes it picks the “wrong” person, sometimes it just takes too long. Instead I mentioned how I use going hyperfocal so that most of the frame is in focus.
Chimping isn’t necessarily bad
We also mentioned how chimping (especially as a beginner) can be a great way to learn what affect your settings have on your images and to make sure you get your exposure right.
Plus the sweet sweet safety net of shooting in RAW instead of JPEG
Streettog recommendations
Street challenge
- Shoot “a roll of film” (only 24/36 shoots, JPEG, limited editing)
Share your best photos to the Facebook page.
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