Modern DSLR, compact system and compact cameras are very clever, and in many circumstances they can be left to their own devices in their automatic settings and will deliver good results. However, when explaining photography for beginners it’s imperative to understand that your camera doesn’t always get it right. It's helpful to be aware of the problems they face and what can fool them so that you can take control and get the images that you want.
Photography for beginners: 01 You know what you're shooting
Many modern cameras have some form of scene recognition system that uses information about the brightness distribution and colour of the scene along with data from the AF system about the proximity of the subject.
Once a camera has detected what the subject is it will select settings that should deliver an image that's 'typical' for that type of scene.
If a landscape is detected for example, the camera will select a small aperture to capture plenty of depth of field and enhance greens and blues to produce a punchy shot.
Manually selecting the Landscape scene mode does a similar thing, but saves the camera from having to work-out what the subject is.
SEE MORE: 10 common landscape photography mistakes every photographer makes
Similarly, using the Landscape Picture Style or Picture Control Mode tailors the contrast and colour of the image to suit the average landscape, while you take control over the exposure in your preferred advanced shooting mode.
SEE MORE: Banish bad pictures – 9 quick fixes for common camera complaints
There are times, however, when you may want to shoot a landscape in a non-typical way. You might want to restrict depth of field, for example, to emphasis one element of the scene, or perhaps have muted colours.
On these occasions you need to take control over the exposure and consider which is the best Picture Style or Picture Control mode to use.
As usual the best results will be produced by shooting raw files because they give you maximum control over colour and contrast post-capture.
Photography for beginners: 01 You know what you're shooting
Photography for beginners: 02 The subject isn't the closest object
Photography for beginners: 03 The scene is very bright or very dark
Photography for beginners: 04 The subject is backlit
Photography for beginners: 05 You're shooting a macro subject
Photography for beginners: 06 Shooting in warm/cold light
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