Let me ask you a personal question...

Don't be mad.  Don't be offended.... I feel like we've known each other for a while now and it is time to get it all out in the open and ask "THE" question....

What settings do you use on your camera??  

There I asked it....  Phew... 

Instagram Photo

© Corrie M Avila

I don't know why, but for some reason this seems to be such a personal question.  When I first started taking photos I used the presets.  I would move my little dial around to match the icon with what I was taking a photo of.  This wasn't because I was super happy with the results.... it was because I didn't understand the technical part of the camera.  I was overwhelmed with the settings and it all seemed to be in another language.  I read books, watched tutorials, had my husband explain it to me with drawings and everything... but I still could not figure it out.  I became REALLY frustrated because I knew what I wanted to do composition wise, but I never EVER was able to achieve the results I wanted.

Then one day I meet a photographer who offers to help (insert angels singing and rays of light shining down on this moment :).  Little did she know I would take her up on it (buahahaha).  Seriously though, she has been a God-send.  We planned a photo day and I remember sitting together on a rock near a river.  We both had our cameras out.... she would tell me what settings she was using and then I put my camera to the same settings.  She walked me through it step by step and showed the patience of a saint. I would not be where I am today if it were not for her.  So now I am paying it forward.

I will be starting a series of tutorials on how to shoot in "M" (manual) mode.  I personally use a Canon, but the basics are the same whether you have a Canon, a Nikon, or something else.  I hope to explain the basics of your camera to you in an easy to understand way.

I did not get the full concept immediately.  I took what I learned that day home with me and practiced.  I remember the exact moment I took a photo completely in manual mode.  I was sitting on my couch watching my son play with his toy truck on the coffee table.  The light was shining though the window on the truck and was creating a reflection on the table.  I grabbed my camera, gritted my teeth, and gave it a whirl.  It took a few shots to achieve the look I was going for, but I did it :)  I'm not gonna lie, I did a little dance!  And just like that... everything clicked and I had my lightbulb moment.  My hope is that you will have yours as well.

My Son's Toy Truck and My FIRST Manually Exposed Photograph :)

ISO 2500 ~ 75mm ~ f/11 ~ 1/20 sec

© Corrie M Avila

If you don't know what those settings mean now, you will by the time we finish the tutorials.  Basically, I still had no idea what my ISO should be (so I left it in automatic ~ hence the number of 2500).  It should really be no higher than 200 in this situation.  And my aperture (f-stop) should be a much smaller number... This photograph is raw in it's chemical make-up ~ with a high ISO, a too small aperture, and highlights that are blown out... but it is mine :)  Everyone has to start somewhere and this is my pride and glory.

Now it's time to buckle up, sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy the ride!  I look forward to starting this journey with you all <3

Capturing the Moment

Corrie <3