Should You Use Auto Mode?

Whether you use a point and shoot or a DSLR most of our cameras have the ability to shoot in modes other than Auto. So the question then becomes should I shoot in Auto Mode or learn to use the semi-manual modes and manual mode? The answer is, in my opinion, yes to all three. I believe it is perfectly OK to shoot in Auto Mode most of the time if that is what you are comfortable with and you are happy with the photos you are getting. Having said that I also believe that you should learn to use your camera's other modes. I would suggest you start with the semi-manual modes and then if you really want to you can tackle Manual Mode.

If your camera has other modes then learning how to use them will help you to become more creative with your photography as well as becoming more familiar with the capabilities of your camers. As an example if you are shooting a waterfall and you want to get that silky look that you have seen in other waterfall photos.

Auto Mode may not be able to do that for you. Auto Mode may choose a shutter speed that freezes the water and you need a longer shutter speed to get the effect you are looking for.

Another example is you are taking a photo where your subject is in the shade and there is a bright background behind them.

Again Auto Mode might not be able to handle that scene and you end up with your subject being underexposed.

Personally I shoot in Aperture Priority mode most of the time. Why you might ask? Well it's because Bryan Peterson told me to in his book, Understanding Exposure (an excellent book if you want to learn how to take better photos under various lighting conditions.) I also use it because I shoot with a DSLR and most lenses have a "sweet spot," an Aperture setting where you get the sharpest photos and using Aperture Priority mode allows me to set my aperture to that sweet spot for many if not most of the photos I take.

There are times where I use Shutter Priority mode. I often shoot my grandchildren in plays and dance recitals which do not have the best lighting. Shooting in Auto Mode may result in motion blur in your photos. In those situations I shoot in Shutter Priority mode increasing my shutter speed to freeze the action and increasing my ISO setting so my photos are not underexposed.

While you are checking out the dial on your camera look and see if it has other "Auto" modes such as Portrait, Sports, Landscape and others. They are "Auto" modes with settings specifically designed for those activities.

I could provide other examples but I'll finish with a couple of photos that would not be possible in Auto Mode. Look at the bottom for links to more information on this subject.