You already know what the popular saying about mistakes say; “you learn from your mistakes.” In some ways, that is very true; there is no better way to learn than to be wrong. However, it is always better to have afore-hand information that will always help us to avoid making some mistakes. In this article, I have highlighted 5 typical errors you should avoid when starting to use the manual mode of your camera. So, consider the article as another
photography cheat sheet to help you become a better you!
#1: Being Afraid to Climb Too Much ISO Sensibility
All photographers are very heavy with the theme that you use ISO sensitivity as low as possible when you take photos. But you do not have to take this literally, 'as low as possible' does not mean that you always use ISO sensitivity of 100 or 200. A too high aperture or a very slow speed can affect the sharpness, so it's worth risking with the ISO.
It is true that the first digital cameras did not generate a terrible noise in our photographs when we used high ISOs. However, today this has changed a lot, and the cameras can provide high quality with an ISO 800, 1600, 3200 and even up to 6400 in the higher end cameras.
#2: Using a Too Slow Shutter Speed
To compensate for the small vibration that occurs when we shoot camera in hand, the shutter speed you choose is advisable to be equal to or greater than the focal length of the lens you are using. For example, if you are shooting with a 50 mm lens mounted, you should use a speed of 1/50 or higher to make sure the image is sharp.
Therefore, if you use a 300 mm zoom lens, you will need a minimum speed of 1/300 s so that the image does not blur. This is because those small camera-on-hand vibrations here will be much more
noticeable when zooming at great distances. If there is little light, remember that it will always be better to upload the ISO than to obtain a blurred or trepidated image.
#3: Activating the Image Stabilizer when you use Tripod
The option of activating the image stabilizer on a lens or on the camera itself will give you sharper images when you are shooting camera in hand. However, when you put the camera on the tripod, you must remember to deactivate this function.
If we leave this function activated when we have the camera on the tripod, we will probably get trepidated images. This happens because the stabilizer will try to detect vibrations and compensate them, but not finding them will produce a kind of spectral effect in the image.
#4: Choosing an Incorrect Focus Point
Even if you use manual mode, you can still use the camera's autofocus mode. First of all, check the types of autofocus that your camera has, as well as the focus points to know which approach mode to use in each situation.
On occasions where time may or may not dominate the situation, it is best to use automatic focus and an opening that is not too high. That way, you'll make sure you get clear or
sharpen image. However, if you do a photo shoot and pretend to play with the focus, you will find it useful to use manual focus.
#5: Shooting only in JPEG and Forget the RAW Format
That's right; there is life beyond JPEG and a lot. If your camera allows you to make your captures in JPEG + RAW format, do not hesitate to select this option. The RAW format is a real lifesaver that will allow you to rescue a capture when you might have thought it was lost.
If you edit a RAW file in Photoshop or Lightroom (or in your usual editing program), you will have access to an infinity of light and color information that will allow you to process your image with great versatility. You can easily and effectively correct errors in exposure, noise, focus or white balance.
Bottom line
Do not give up, just practicing, making mistakes and committing all the mistakes that we have told you (and more); you will be able to avoid them in the future. Learning is falling and getting up, so keep practicing and, above all, improving.
