Manual Mode can feel intimidating. But once you understand when and why to use it, it will become a powerful tool in your photography toolkit. In this post, I’ll show you six different situations where I chose Manual Mode—and why it made all the difference. If you’ve been wondering why use manual mode instead of letting your camera decide the settings, I hope these real-world examples will inspire you to give it a try!
- 1. When You Want to Keep Exposure Consistent — Even with Backlighting
- 2. When Background Light Changes Constantly
- 3. When Shooting into the Sun
- 4. When the Light Is Gradually Changing
- 5. When Shooting Action Sequences
- 6. When Creating a Panorama
- Why Use Manual Mode? It Puts You in Creative Control
- Now It’s Your Turn
1. When You Want to Keep Exposure Consistent — Even with Backlighting
The Liberty Bell is iconic—but on this icy winter day, what mattered most was the ceremony.
Our son was being promoted in the Navy, and our grandsons were pinning on his new insignia, as my husband looked on. It was a special moment for us, since my husband had also been an officer in the Navy.
I was busy shooting, hoping to capture a wonderful family moment we would cherish forever.
The room was filled with light reflecting off the snowy courtyard and white walls, but I didn’t want my camera to adjust for that and underexpose the faces.
By setting ISO 500, f/4.5, and 1/125 second in Manual Mode, I ensured that every photo in the series exposed the faces exactly as I wanted, no matter how the background changed.
2. When Background Light Changes Constantly
Shooting a soccer match can be unpredictable, especially with a bright hillside and buildings behind the players. If I had used another mode, my camera would have adjusted the exposure to balance with the background brightness, but I only cared about the players.
Instead, I chose Manual Mode with ISO 640, f/8.0, and 1/2500 sec. That gave me consistent exposures and let me focus on capturing peak action moments without worrying about fluctuating light. And dodging the ball when it came at me! 😉
3. When Shooting into the Sun
This scene in Tanzania was breathtaking—an acacia tree silhouetted against a rising sun on the Serengeti. I wanted to capture detail in the landscape and the branches, but the sun was becoming brighter and controlling my exposure. The tree was too dark.
By using Manual Mode at ISO 100, f/4.0, and 1/640 sec, I was able to capture the tree’s form without blowing out the highlights or losing texture in the shadows.
4. When the Light Is Gradually Changing
Hummingbirds are quick, and morning light changes by the minute. If I had relied on automatic settings, my exposures might have shifted with the background. Instead, I focused on the bird, locked in my exposure at ISO 2500, f/2.8, and 1/3200 sec, and kept shooting until I caught this moment. I love the detail in her transparent wings.
5. When Shooting Action Sequences
Our Boston Terrier, Kenzie, has one mission in life: chase the ball. I wanted to capture the full series of her sprinting across the yard toward it.
I locked in ISO 400, f/4.0, and 1/2500 sec so every frame had the same look and feel. That way, I could focus on timing and framing—Manual Mode did the rest.
And then she ran straight into my camera and knocked me over. It’s funny how things look farther away when you’re looking through the lens… 🤣 I’m happy to report that we all survived, even the camera!
6. When Creating a Panorama
I wanted to stitch together multiple images of this stunning view from the Sopa Lodge, looking down into the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The final image wouldn’t blend smoothly if the exposure varied between frames. Panoramas require a consistent exposure.
Before starting, I locked in ISO 125, f/4.0, and 1/320 sec, metered for the mid-tones, and kept the same settings for each frame, as I gradually swung my camera from left to right. The result: a seamless panorama that mirrors what I saw.
Why Use Manual Mode? It Puts You in Creative Control
Manual Mode isn’t just for experts—it’s for anyone who wants consistency, creative choice, and control when capturing a scene. Whether you’re photographing fast action, changing light, or complex scenes, knowing why to use Manual Mode can help you take your photos from good to great.
Now It’s Your Turn
Want to feel more confident using Manual Mode on your own camera? Start practicing in a situation where the light won’t change too fast, like your backyard in the early evening.
If you want to try it with your camera on a tripod, be sure to check out this blog post I wrote.
And if you’d like some guidance, check out my Camera Mechanics Workshop—it’s designed to help you get off Auto Mode and start loving photography.
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