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Tog-Talk Episode 37: Going Manual

Host: Kevin Ahronson, Founder of Hampshire School of Photography

In this solo episode of Tog-Talk, Kevin Ahronson addresses a common question for beginner photographers: “How do I move from auto mode to manual mode?” Kevin, with over five decades of photography experience and a seasoned photography teacher, breaks down the basics of manual shooting.

Kevin explains that while auto mode is great for beginners, manual mode offers far more control. The challenge is in understanding the “exposure triangle” — the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Kevin carefully walks listeners through each element, illustrating how they work together to achieve correct exposure. He recommends learning in stages, suggesting that aperture priority mode is an ideal stepping stone for photographers looking to gradually transition to manual.

Throughout the episode, Kevin emphasises the importance of mastering the camera and choosing the right mode for the job. While manual mode gives full control, aperture priority is often quicker and ideal for many scenarios. Kevin shares personal anecdotes from his years of shooting, including situations where manual mode is indispensable, like wildlife photography, where consistency is key.

Towards the end, Kevin recommends his Introduction to Photography Workshop on November 9th, 2024, and discusses his Photography Masterclass, a year-long course designed to develop both technical skills and creative vision.

Key Points:

•The exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

•The benefits of aperture priority mode as a middle ground

•Situations where manual mode excels

•Upcoming workshops and masterclasses at Hampshire School of Photography

Links:

•Introduction to Photography Workshop

•Photography Masterclass

Join the Hampshire Photography Network on Facebook for more tips and discussions!

Got a Photography Question?

If you have a burning question about (virtually) anything to do with photography, click on this link. You can record your question onto your device (phone, laptop, etc) and if picked, I will play it during the show. https://www.tog-talk.com/voicemail/

Looking for courses

Want to find out about my live, in-person workshops, check out the Hampshire School of Photography website:

https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com

Hampshire Photography Network

A free Facebook group for amateur photographers who want to connect, collaborate and grow together.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1222685165227144
Contact me

You can contact me by leaving a message via this link: https://www.tog-talk.com/contact/