The technical goes with the creative

Though this blog is all about sharing tips and techniques on aesthetics, composition and the artistic side of photography, we can’t totally set aside the technical aspects. Enjoying photography and coming out with personally satisfying results is a successful synthesis of understanding technical matters and developing a creative style. I would assume the majority of those who post pictures on Facebook and other photo and social networking sites snapped pictures using the “Auto” mode in their digital cameras. You won’t even bother with modes when capturing images using the camera on your smartphone. Maybe you’ll bother a bit with Instagram filters to “stylized” your pictures. The common observation is that Manual mode is for those with DSLRs, for advanced users, and for professionals. This observation is well founded. But how many are “Manual” users compared to casual snappy shooters who leave it all to “Auto” and whose primary aim is to post pictures on social sites? On Flickr, the motivation maybe different. There you post your best images. There you will find pictures taken with careful consideration on depth of field, focal range, shutter speed, ISO settings, white balance, apertures and exposures. These are technical stuff which, combined with the artist in you, can create engaging images. This piece – 21 Settings, Techniques and Rules All New Camera Owners Should Know – again from online photography instructor Darren Rowse, is a compilation of articles which I think is applicable not only for beginners but also for long-time camera users who have been stuck in the “Auto” or “Program” mode. Don’t be afraid to venture into the exciting world of “Manual”, but before you do get a firm hold on the technicals and the articles of Darren is a good place to start.