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Stop letting your camera make all the decisions. So, what settings should you use for a photograph?
It sounds like a simple question—but it's often the wrong place to start.
In this episode, Graham Elliott looks at five important camera decisions and explains why better photography isn't about memorising the "right" settings. It's about understanding what you want your photograph to look like and then choosing the settings that help you achieve it.
Should you use a fast or slow shutter speed? How much depth of field do you need? When should you increase ISO? Which autofocus approach is appropriate? And does using Manual mode really make you a better photographer?
Graham explores these questions and introduces a simple 10-second decision-making process you can use before pressing the shutter.
You'll learn how to think about:
- Shutter speed and whether you want to freeze or show movement
- Aperture and how much of the scene you want to appear sharp
- ISO and the trade-offs between exposure and image quality
- Autofocus and how to make sure you're focusing on what matters
- Choosing the exposure mode that gives you the right control
- How light influences the photograph you're trying to create
- Why Manual mode isn't automatically better
- Why buying more sophisticated equipment doesn't necessarily make you a better photographer
The key lesson is simple:
Don't start with your camera settings. Start with the photograph you want to make.
Graham has also created a free Photography Decision-Making Cheat Sheet to accompany this episode. It provides a simple reference you can use whenever you're unsure which settings or controls to consider.
Download the free Photography Decision-Making Cheat Sheet and start making more deliberate photographic decisions.
And if you're ready to develop a deeper understanding of photography rather than simply learning which buttons to press, explore Graham's photography courses.
Better photography starts with better decisions—not more complicated settings.
It's time for another podcast...
... And... just before I go...
How would you like to improve your photography today?
If you would, I have a free PDF that takes you through 10 tips that you can apply immediately and, I hope, will create a positive change in your photography.
So, if that sounds like something you would like, please click here and get your download.
Have a great day
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Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".
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