Manual Mode USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Manual Mode Manual mode is a camera setting that allows photographers to have full control over exposure parameters such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. In manual mode, the photographer manually selects each of these settings based on the desired creative outcome and the prevailing lighting conditions. Unlike automatic or semi-automatic shooting modes where the camera's exposure metering system determines the optimal exposure settings, manual mode puts the photographer in complete control, allowing for precise adjustments and creative flexibility.

Manual mode is particularly useful in situations where the lighting is constant, and the photographer wants to maintain consistent exposure settings across multiple shots or when using external light meters for precise exposure measurements. Using manual mode requires a good understanding of exposure fundamentals and the relationships between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity to achieve proper exposure and desired creative effects.