How to Easily Master MANUAL MODE for Perfectly EXPOSED Landscape Photos

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In this week’s episode, we discuss how to easily master manual mode for perfectly exposed landscape photos. I'm personally not one that believes using manual mode automatically makes you a better photographer and I don't think manual mode automatically makes better photos either. I do however believe that understanding how to use manual mode is what matters most in order to improve your landscape photography. Whether or not you actually use it isn't as important as the knowledge you gain from merely understanding how manual mode can positively impact your photography.

In this video, I review an easy step by step process that enabled me to finally understand the inner workings of manual mode. It doesn't matter what type of camera you use, manual mode is manual mode regardless of the brand or style of camera you're using and this process should help resolve any confusion you may have. I recall when I was new to landscape photography the mere thought of using manual mode made be quiver with angst and no matter how many videos I watched or articles I read on the topic, I still didn't understand it.

My goal with this week's video is that at the end you'll not only have a newfound appreciation for the creative control that manual mode provides, but also a clear and comfortable understanding of exactly how it works and how you can apply it to your landscape photography moving forward.

If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up and let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.

Thanks for watching everyone!

-Mark D.

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[MarkDenneyPhoto]

What camera mode do you use most often?

[chuckmoorehead]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I just turned 77 years old and purchased my first digital camera and have been struggling with manual mode settings. While I have no problem taking photos with my new Nikon D850 in auto mode it was a big problem for me in manual mode. Again I thank you for a very easy to understand explanation about manual mode.
Chuck

[alanhumbard]

I use aperture priority mode which in a sense is a form of manual mode because I also set the iso and sometimes shutter depending on the scene. I like to have most of my control over the aperture which helps with depth of field.
Since currently I’m stuck in the house due to the rainy Northwest I will experiment around with your method.
Thanks for your video. You are the easiest person to listen to on YouTube. Your voice is very calm with straightforward information for all levels of photographers.

[NickLVIN]

Your voice is so soothing I play all your videos and it helps my baby sleep. You’re my new Bob Ross.

[darksideemt]

Can we start a petition to have Mark wear Jedi Master robes/attire when he is doing his tutorials?

[Drsef]

Great video Mark. 50+ years ago I managed to painfully, and somewhat expensively, teach myself manual exposure control using roll after roll of film and a notepad. I'd shoot one or two rolls of film and carefully log each exposure f stop, shutter speed and film speed. Once it was developed, studio for color and B&W by myself) I'd compare each image to my notepad and make notes regarding the outcome. It was an extremely satisfying experience and has served me well for decades. With today's DSLR's and camera phones it's surprising to me the number of people that have zero idea what it's like to take control of your shooting rather than just leaving the camera on auto. I still miss the smells of my local photo shop and my own darkroom. Dave

[patrickguilfoyle]

I can really appreciate the manner in which you explained manual metering. Well Done.

[albrunelle]

Your YT channel always is the best place to get overall information about photography especially on the tech side. Thanks for your many year of contributing to my improving my photography skills. Thanks

[craigbartschi]

When I bought my camera I committed to shoot in manual mode only even though I didn't understand how the settings of ISO, shutter speed and f stop effected the photo. Practicing and making adjustments along with watching your video's has helped me understand how to take great pictures. I don't even consider auto mode as an option now. I still have lots to learn and look forward to your video's each week Mark. Thanks!

[gregpalmer]

Thanks Mark I have been meddling with auto mode for a while and always wondered why the exposure meter was never centred. Your simple explanation has created my light bulb moment....thanks so much.📷😊

[roglar]

Great video content explained in an easily understood manner. Something that struck me while watching the video is how much I appreciate that you do not use distracting background music to your videos. I hope you will keep it that way.

[tangled]

What a beautiful video. I felt like I was walking right alongside you enjoying that peaceful setting. Perfect explanation and perfect presentation. I may just watch it again to take that walk once more. I have found the most useful tool that I dread carrying around is the tripod--it really enables the most creativity and allows you to TAKE YOUR TIME, COMPOSE, and work the scene. Thanks for an enjoyable and inspiring 16 minutes! I'm going to the park tomorrow, with camera, AND tripod.

[RC]

After 15 years of photography I perfectly know how to use manual mode. I use it in 90% of my photography to be fair. So I didn’t need this video but I thought to myself, I have a lot of time today so I turned on my 65inch tv, dropped myself in the seat and a few seconds later I was with you in the wood and as always with your videos, I really enjoyed it. Thanks Mark!

[rodlis]

Thanks Mark . Have been trying to wrap my head around using the Light meter, will use this lesson over and over again.

[simonblossom]

Great video and probably the easiest explanation to understand I have seen. I have just started using vintage lenses on my Fuji XT2 and have no option but to use the manual settings.I can't believe how cheap some of these lenses can be. In some cases literally, 2 or 3 Uk pounds for some old film prime lenses from junk shops. It has opened up a new creative world to me.

[rainbowcookie]

wow major difference between the two photos! For the first time, I actually am grasping how to use manual mode! Thank you!

[PereaPhotography]

Love seeing you out in the field man. Great video as usual!

[tomvaughn]

Mark, I just discovered your channel, and I have to say you and it are amazing - helpful, transparent, useful, and well-thought-out tips every time. I've learned something in nearly every video I've watched, and I've just scratched the surface. Keep up the wonderful work.

[davidakoubian]

Good video Mark. If I could add something. Camera meters read reflected light and when zeroed out will make it 18% grey, or a grey card (film talk). The problem can be photographing subjects that are brighter than medium tone (18% grey) or lighter than medium tone. Snow for instance, if you make the meter read zero, the snow will be grey, but if you move the indicator over to about +1.7 you will have properly exposed snow. It doesn't mean you are over exposing the snow, it is properly exposed but based on its tonality to medium it should be brighter, in this case +1.7. The meter doesn't know what you are pointed at, you have to help tell it what tone you are looking at. A great exercise for me years ago was to go buy a pack of construction paper and lay out the colors that are similar and meter to find the one that is medium than meter the others to see how they relate to the one that is medium. My Ah Ha moment was reading John Shaw's book on Nature Photography years and years ago. Then working with him for several years set it in my mind even more. I hope that makes some sense. Again, love your videos.

[jeffb]

Thank you for explaining this in a way that is easy to understand. I will be taking this information and applying it to help me become a better photographer in manual mode!