The Enthusiast's Guide to Night and Low-Light Photography

7. USE MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE

YOUR CAMERA HAS at least four exposure modes that control how the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO are set. Three of these modes rely on the built-in light meter to look at the scene in front of the camera and determine the best settings. The fourth mode allows you to put in any settings you see fit. Let’s take a closer look at the four main exposure modes—Program Auto, Shutter Speed Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual—and see why Manual mode is my favorite. Most cameras have a dial that allows you to pick the exposure mode (Figure 7.1).

Program Auto Mode

When you use the Program Auto mode the camera uses the information ...