How the pros do it

Not sure how to frame this question. I am a newbie and just want some insight into the normal steps used to take a picture. Once you choose a subject what mode do people choose most often to shoot in: av,tv,m and then what steps do you follow - focus on object - adjust aperture, shutter speed,iso or what combination?

Just looking for some general steps to follow and use when "walking around" versus taking photos of still objects.

I'm no pro, but this is usually how I do it.

Av for walking around - good control of DOF
Tv for sport, action - control of blur
M for night shots - control for exposure

I'm sure you'll find your style as you take more pictures

Perry

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http://hellabella.de

I hope this is just a bad joke... but just in case...

The reason there are all those settings on a camera is because there are reasons for using different aspects of technology depending on the circumstances.

There are many priofessional photographers with styles that differ from each other.

There are lots of things to take pictures of.

Combine the styles with thesubjects with the technology, and that's why there are lots of big thick books, and two, three and four year university and college courses where people learn which settings to use with shich subjects, under which conditions, to end up with particular results.

Want still bodies and blurry arms of a golfer? Control your shutter speed. Tv

Want fuzzy backgrounds? Control your aperture. Avc

Want generally safe shots in a real hurry? Let the camera make decisions that are compromises. P for Program.

Want complete control? M for manual?

BAK

Thanks for pointing out the obvious BAK. That is why I asked the question in this forum. I was just looking for some helpful pointers to continue my pursuit of this Hobby.

Some rough thoughts:

Normal procedure taking a still object would be something like this:

Set camera to Av mode. Check ISO, exposure mode, etc. I normally start with the ISO to 100 if there is plenty of light.
1. What focal length do I need? Zoom or move to get the framing that you want.
2. What aperture do I need to get the right DoF? Set aperture.

3. Do I need to adjust the exposure for bright/dark background, etc.? Adjust Ev if necessary.

4. Have I got an adequate shutter speed to avoid camera shake ( and motion blur)? Half press the shutter to check the exposure and shutter speed.

5. If shutter speed is adequate, take shot. If not, adjust aperture and/or ISO and then take shot.

6. Look at histogram - is shot correctly exposed? If not, go back to 3 and try again.

If I am taking a moving object I will sometimes switch to Tv mode and set the shutter speed before the aperture. However, if there is plenty of light for the required shutter speed, then I normally continue in Av mode.

I only normally use manual mode when using flash or any time that I want to ensure that the exposure doesn't change between shots, e.g. shooting a panorama.
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Chris R

Thanks Chris that is exactly what I was wondering.

One suggestion that helped me....

Go to a local library and get a book (or purchase one if you would like). When it was recommended to me on this forum, I thought, "what a dumb idea". It has helped me greatly. Those books are written by the pros and they give you the steps they follow. Read a chapter or subject and then go do what you read. It will all come together and your shots will improve.

Good luck!

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Mike