PASM

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Key points

1. P (Program) or Auto modes let the camera handle all exposure settings, freeing you to focus on composition.
2. A/Av (Aperture Priority) allows control over depth of field by adjusting f-stop, while the camera balances exposure.
3. S/Tv (Shutter Priority) allows control of motion blur or freezing action, with the camera adjusting the other settings.
4. M (Manual) is best when shooting at night or on a tripod, giving full control of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
5. Exposure compensation can be used in semi-automatic modes (A/Av or S/Tv) to fine-tune brightness.

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Extra Thoughts

1. Beyond the general pros and cons of dedicated cameras versus smartphones, it is vital to understand the different operating modes available on SLR/DSLR/MILC cameras, as these control how the camera manages exposure settings.
   • Automatic mode: The camera makes all decisions, including flash and focus, for maximum simplicity.
   • Program (P) mode: The camera automatically selects both aperture and shutter speed, but the photographer can adjust other settings like ISO or exposure compensation.
   • Aperture Priority (A/Av) mode: The photographer sets the aperture (which controls depth of field), and the camera automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed for correct exposure. This mode is useful for controlling how much of the scene is in focus.
   • Shutter Priority (S/Tv) mode: The photographer sets the shutter speed (which controls motion blur or freezing action), and the camera automatically selects the appropriate aperture for correct exposure. This mode is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating motion blur effects.
   • Manual (M) mode: The photographer has full control over both aperture and shutter speed, and often ISO. This mode offers maximum creative control, particularly in challenging lighting conditions or when using a tripod.
   • Pre-set modes: Cameras often include pre-set modes tailored for specific scenarios, which automatically optimise several settings. Examples include Portrait mode (often selects a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to isolate the subject), Landscape mode (often selects a smaller aperture for greater depth of field to keep the entire scene sharp), Macro mode (optimises for close-up photography), and Sport mode (often selects a fast shutter speed to freeze action).
2. You need to understand these modes and how to select and use them proficiently to produce creative and technically sound photographs.

Exercise

1. Take a series of shots to demonstrate the benefits of each of the different exposure modes your camera offers:
   1. P - Program or Auto.
   2. A - Aperture Priority (Av).
   3. S - Shutter Priority (Tv).
   4. M - Manual.
2. Note which modes you would likely want to use in each context.

If it helps, I leave my camera set on Aperture priority - as that’s what I want to control most.
I use Manual when shooting with flash or in difficult lighting scenarios. I only change to Shutter priority if I want to do set a particular shutter speed and am happy for the camera to look after the aperture.