Photography 20: Using the Mode Dial

Outcome 2A: Identify and demonstrate the controls and functions of a camera.

Outcome 2B: Capture images that demonstrate advanced camera functions and controls.

Portrait

Wide aperture to minimize the depth of field (makes the subject really stand out from the background of the picture)

Flash will automatically pop up if needed

Portrait

Child

Very similar to Portrait with wide aperture, but sets a faster shutter speed with the idea that children are generally moving around a lot and don’t sit still.

Colors are more vididFlash activates automatically

Child

Landscape

Small aperture to maximize the depth of field

Small apertures usually mean slow shutter speeds, so it is often best to use a tripod

Flash will be off and there is no way to activate it in order to give vibrant colors.

Landscape

Sports

Not just sports, but any fast-moving subjects, including wildlife.

Camera tries to set a fast shutter speed to freeze movement

With fast shutter speed, aperture is usually wide, which means a shallow depth of field

Flash is off with no way to turn it on

Sports

Close-up

Intended for shooting at close rangeCamera sets a relatively small aperture to

increase depth of fieldFlash will turn on, but it is best to shut the

flash off as it will create shadowsFlash can be turned off using the active

information display

Close-up

Night Portrait

Similar to regular portrait, but uses a slower shutter speed because of the low light. Good idea to use a tripod.

Flash will likely turn on, but you can turn it off

Maximum exposure time is only 1 second

Night Portrait