Shoot in M Mode With an SLR Digital Camera
"M" stands for manual mode on a digital SLR camera. Manual mode allows a photographer to select her desired shutter speed and aperture rather than relying on the camera's automatic mode to choose them for her. You have full control over your exposures and, therefore, your pictures when you shoot in manual mode. You will also learn more about exposure and how pictures are made when you make more decisions yourself.
Instructions
1. Find the dial on top of your SLR camera with different modes, including "M," "A", "Av," "TV," "A-Dep" and more. Turn the dial so that the "M" aligns with the dot or arrow next to the dial. Your camera is now in manual mode.
2. Select a shutter speed by turning the camera's rotating dial, usually located on the right front of the camera just behind the shutter button. As you turn the dial, you will see the shutter speed number changing on your camera's information screen. Select a shutter speed.
3. Select an aperture by turning the same rotating dial while holding down the exposure compensation button, usually located on the back of the camera right next to the information screen. The button usually has an "Av" next to it and a "+/-" symbol. As you change the aperture setting, you will see the aperture number change on your camera's information screen.
4. Consult your camera's light meter to check the exposure with the shutter speed and aperture you have selected. The light meter usually appears on the same information screen where shutter speed and aperture numbers appear. Depress the shutter button slightly to take a light meter reading, and notice whether the bold line or arrow appears in the middle of the light meter line or on the positive (overexposed) or negative (underexposed) side. Correct your settings accordingly to achieve a good exposure.
Tags: shutter speed, information screen, light meter, your camera, manual mode, shutter speed aperture