So you now have a basic understanding on the nitty gritty. Or has it gone completely over your head? Quite possibly, unless you are using your camera all the time.
Not to worry. Most cameras have a range of handy short cuts which are there to help you out when you can’t remember which aperture, ISO or shutter speed to use.
Here are a few sneaky tips for you:
Is auto the best option?
If you have an option on your camera called ‘P’, use this over auto. This is the same as auto, but with ‘privileges’. It actually stands for ‘program.’ P will get you what you want, but you can also make changes to some of the settings.
P and Auto both allow the camera to choose the aperture and shutter speed. You can choose the ISO in P mode.
Did you know there are many short cuts on your camera to help you capture that perfect photo sooner?
Portrait Mode
This provides a shallow depth of field. It is not just used for close up portraits of people. It is great for photos where you may want to focus on one things and the rest of the image is blurred.
E.g. If you wanted to focus on one penguin in a group and have the rest blurred.
Landscape Mode
This setting uses a small aperture providing a greater depth of field. This is great not only for landscapes but also for if you are wanting to see everything in a row, for example, looking down a hallway, and wanting everything in focus.
It is great for scenery and provides depth for landscapes.
A or AV Mode
This is Aperture Priority mode. This allows maximum control without going fully manual. You choose the aperture and ISO and the camera figures out the rest.
Running Man
This is a fast shutter speed setting, used to stop movement. E.g. when shooting moving wildlife.
S, T or TV Mode
These are both shutter priority modes. You choose the shutter speed and ISO, the camera figures out the rest.
Exposure Compensation
Cameras are only programed to see grey. You can fool a camera by using exposure compensation. This is used when something is dark. A dark subject on a dark background.
To darken an image, go to the – side to darken.
To make white look white (i.e. when shooting ice or snow), add white by using the +. Alternatively, if you are shooting ice and snow, use the snow man setting. This will auto adjust for you and over expose the image making whites appear white. This should only be used when an image contains a lot of white.
Should I use polarising filters?
Polarising filters are used to remove reflection. They are great for shooting into the ocean, windows, or glass table tops.
Make the most of shadows – use shadows (like those of people standing in a line) to create an extra level of depth to your photos.
Do not use digital zoom. It makes your photos appear in poor quality as the camera is losing information. Images are often extremely pixelated.
Never delete images directly from your camera. Ensure you download them first and delete from your computer. This avoids data damage or more commonly known as ‘card error’ on the memory card and also helps keeps your photos in order.
Always shoot in RAW if this is an option for you.
If you aren’t quite ready to go full manual, use P and then gradually move into A mode (aperture priority).
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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