Most digital camera's are loaded with auto settings that can make even a seasoned photographer's life much simpler. For a newbie, they are almost a must. Each auto function on your camera will cause a specific technical outcome of your photographs.
These are some of the basic auto functions found on most cameras today, and what they do.
- Auto - Camera automatically senses conditions and auto sets to the best shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance.
- Portrait - Camera makes settings to keep the main subject in clear focus and the background out of focus causing a shallow depth of field and allowing subject matter to stand out in image.
- Landscape - Camera sets a small aperture for a high depth of field to keep the majority of the photograph in focus. Both foreground and background are in focus in this mode.
- Macro - Camera adjusts settings to take close-up shots of smaller objects; flowers and insects. Lens can be moved closer to the subject than in other modes. Hold the camera steady or use a tripod.
- Sports - Should be used when either photographer or subject is moving. Camera sets a fast shutter speed to freeze action. Produces a sharp image. Camera will normally set to multiple frame bursts while in this mode.
- Night Scene - Use to take shots in low light. Camera sets to slow shutter speed allowing maximum light to enter the lens. Use of tripod is highly recommended. Not recommended for moving subjects.
- Programmed Auto - Will allow you to adjust either aperture or shutter speed. Once you have set one, the camera will auto adjust the other.
- Shutter-priority -You choose the shutter speed, the camera sets the aperture automatically. This is different from the "Programmed Auto" since the aperture value for a particular shutter speed is fixed and these values are paired. Best when you want to freeze the motion or induce a trail in the movement.
- Aperture-priority - You choose the aperture and the shutter speed is set automatically. Best when you want to control depth of field.
The auto setting you use to photograph your pet will depend on the conditions in which you are shooting. No one auto setting is good for just any situation.
Full auto is always and option but is the less creative way to make a photograph. In full auto the photographer has no control on what elements the camera uses to make all the proper settings. Full auto is only recommended for photographers unfamiliar with a camera and those who do not wish to add any creativity to their images.
The following auto settings should be appropriate to shoot photographs of your pet in most situations.
If your pet is on the move, in a well lit surrounding, sports mode would be a good choice. You can also use rapid frames in this mode to take multiple photos and have frame by frame movement. Rapidly moving subjects will provide an interesting succession of individual poses in this mode.
If your pet will remain still, a portrait setting will provide a more professional looking photo. As described about the portrait mode will produce an image with a shallow depth of field and make your pet the clearest item in the image. Background will appeared blurred or faded drawing the viewers eye more to the subject.
If you have your pet in an atmosphere where all surroundings are interesting fill for the shot try using the landscaping mode. An example location for this mode would be somewhere that is scenic and will compliment your pets photo instead of taking away from the image. Landscape mode will allow for more of the image to remain in focus.
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