7 Reasons to Shoot Manual (And How to Make the Switch)

I was once helping an artist with her visual identity.  She wanted to take photographs of her work both close up and in real home situations.  She asked me for help - she had a point and shoot camera, a good one, but she couldn’t get the results she was hoping for.  She was happy to invest in a better camera.  This article is written as a result…

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If you’re serious about improving your photography, one of the best things you can do is switch your camera to manual mode.  Auto is convenient - it makes exposure decisions for you - but it also limits your creative control and keeps you dependent on your camera’s computer - guessing what you want..

Shooting in manual isn’t just about control - it’s about confidence, consistency and creativity.   No manger what your subject is, manual mode gives you the power to craft your images intentionally, not accidentally.

Here are seven compelling reasons to start shooting manual and also a few  tips to make the transition easier.

1. Full Creative Control

Manual mode puts you in the driver's seat.  Rather than letting your camera choose your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, you decide.  Want a shallow depth of field with a blurry background?  Set a wide aperture.  Need to freeze fast action?  Use a fast shutter speed. Every setting influences the look and feel of your photo and shooting manual gives you the freedom and control to design each shot exactly how you envision it.

2. Consistent Results

Auto mode can change your settings from shot to shot, depending on how it meters the scene.  That can lead to inconsistencies, especially in tricky lighting situations.  With manual mode, your settings stay locked until you change them - giving you predictable and repeatable results.  This is especially useful for event photography, studio work or product shoots.

3. Learn the Mechanics of Photography

One of the most valuable reasons to shoot in manual is the learning curve - it helps you to understand how your camera works.  You’ll quickly develop a deep understanding of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) and how these elements work together.  That knowledge will stay with you forever, no matter what camera you’re using.

4. Better Low-Light Performance

Cameras in auto mode often struggle in low light.  They may raise ISO to the point of introducing grain or they might lower the shutter speed enough to blur your subject.  With manual mode, you can balance your settings more thoughtfully.  Using a wider aperture, slower shutter or just enough ISO to get a sharp image.  Add a tripod into the mix and you’ll be surprised how much more control you have in challenging light.  Personally, I always use my tripod as I struggle to handhold from 1/60th sec.

5. Creative Exposure Control

Manual mode gives you the freedom to experiment, to be curious.  what if  You can overexpose for a bright, airy feel or underexpose for mood and drama.  You can play with motion blur by using a slow shutter speed or make those milky sea photographs with long exposures. Auto mode will always try to  get it right based on an average, but sometimes you don’t want average - you want to reproduce your vision.

6. Adaptability in Any Situation

Once you're confident with manual, you’ll feel ready for anything - sunrise, sunset, harsh midday light or dark interiors.  You’ll be prepared to react quickly when conditions change.

7. It's Incredibly Empowering

capturing your vision in manual mode is incredibly satisfying.  There's pride in knowing you made all the creative and technical decisions.  That moment when you review your image and think, YES, that’s it,  is worth every minute spent learning.

Tips for Transitioning from Auto to Manual

Manual still feels a bit intimidating.  Here are some practical tips to help you ease into manual without getting overwhelmed:

1. Start with Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av)

A really good stepping stone between fully auto and manual.  You choose the aperture (depth of field) and the camera handles the shutter speed.  You still get creative control over your image’s look while learning how aperture affects exposure.

2. Learn the Exposure Triangle

Understanding how aperture, shutter speed and ISO interact is essential. Try adjusting one while keeping the others constant and observe what happens.  There are tons of great exposure triangle charts online—print one and keep it in your bag.

3. Use Your Camera’s Light Meter

When you’re just starting out in manual, your in camera light meter is your best help.  It tells you if your current settings will result in under, over or properly exposed photos. Get used to watching it and adjusting settings accordingly.

4. Practice in Controlled Conditions

Start indoors or in a consistent lighting environment like golden hour outdoors.  Harsh, fast-changing light will make things harder.  Not mid day sun.  Practice where you can take your time and experiment without pressure.  If you are self conscious being out and about with your camera, then start in your house or garden, until you find your wings.

5. Keep ISO on Auto (At First)

To ease the transition, try setting your ISO to auto and just focus on putting the aperture and shutter speed in manually.  Once you’re comfortable with those, start controlling ISO too for full manual exposure.  Baby steps with everything.

6. Review Your Imagess and Adjust

Don’t be afraid to take a test shot, check the histogram or preview and adjust your settings.  That’s not cheating - it’s how pros work too.  Take your time.  The goal is understanding, not rushing.

7. Above all, Be Patient with Yourself Be kind

You’re not going to master manual overnight.  It takes time, practice, trial and error and a lot of missed shots!  But that’s part of the process - and every mistake is a chance to learn something new.  Read my post on How Creativity Reframes Failure.

Final Thoughts

Can I remind you on my ebook, ZERO TO MANUAL here?

Manual mode isn’t just a setting - it’s a mindset. It’s about taking control of your images and embracing the craft of photography.  Auto mode will get you photos, but manual will help you make photographs - the kind that tell stories, evoke emotion and reflect your unique vision of the world.

So next time you pick up your camera, be brave and step out of your comfort zone- that’s where the magic happens.  Turn the dial to M and start shooting with intention.  The creative freedom is worth it - and your future self will thank you.

If you are looking to buy a camera so that you can photograph in this way, then I thoroughly recommend MPB.com and buy secondhand.  Set your budget first then go and look - take note of how many photographs the camera has already taken though!  Don’t buy a kit with a lens rather invest in prime lenses - a lens with a fixed focal length, meaning it doesn't have a zoom feature to change the focal length.  The glass is what you are buying.  Invest in the best lens you can then the body - you can always trade up the body.  Hope that helps…

If your interested in Photography, then I have a 3 volume eBook so you can learn to shoot manual - FROM ZERO TO MANUAL and for established photographers, I have editing Presets to sprinkle a little magic over your work.