6.5. OPTIMIZE YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR GROUP SETTINGS

Your camera is a wonderful tool, but it's up to you to know how to use the camera to its fullest potential so that you can exercise your creative expression and technically capture the image when dealing with groups. Use these special settings to gain more control over your camera:

• Continuous mode. This setting enables your camera shutter to fire multiple times and capture images in quick succession so you never miss that special expression or great candid moment.

• Self-timer. Use this setting when you decide to join the group and get in the shot.

• Aperture priority. This gives you control over the DOF in your image by allowing you to choose the aperture setting; the camera then adjusts the shutter speed for the correct exposure. This setting is useful when you have larger groups and want to keep everyone from front to back in focus.

• Shutter priority. This setting gives you control over the motion and ambient light in your image by allowing you to choose the shutter speed setting; the camera then adjusts the aperture for the correct exposure. Try this setting when the light is less than perfect or the light isn't as strong.

• Landscape mode. The camera chooses a small aperture to ensure both foreground and background elements are in focus, and ensure the fastest shutter speed depending on the light in the scene.

• Portrait mode. The camera chooses a wide aperture that isolates your subject from a softly blurred background.

• Flash-off mode. The camera's flash does not fire regardless of how little light exists in the scene. The mode is great for museums, plays, or capturing the subtle nuance of expression in natural light.

• ISO. This setting is similar to film speed but instead it measures your digital camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Raising your ISO allows more light into your exposure and enables you to use a faster shutter speed for motion or a smaller aperture for greater DOF.

  NOTE

  Remember that at higher ISOs, you may end up with noise in your image (grainy appearance).

• White balance. This setting compensates for different light temperatures and can be used to adjust how your camera interprets the color cast of any type of light. For example, if you are shooting on an overcast day, there is likely a WB setting on your camera that counteracts the blue tone of the overcast day, with a warmer tone, neutralizing the colorcast in your image.