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Hello, .

Although I've learned to embrace digital photography, some digital camera technology gets in the way.

When I work with students in my classes, I ask them to turn off or alter some camera settings.  

These settings alter pictures in a way that doesn't give us an unaltered representation of the photograph. 

And because it's a camera setting that digitally influences/alters the outcome of a photograph, those settings don't help us learn about photography. 

Today's email gives you an idea of my experience with digital cameras and offers guidance on which settings to turn off or change.

So, whether you take a class with me or not, I suggest you turn off or alter the settings below.

Doing so strengthens our studies and practice by allowing us to better understand our cameras, improve our photography techniques, and gain a better understanding of camera operation, composition, and light.

My Background With Digital Camera Technology (Adapt Or Fall By the Wayside)

Many news outlets supported film while transitioning to digital technology, but eventually, digital technology prevailed.

When digital cameras showed up, I worked as a freelance photographer using 35mm film as the light-recording material.

I wouldn't say I liked learning new technology and spending money on a digital camera because I didn't.

When I began teaching photography, many people still used 35mSLRs. However, slowly, I began to see more digital cameras in my classes.

Eventually, just like the professional areas of photography, the consumer cameras that filled my classes were primarily digital.

The choice was clear: adapt or fall by the wayside.

So, of course, I bought a digital camera and adapted.

And it was the best decision I made.

Furthermore, if I can learn to work with a digital camera effectively, anyone can.

So keep studying and practicing with whatever camera you have.

Even the camera on our phones will do.

Getting Into The Workflow And What I Discovered

In hindsight, what took me so long?

I found the workflow of the digital photograph more accessible, and regardless of the pointless arguments about which was better for capture, film or digital, I embraced digital photography fully.

In embracing it fully, I discovered that some factory settings seemed helpful to turn off or change.

Not only for my preference but also when it came to learning digital photography, I found these settings to hinder students' learning process.

While these settings may seem helpful at first, they can actually hinder the learning process of digital photography.

In other words, this isn't just a matter of personal preference but a practical consideration for improving our photography because this camera technology gets in our way.

Digital Camera Technology That Gets In the Way

Below, you'll discover which settings should be turned off or expressly set.

What needs to be clarified is that camera manufacturers call the same functions differently.

Also, I've listed only the manufacturers whose cameras I see students using most often in my classes.

We'll probably need to use our owner's manual to help us do this, which has the additional benefit of teaching us to use your owner's manual effectively. 

Remember, there are resources available to guide us in camera operation, and our owner's manuals are among the most reliable.

• Canon= C
• Nikon = N
• Sony = S

TURN OFF - Contrast Reduction Controls

• C - Auto Lighting Optimizer
• N - Active D-lighting
• S - Dynamic Range Optimisation or DRO

TURN OFF - Noise Reduction

• C - High ISO noise reduction
• N - Slow shutter speed noise reduction
• S - Any other forms of noise reduction

TURN OFF - Vibration Reduction (IR)/Image Stabilization (IS)

Although controlling this feature is usually done on the lens, at times, it is necessary to set it through the camera.

SET - Picture Styles/Picture Controls/Creative Styles

Set all parameters inside the chosen picture control to zero "0" or as close to zero "0 as possible

• C - (Picture Style)- Neutral or Faithful
• N - (Picture Control)- Neutral
• S - (Creative Style)- Standard

ADJUST - The diopter on the camera viewfinder

Adjusting the diopter ensures that the information presented in our viewfinder appears as sharp as possible, considering our eyesight. 

Classes are below.

Do you need to learn to use your camera or brush up on some skills and techniques, especially if you want to be ready to take pictures and record those holiday moments?

I've scheduled Introduction to Photography and Getting To Know Your Camera classes.

Since class sizes are limited to five participants, it's a good idea to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

If you need a different schedule, there's always Private Lessons.

Below are more ways to learn photography with me.

The Introduction to Photography class or a series of Private Lessons will help you study and practice to become a photographer who can make the best possible pictures.

By studying and practicing photography with me, you'll learn how to be a better photographer. 

More ways to study and practice with me are below.