Legend:
Camera modes:
M = Manual
S(Tv) = Shutter Priority
A(Av) = Aperture Priority
P = Program
ISO: for an explanation of ISO refer to Podcast above.

*****************
Macro: Aperture Priority
Macro lenses range from 50mm to 200mm. A 100mm or longer lens is recommended because it provides more working distance, so you don't disturb the subject and makes lighting easier.

Portrait:
Aperture Mode. When using an APS-C camera, choose an 85mm lens or longer for better subject isolation. If you’re photographing a moving subject, refer to the Action CameraCue mode to maintain sharpness. Enabling Auto ISO helps preserve the correct shutter speed—learn more in our podcast, Why Use Auto ISO.
*****************
Architecture:
Program Mode: Most architectural photography is shot handheld, and using Program mode with Auto ISO helps ensure proper exposure and fast enough shutter speeds. When photographing indoors without a tripod, these settings are ideal. If you’re able to use a tripod, refer to the Low Light CameraCue. In high-contrast scenes, such as church interiors with large stained-glass windows, use exposure bracketing to capture detail in both highlights and shadows. For more information on how to bracket your photos, click here.

Action:
Shutter Priority Mode:
Shutter speeds slower than the reciprocal of your lens’s focal length can result in blurry images due to camera shake. For example, with a 200mm lens on a full-frame camera, the minimum recommended shutter speed is 1/200 second. When using the same lens on an APS-C camera, you must compensate for the crop factor: 1.5× for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Pentax, or 1.6× for Canon. This means a 200mm lens requires a minimum shutter speed of approximately 1/320 second to maintain sharpness. [i.e. 200x1.6= 320)
*****************
Birds:
Shutter Priority Mode:
When photographing birds, the more focal length you have, the better, unless you can get extremely close to the birds. Most wildlife photographers use telephoto lenses of 400mm or longer to capture sharp, detailed images.
For a better understanding of using Auto ISO check out our podcast, Why Use Auto ISO.

Low Light:
Manual Mode:
Requires a tripod. For a detailed explanation click here. Short explanation begins at 3:00 Minutes
*****************
Moon:
When photographing the Moon at night, it’s much brighter than the Earth’s landscape. To capture both, use bracketed exposures and combine them with HDR in post process. For a full Moon, standard settings usually work, but if it’s less than half full, increase exposure by up to two stops using ISO, aperture, or shutter speed. Keep shutter speed faster than 1/60 sec to avoid motion blur from the Moon’s movement.
If handholding a lens over 100mm, use a shutter speed at least equal to the reciprocal of your focal length to prevent camera shake. (see a more detailed explanation in the Action CameraCue

Waterfall:
Shutter Priority Mode:
Capture smooth waterfalls by adjusting your shutter speed to match the flow of water. Longer shutter speeds create a silky, smooth effect. In bright conditions, use a Neutral Density (ND) filter to prevent overexposure. Learn more about ND filters.

Bonus Tip – Wispy Clouds:

• If clouds are clearly moving: exposure < 15 seconds.
• If movement is subtle but noticeable: ~30 seconds or more.
• If movement is barely detectable: 2+ minutes for dramatic long-exposure effects.

For exposures longer than 30 seconds, use Bulb mode. Click here for more information. Landscape:
Program Mode:
For more information bracketing your photos, click here. for an explanation of ISO refer to Podcast above.