What are these icons on my camera? Part I - Full auto and Portrait

Hello all,

Cameras offer so much in the terms of creativity, even the entry level DLSR much like this Rebel XTi that I have to show as an example. 

I wanted to start this blog a bit instructional. If anything maybe I'll learn something from it too. So I start this off with the Mode dial on cameras. 

If you've looked at a DSLR, SLR and point and shoot cameras you probably have seen a dial with strange abbreviations and pictures such as this one. 

Through the next few entries, I'll explain each mode some more in depth then others. So we start with Full auto and portrait mode from the auto mode selection.

(As always refer to your camera's manual for your camera's specific modes)

Auto Mode Selections

We're going to start with the Auto selections on the dial as this is mostly likely seen on point and shoots and entry level DSLR's. (The more affordable of the lot)

With these auto modes all you do is point and shoot and the camera controls all the settings for you. This helps prevent from botched photos due to mistaken settings. 

Full Auto Mode

Full Auto Mode

This is the mode most people use when they use a point and shoot. It controls the shutter speed (How long the "film" is exposed to light), the ISO (How much light "film" requires for a proper exposure) and aperture (The size of hole from the lens that determines how much light reaches the "film").

This mode will also auto activate your on camera flash if it feels that your subject is underexposed. (Not always a good thing)

In this mode you are unable to adjust settings which makes me feel weird.

I like control.

Portrait Mode

Portrait Mode (Looks like a decapitation to me)

The Portrait mode attempts to blur the background and it makes flesh tones and hair softer then with the Auto Mode. 

The further away from the subject is from the background the better. Also try to to use a solid background (Either all light or all dark) so there is better separation.

If doing a portrait, general rule is to have the eyes in focus. Of course if that is not the effect your after then don't worry on it. 

Next Entry the landscape and macro modes will be looked at. Hopefully I won't do it at midnight so it'll be more cohesive. 

Stay one step from the ordinary.