Too often the creativity of an individual can be stifled by the opinions of others. One can get started in photography and immediately be faced with friends and so-called experts, who insist that we do everything their way. One can do that, and be led around by the nose, or they can say thanks but no thanks and be their own person.
Any creative expression is a personal thing, it needs to be executed in the artist's own way. One of the areas where this is especially appropriate is how one sets and uses the camera. Some will insist that you will never know anything about photography until you learn how to do everything manually. Some will say the best creative expression is done with Aperture Priority mode, or some other option. All of the options available on modern cameras are there for one to use. But which one a person chooses ought to be their decision, not one imposed on them by someone else.
Some uninformed 'experts' spout the message that you must NEVER, NEVER use an Auto mode, to them it's a serious sin. Well, I am here to tell you that if you want to use Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority or a combination of all of them, you should go right ahead. Phooey on the 'experts'.
As an example, you can make use of Program mode, with its flexible settings (which include the ability to set aperture or shutter speed, or just let the camera set the exposure), and you can become a better photographer than those 'experts'. Much of the time, the 'experts' who speak the loudest are photographers in name only and you never see their work. Or, if they are photographers they are certainly no better than a large variety of newer photographers who show excellent creative talent.
My advice to you is to use whatever shooting mode that works best and is easiest for you. And if it is the versatile Flexible Program mode, as Nikon calls it, you will find it allows you much control over results and also the freedom to shoot quickly when getting the image is more important than fumbling with settings.
If you want to see my photo collection, many of which have been shot in Program mode, head on over to www.pbase.com/fotabug and take a look. You would be most welcome to look and leave comments if you so desire.
The most important thing for you as a photographer is to have fun and use your own unique creative expression.
Vern Rogers (fotabug)
