Quick Beginner Guide

If you just want the basics, here’s the simplest way to understand manual mode:

• ISO controls how bright your photo is by adjusting light sensitivity
• Aperture controls how much light gets in and how blurry the background is
• Shutter speed controls motion and how long light hits the sensor

These three settings work together. When you change one, the others usually need to adjust too.
Because of that relationship, photographers call it the exposure triangle.

Once this clicks, manual mode feels far less overwhelming.

If you want to understand why each setting matters—and how to actually use them—keep reading.

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Hey friend! I’m Leah—a wedding photographer and educator—and if manual mode has ever made you feel confused, intimidated, or totally stuck, you’re not alone.

At first, manual mode can feel like a lot. There are numbers everywhere, settings that change constantly, and plenty of opinions online. However, once you understand how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed work together, things start to feel much more manageable.

So let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.

What Is the Exposure Triangle?

The exposure triangle is made up of three camera settings that work together to control how your photo looks:

• ISO
• Aperture
• Shutter speed

Together, these settings determine how bright or dark your image appears, how sharp or blurry it looks, and how motion is captured.

At first, this can feel overwhelming. Over time, though, understanding what each setting does individually makes manual mode feel far more intuitive.

ISO: Your Camera’s Sensitivity to Light

ISO controls how sensitive your camera’s sensor is to the light around you.

• Low ISO (100–200): Best for bright conditions and outdoor light. Produces clean images with little to no grain.
• High ISO (800+): Helpful in darker environments. Brightens your image but can introduce grain (also called noise).

Because modern cameras handle ISO much better than they used to, you don’t need to fear higher numbers. Instead, aim to keep ISO as low as possible while still getting enough light.ht. Modern cameras handle higher ISO better than they used to, so don’t stress if you need to raise it.

Aperture: Light + Background Blur

Aperture refers to the size of the opening in your lens. As a result, it affects two things at the same time: brightness and depth of field.

• Lower f-stop (f/1.8–f/2.8): More light and a blurrier background
• Higher f-stop (f/8–f/16): Less light and more of the scene in focus

An easy way to remember this:
Lower number = blurrier background
Higher number = more in focus

Because of this, aperture plays a huge role in portraits and storytelling images.

Shutter Speed: Motion & Light Control

Shutter speed controls how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light.

• Fast shutter speed (1/500–1/1000): Freezes motion
• Slow shutter speed (1/30–1/125): Allows motion blur

At the same time, shutter speed also affects brightness.
A faster shutter darkens the image, while a slower shutter lets in more light.

If your photos look blurry and you didn’t mean for them to, your shutter speed is likely too slow.

Quick Recap of the Exposure Triangle

Here’s the simplest breakdown:

• ISO = brightness (light sensitivity)
• Aperture = brightness + background blur
• Shutter speed = brightness + motion

Each setting affects light. Because of that, they must work together to create a balanced image.

How ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed Work Together

Bright Sunny Day – Family Session

ISO: 100–200
Aperture: f/2.8 for a soft background
Shutter speed: 1/500 or faster to freeze movement

Golden Hour – Soft Evening Light

ISO: 100–400
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter speed: 1/250–1/500 depending on movement

Intentional Motion Blur – Couples Session

ISO: Low
Aperture: f/4
Shutter speed: Around 1/125

Although these examples are helpful, there is no single “right” setting. Instead, it’s about adjusting based on the moment you’re photographing.

There Is No Perfect Manual Mode Setting

You’ll often see photographers share their camera settings online. While that can be helpful for learning, those numbers only worked for their lighting, subject, and situation.

The real skill comes from understanding why you’re choosing each setting and adjusting as things change.

That’s why the best way to learn is through practice. Photograph your kids, your dog, your coffee mug—anything. Over time, every photo you take builds confidence.

If you’re brand new and also wondering what gear, tools, or programs actually matter (and which ones don’t), I walk through all of that in If I Were Starting a Photography Business in 2025 (Here’s What I’d Do Differently).

You’re Not Just Learning Settings—You’re Building Your Style

Every time you shoot in manual mode, you’re developing your own creative voice. This isn’t just about technical skills. Instead, it’s about learning how you see light, moments, and connection.

That growth happens naturally as you continue learning photography basics and putting what you learn into practice.

What’s Next?

If this post helped things click for you, you might be starting to think about what comes next—turning your photography skills into something sustainable and fulfilling.

I also put together a blog that dives into How to Build a Successful Photography Business in 2025, covering things like choosing the right platform, building an online presence, blogging, and charging what you’re worth.

It’s honest, realistic, and written with real life in mind.

If you enjoyed this post and want more beginner-friendly photography tips, I share weekly videos over on YouTube where I break things down even further and show everything in real time.

You can subscribe to my YouTube channel here if you want more education like this—no overwhelm, just practical help to grow your confidence behind the camera.