Moving Beyond Auto Mode

The Auto Mode Problem

One of the biggest problems with an advanced camera is that we don’t know how to use it, so we put it in auto mode. The thinking is, “I’ll just let the camera do the work.” The problem is that this creates a new problem—or maybe a whole web of problems.

Why Auto Mode Fails

First of all, your camera has no idea what it’s taking a picture of, so it doesn’t really know what to do. In other words, you’ve now put your camera in the same position you’re in. It’s guessing, just like you are.

The reason you put it on auto mode is because you’re saying, “I don’t know what settings to choose, so you do it for me.” And the camera essentially replies, “I’ll try—but I don’t know what you’re photographing either.” So it ends up selecting settings somewhat randomly, with a bit of logic, but not enough to consistently work with you or for you.

Intelligent Auto Mode: Better, But Still Limited

Some cameras offer an intelligent auto mode that attempts to recognize what you’re photographing. It might say, “This looks like a portrait, a landscape, or a close-up,” and then choose from a narrower set of options. But in most cases, your camera already has those scene settings available for you to choose directly.

Scene Selection: A Better Solution

With scene selection, you can tell the camera exactly what you’re doing—whether that’s a close-up, fast-moving sports, or a sunset. Instead of using auto mode, which leaves your camera as uncertain as you are, or relying on intelligent mode and hoping it guesses right, you simply give it clear direction. As a result, it’s far more likely to choose the settings an experienced photographer would use in those same conditions.

Your First Step Forward

If you’re stuck on auto mode, the best first step in learning camera settings is to use scene selection. Choose the scene that matches what you’re photographing so you’re giving your camera clear guidance. This simple shift puts you back in control while still keeping things easy.

The Natural Progression

Eventually, you’ll realize that even this system has limits. You’ll start wanting a bit more control to fine-tune your images, especially after some early success with scene selection.

When that frustration shows up, it’s a sign you’re ready to take the next step and begin adjusting your settings more intentionally.

At that point, when a photo doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, you’ll be able to make small adjustments and improve it. Instead of guessing, you’ll start making decisions. And that’s when your photography really begins to grow.

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Mat Coker is a lifelong photographer, writer and educator based in Belleville, Ontario.