1. Every Exposure Has Three Variables

Every photograph comes down to three things.

Aperture.

Shutter speed.

ISO.

Most photographers try to control all three at once.

I don’t.

When I’m shooting natural light on location, I put my camera in Aperture Priority, set my aperture where I want it—usually between f/4 and f/5.6—and set my ISO to a range of 100–400. From there, I let the camera choose the shutter speed.

The only thing I’m actively adjusting as I work is Exposure Compensation.

If I want the image brighter, I dial it up.

If I want it moodier or darker, I dial it down.

It’s quick, intuitive, and keeps me focused on the creative side of the photograph instead of constantly chasing my exposure.

The fewer variables I have to think about, the more attention I can give to my subject.

Photography isn’t about making your job harder.

It’s about making better pictures.

2. I Lock the Most Important Variable

When I’m shooting portraits outdoors, I almost always work between f/4 and f/5.6.

That’s where I want the photograph to look.

I have enough depth of field to keep both eyes sharp.

If my subject leans forward slightly or laughs and moves naturally, I’m not suddenly losing focus.

The background is still beautifully separated, but the photograph feels reliable.

I’m not chasing razor-thin depth of field simply because my lens opens to f/1.2.

Clients don’t hire me because my background blur is stronger than someone else’s.

They hire me because I make photographs that connect.

3. I Set My ISO and Move On

I normally keep my ISO between 100 and 400.

Modern cameras handle that range effortlessly.

I’m not interested in adjusting ISO every few minutes as the light changes.

I give the camera a sensible range and let it do what it was designed to do.

That’s one less thing for me to think about.

4. I Let the Camera Handle the Math

Once my aperture is fixed and my ISO range is set, I let the camera choose the shutter speed.

Why?

Because it’s faster than I am.

Clouds move.

People move.

I move.

The light changes constantly.

My camera can react instantly.

If I stop every thirty seconds to adjust shutter speed manually, I’m interrupting the flow of the session.

That’s time I’d rather spend talking to my subject.

5. Momentum Creates Better Pictures

One of the biggest mistakes I see photographers make is breaking momentum.

They shoot.

Look at the back of the camera.

Adjust settings.

Shoot again.

Look down again.

Every interruption takes you away from the person standing in front of you.

Some of my favourite photographs happen after ten or fifteen minutes with the same subject because we’ve found a rhythm together.

I don’t want camera settings getting in the way of that.

6. My Attention Belongs on the Person

Photography is about people.

Expression.

Body language.

Confidence.

Connection.

Those things disappear if I’m constantly thinking about exposure.

The less mental energy I spend operating the camera, the more I can invest in directing, encouraging and watching for those tiny moments that turn a good portrait into a great one.

That’s what clients remember.

Not what shooting mode I used.

7. Consistency Makes Editing Easier

Another benefit is consistency.

Because my aperture stays the same throughout the session, the photographs have a consistent look and feel.

My editing becomes faster.

The gallery feels cohesive.

I’m spending less time correcting problems that never needed to exist in the first place.

Consistency is one of the quiet advantages of having a simple workflow.

8. Manual Still Has Its Place

This doesn’t mean I never shoot in Manual.

If I’m in the studio with strobes, I’m in Manual.

If I’m using flash outdoors, I’m in Manual.

If the light is controlled, I control the exposure.

That makes perfect sense.

But when I’m walking through city streets, photographing someone in changing natural light, I don’t see any advantage in making extra adjustments that my camera can handle perfectly well.

9. Stop Treating Camera Modes Like Status Symbols

Some photographers wear Manual mode like a badge of honour.

I don’t understand that.

Your camera doesn’t care what mode you’re using.

Your client certainly doesn’t.

The only question that matters is this:

Did you make the strongest photograph you could?

If Aperture Priority helps me do that more consistently, that’s the right tool for the job.

10. Simplicity Makes Me More Creative

This isn’t really an article about Aperture Priority.

It’s about removing unnecessary decisions.

Every decision I eliminate gives me more attention for the things that actually matter.

The conversation.

The expression.

The composition.

The light.

The moment.

That’s where great photographs come from.

Not from proving I know how to turn two dials instead of one.

The longer I’ve been a professional photographer, the simpler my camera has become.

And the better my photographs have become because of it.

If you’re enjoying articles like this and you want to go beyond reading about photography and actually improve your work, I’d love to invite you to join Portfolio Lab.

Every Tuesday, photographers from around the world join me live on Zoom to make better pictures together.

Thursday I review portfolios live on Youtube, and help you work through creative challenges, and I’ll show you exactly how I approach light, composition, posing, editing, and building a body of work that gets noticed.

Photography isn’t something you master by watching videos alone.

You get better through consistent feedback, honest critique, and surrounding yourself with photographers who are serious about improving.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, Portfolio Lab is where I’d love to work with you.

I hope to see you there.