We’ve been exploring a variety of exposure modes over the past month, explaining the benefits of Shutter Priority for avoiding camera and subject movement, how to use Scene modes in unfamiliar situations, and why one pro says, “Forget Manual Mode and use Priority instead.”

Another recent video discussed when you may want to capture photographs in Program Mode even if you’re not a beginner. But here’s the deal: Manual Mode undeniably provides maximum control over the images you make. Unfortunately, many photographers shy away from this technique because they consider it too daunting.

Today’s tutorial from landscape photographer Austin James Jackson corrects this popular misconception in barely 12 minutes, with a complete basic guide to shooting in Manual Mode. As he says, “While you can capture some great images in Aperture Priority or even Auto Mode, using full manual with give you the most control over the look of your images.”

No matter your skill level, this episode covers everything you need to know about aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and how these settings interact, to unlock the power of Manual Mode photography. Jackson notes that, ‘these settings are universal, and all photographers should understand how they affect their photos, regardless of the camera they use.

What constitutes a “perfect” exposure is in the eyes of the beholder—in other words, it a very subject matter depending upon the mood you want to create and the story you want to tell. Jackson demonstrates how Manual Mode can be extremely helpful for doing exactly that with a simple three-step process for choosing complimentary settings that deliver optimum results.

It’s all about balancing aperture, shutter speed and ISO in the correct sequence, and Jackson explains how to determine which setting is most important for different types of subjects. As a landscape photographer, this is his typical approach: “First and foremost I want to keep ISO at 100 whenever possible.”

As you’ll see, what he does next step often depends upon whether he’s shooting with a mirrorless camera or a DSLR. He typically chooses an aperture of f/8 or f/11 to maximum depth of field. Then he simply adjusts shutter speed until he arrives at a correct exposure for the effect he has in mind.

The foregoing is a rather simplistic summary of what you’ll learn, and there’s more details in the video that are worthy of consideration. But we’re pretty sure that by the time you’re done watching, shooting in Manual Mode will no longer seem out of reach.

And don’t forget to watch the tutorial mentioned above so that you’ll understand when and how to shoot photographs in the timesaving and convenient Program Mode—even if you’re not a beginner.

Would you rather see a rare animal species from a great distance, or a more common species nearby? I pondered that question during my trip to Yellowstone National Park last week. More than once, I saw distant grizzlies and wolves that barely took up a few pixels at 600mm (or even 1680mm…

The Domke PhoTOGS Vest is incredibly functional and versatile. It has room for just about anything you could possibly need on a photo trek (except a large tripod, of course). I’m talking lenses, backup compact camera, light meter, H₂O, lunch, bear spray, pens, business cards—more room than I have stuff.

Overview & Key Features
The construction details are amazing. The Domke PhoTOGS Vest is made of 100% machine washable cotton and is clearly crafted with care. The yoke and back are ventilated mesh for comfortable summer wear, and there’s a snapped strap on the very top so it’s easy to hang. Also, you can adjust the girth via cinch straps on either side. Shoulders are padded and quilted. Full-cut for comfort—you can wear it over anything from a tee shirt to a winter jacket.

The vest zips in front, but can be held closed using the strap with snaps located near the middle, so on warmer days the vest can be left unzipped without the side pockets swinging around. It’s designed to be a cargo vest; therefore, the manufacturer recommends shoppers purchase their normal size.

There are 12 pockets in all. The largest two are flap-covered billow (cargo) pockets that are lined with water-resistant nylon fabric. There’s a double stash pocket on the back and two very handy inside pockets. Domke even includes a removable clear acrylic holder for your press pass or other ID.

Afraid you’ll look like a dork? So did I, for about 15 seconds; then, I realized that practicality overrules vanity. As a fly fisherman, I’ve never hesitated to wear a multi-pocket fishing vest. And I’ve never heard even one trout snicker because of my attire (although I once saw a carp making an obscene gesture in my general direction). Nowadays, I can’t imagine fishing without a vest.

Unlike my fly vest, which has little bugs hooked all over it, the Domke PhoTOGS Vest is quite handsome and stylish. It’s available in sand (khaki) or black. Here is where I feel obligated to say that I wish it also came in gray urban camo. But that’s just me.

In the Field
Comfortable and fun. Roomy and durable. If you don’t fill the back pockets you can wear it while seated in a car—or in a diner. Cyclist? The Domke PhoTOGS Vest was made for you.

Even Weight Distribution
Like millions of other Americans, I suffer from Degenerative Disc Disease. It’s incurable but also not all that grim. In my case, carrying a heavy camera around my neck for a few hours can be extremely painful. This is a big reason why I often pursue alternative ways to carry my photo gear.  The Domke PhoTOGS Vest, properly loaded, provides supreme weight distribution and keeps backpain at bay.

Conclusion
Try it—you’ll like it. The Domke PhoTOGS Vest is one of those products that makes you wonder how you ever got along without it. I find very little to nag about. That said, I would like to see a Velcro-covered area on the flap of the back pocket to mount a morale patch, Shutterbug logo or “Slow Moving Vehicle” warning.

Is it Domke or Tiffen?
The Tiffen Company, the legendary photo and video accessory brand that was established in 1938, owns and distributes Domke products as well as Steadicam, Lowel location lighting, Davis & Stanford, Stroboframe, Zing and Tiffen Filters. The Tiffen Company has earned numerous awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and multiple EMMY Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Price & Availability
Domke PhoTOGS Vests are available in black or sand (khaki) and can be ordered directly from DOMKE for $129.99.

Also available from Amazon with free shipping for Prime members.

Visit the Domke Store on amazon.com to shop for more products offered by Tiffen, including Domke camera bags, Tiffen filters, Davis & Sanford tripods and filters for drones.

Savvy shoppers know bargains are offered at the Domke Outlet on Tiffen’s website. This particular product is not listed there, but a lot of other cool stuff is.

If You Enjoyed This Article
Click here and copy the URL to bookmark my weekly photography post.

Become a Member of the Shutterbug Community
Register for a free account. Sign up for our newsletter. Spend five minutes (or less) uploading your best shots once every week or so. Potentially become a Shutterbug Photo of the Day winner. Enjoy viewing the fantastic work being done by thousands of photographers all over the world—and add your images to the enduring collection.

—Jon Sienkiewicz

 

(As an Amazon Associate, Shutterbug earns from qualifying purchases linked in this story.)

In this article, I’ll share my experience using the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR lens in the field. With this lens, I took photos in Italy, Tanzania, Namibia, and the Arctic, and I learned a lot about it in the process. I’ve also included some usage tips to help others get the most from this outstanding supertelephoto.