AUTO mode | this means that the camera decides all the settings in order to get a properly exposed picture.  So, you may ask, why is this a problem?  Well, depending on what metering setting you have chosen, depending on where the auto has determined the focal point, depending on whether you have a still or moving subject...it could be a recipe for disaster in a picture....

your camera doesn't know if your subject is moving...

your camera doesn't know that you want  the dark brown teddy bear, sitting on the beach...

your camera doesn't know that just because there is a person in front of your daughter, you don't want THEM in focus, you want your DAUGHTER in focus

Once you've invested in a "big girl/boy" camera...your goal should be to get off auto as quickly as you can...you've spent too much to just let the camera decide the important moments of your life. Only use this in emergency situations where you MUST get a shot and you are completely at a loss and figure that you can "fix" it in photoshop later.

AV/A mode | In this mode, you get to choose the aperture...and then your camera determines what it needs to do with the other settings (shutterspeed & ISO) to make sure your image is correctly exposed. This is a great mode to practice in! Especially with a prime lens.

As I mentioned before, in the earlier post, this is great when there is adequate light.  When it doesn't work so well, is when you have moving subjects in an environment of LOW LIGHT...your camera can't SEE remember?  So if you are relying on the camera to make the decision on how fast the shutterspeed will click, when you don't have the light you need, and you've got moving subjects...you will get a blurry picture.

TV/S mode | I do not use this mode at all...there is no reason for me, especially when I have a prime lens.  Perhaps sports people like this indoors...but, if that's the case, you might as well go to Manual anyway!

Manual mode | This is when you use that beautiful "exposure triangle" up above.  Memorize what those numbers mean and how it affects your exposure.  You choose your ISO, your aperture and your shutterspeed based on what YOU can SEE, what YOU want to be exposed, and what YOU want in focus.

If you haven't taken a Snapshop Class yet, be sure to take one soon...you won't be sorry!  It's a worthwhile investment to take control of your camera and learn how to document the life of your family!  If you HAVE taken a class before, take a refresher on a Snapshop class when it's offered (it's only an additional $45 to sit in another class, hang out, eat, get the updated notes & added pages to your booklet) Or even consider a mentoring session...

It can be overwhelming at first...but I know, from experience, that once the information is broken down, into manageable segments...it's easier to understand...and in turn, easier to practice...which leads to confidence and ultimately capturing the important moments of your life!