Why I Love Using Aperture Priority During a Photo Shoot
Why I Love Using Aperture Priority During a Photo Shoot | SKYLER MAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
Let’s Talk About Aperture Priority
If you’re not familiar with aperture priority mode, it’s basically a semi-automatic setting on your camera. You choose the aperture (the f-stop), which controls how much of your image is in focus, and the camera automatically selects the right shutter speed to balance the exposure. Think of it as a hybrid of both manual and automatic modes, giving you some control while letting your camera handle the rest.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Doesn’t that sound a little… I don’t know, like cheating?” Trust me, I’ve been there.
How I Went From Skeptic to Believer
When I first started out, I had this idea that real photographers only shot in full manual mode. I thought that if you used aperture priority, you weren’t truly in control of your craft and therefore not a real professional—it felt like a shortcut, and while I love a good shortcut, I wanted to be respected in the photography industry and truly understand my camera. So I would grind through every photo session, adjusting my settings for every single image, thinking that was what professionals did.
Then something happened that totally changed my perspective.
I was working alongside an incredibly talented photographer—someone whose work I admired deeply. We were chatting about camera settings, and my jaw basically hit the floor when they told me they shot in aperture priority all the time. I couldn’t believe it! Here was this photographer whose work I looked up to, who regularly booked high-end weddings, and they were using aperture priority? That’s when it clicked for me: it’s not about proving something with your settings, it’s about creating beautiful images and making the session experience seamless for your clients.
Quick aside: While I love using aperture priority mode, newer photographers should still learn how to use their camera in full manual mode. (See below.) Aperture priority mode is not always an option depending on the lighting conditions of your photoshoot. So please, do not go to your next photoshoot and shoot it all in aperture priority mode if you are not 100% comfortable in full manual + understand how aperture priority mode works.
Why I Switched to Aperture Priority (And Haven’t Looked Back)
Once I gave it a real try, aperture priority quickly became my go-to for *almost* all my sessions. Here’s why:
- More Time to Focus on My Clients (and Less on My Camera!)
One of the biggest advantages of aperture priority is that it allows me to be more present with my clients. Instead of constantly adjusting my camera settings, I can direct my clients, engage with them, and focus on catching those authentic, in-between moments. I find myself more attuned to their body language, their emotions, and the energy of the session.
It’s especially helpful when I’m working with families or couples who might need a bit more direction in front of the camera. Rather than having to pause every few seconds and “stay right there while I adjust my settings,” I can continue gently guiding them and making them feel comfortable.
Another Quick Aside: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with telling your clients to “pause right there while I adjust my camera settings.” I 1000% still do this at every one of my sessions, and your clients should expect at least some of that at their sessions. However, it does make a big difference when you don’t need to do it as often. :)
- Seamless Transitions Between Locations
If you work in the wedding photo industry then you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re in the middle of a wedding day, moving from a dimly lit hotel room to a bright, sunny outdoor ceremony, or from a golden-hour portrait session into a dimly lit reception hall. In the past, this meant a lot of time tweaking my settings for every change in lighting. But with aperture priority, those transitions are fast and seamless.
The best part? I don’t have to worry about missing an in-between moment while I adjust for the changing light. Whether I’m moving from location to location or just chasing the light, I know my camera has my back.
- Quick Reaction Time for Candid Moments
Some of the best images are the ones that happen in the blink of an eye. A kid laughing, a couple sharing a spontaneous kiss, or that quick glance between two people during a wedding ceremony—those moments are everything. Aperture priority lets me react instantly to capture those moments as they happen, instead of scrambling to adjust settings.
- Understanding My Camera Even Better
Here’s the unexpected bonus: using aperture priority has actually made me better at understanding how my camera works. When you rely on the camera to adjust your shutter speed automatically, you start to see how light changes in real time and how your camera compensates for it. It’s been an eye-opener for learning about exposure in a deeper way than I ever did when I was shooting purely in manual mode. Now, I can predict how my camera will behave in different lighting situations, which helps me make more informed choices with my settings overall.
*Hint hint – There are some lighting conditions that I actually do not use aperture priority mode. See below.
- More Freedom for Creativity
By simplifying the technical side of things, I have more creative energy during my shoots. I’m less distracted with numbers and dials, so I can spend more time thinking about composition, experimenting with different angles, and focusing on storytelling. Aperture priority frees up my brain space to get creative and have fun behind the lens, which, in turn, leads to better photos.
A Word of Caution
Alright, now that I’ve convinced you how amazing Aperture Priority mode can be during a photo session, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind. Aperture Priority is not a “set it and forget it” mode—you need to stay on top of your settings, especially in backlit or low-light situations.
For example, if you’re photographing a family with young kids on a cloudy afternoon, and they’re running around playing Red Light, Green Light, a shutter speed of 1/250 or slower ain’t gonna cut it. In cases like this, it’s absolutely necessary to switch back to manual mode so you can adjust your shutter speed accordingly.
Another thing to watch for is backlit scenes, where Aperture Priority doesn’t always perform well. Your subjects can end up way too dark, with muddy skin tones or even out-of-focus images. I highly recommend using your LCD screen (assuming it shows accurate previews) or reviewing your images as you go to ensure your exposure is on point!
For these reasons, I highly recommend photographers start by mastering full manual mode, then practice using Aperture Priority on their own time. Once you’re confident with it, you’ll be ready to incorporate it into your sessions!
At the End of the Day…
Here’s the thing: using aperture priority doesn’t make you less of a professional photographer. It doesn’t mean you’re taking shortcuts or that you’re any less in control of your final image. In fact, it can make you a better photographer by allowing you to focus on what really matters—your clients, the moments unfolding in front of you, and the creativity behind every image.
So if you’re stuck in the mindset that aperture priority is for beginners or that it’s a “cheat,” I encourage you to give it a try (but maybe not at your next paid photoshoot?) 😝 Try it out with friends and see how it changes your workflow. You might just find that it helps you capture those spontaneous, beautiful moments with more ease and flow.
What Do You Think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried aperture priority mode? What’s your experience been like? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it!
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