Thanks Duncan, a clear and concise post - very useful - whether beginner or pro we all need to be reminded of the basics from time to time and take our heads out of our pixels.

that is a very nice explanation. i remember reading something similar in "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

regards
tifosi.

actually the problem of trying to figure all that out is what kept me from getting a DSLR (and the price) so what I got was an intermediate point and shoot that let's me play with aperture and shutterspeed but not both at the same time. Still taking my time working out how the one affects the other. It seems to be counter-intuitive to me but the bucket of water analogy is the best explanation I ever heard.

Great article Duncan - l could have done with it at the beginning of Year 1 - it would have made so much more sense then. Thanks

I always use manual mode ever since I started with photography, because it's got more control over creativity than auto exposure. The only time I will use automatic mode when I'm doing a wedding shoot where I don't have time to fiddle with the manual exposure settings.

I am very sorry to have to tell you that Duncan died suddenly some time ago. A terrible loss not only to his family but to the forum.