The Camera Modes You’ve Been Ignoring Are the Most Fun Ones

The creation of digital cameras has changed the way we photograph. Companies such as Nikon, Canon, Sony and Fujifilm have multiple cameras with distinct modes and options that can make your photography far more fun. If you are a young photographer learning new ropes, then these settings must be what you should tune into.

Tilt-Shift Mode

Some APS-C and enthusiast cameras have a mode dial, which features multiple options. One is the tilt-shift mode, which, while only shot in JPEG, results in scenes that appear like miniature models. The example above shows you clearly how the blurred effect at the top and bottom makes the tree look smaller than they are. The boosted saturation also helps to make streets, cityscapes, and landscapes like dioramas. The best way to take photos using this mode is to shoot from a high vantage point and then look down. Since a miniature illusion depends on a perspective, you’d normally only look down at a model.

Fish-eye Mode

Another feature is the fish-eye mode, which helps to exaggerate the scene. The signature is the signature bulging, spherical distortion where straight lines curve outwards from the center. The barrel distortion helps to make the scene pronounced without the need of an actual fisheye lens. The fish-eye mode is more extreme towards the edges, so it helps to make your center out. Architecture, doorways, ceilings, and horizons can make a scene stand out.

Multiple Exposure Mode

Some cameras allow you to shoot multiple frames in one go. While some cameras allow RAW multiple exposure mode, like the R5, there are some that use only JPEG. If one image is not enough, then by blending two different photos, you can get a third picture. You can choose between blend modes (additive, average, lighten, darken) and change how the two images combine. Look at high-contrast subjects against dark or plain backgrounds. The second exposure could be something lighter, which can blend well with the first.

Star Filters

Star filters turn light into multi-pointed starbursts. This requires a filter with etched lines. This works well when you are shooting against light, such as streetlights, fairy lights, or sun glinting off water. This can be helpful when you are trying to make portraits, or even commercial shoots. Just keep in mind that you need a strong source of light that can make things good.

Other Built-In Modes

• Toy camera/lo-fi filter: Some cameras allow you to simulate the look and feel of cheap plastic lenses. This means heavy vignetting, soft corners, and boosted contrast, evoking the Holga/Lomography aesthetic. This can be helpful for some parties/picnics.
• Pop color/vivid filter: Isolates and dramatically increases one or two dominant colors in a scene while muting the rest. This can be helpful for portraits or street photography.
• Dynamic range/HDR modes: Blend multiple exposures to provide one photo with great detail in highlights and shadows. This works best with high-contrast scenes, backlit interiors or bright midday sun.
• Panorama mode: Some cameras allow you to show long, horizontal frames in-camera like a regular panorama. This is handy for landscapes, cityscapes, architecture shoots.

• Grainy film/high-contrast monochrome filters: A heavier, more stylized version of the standard black and white modes on your camera. Sometimes, it is often exaggerated with grainy, analog feel.