Most digital cameras have the auto and semi auto shooting function, for example:
These shooting functions offer more creativity to the photographer, because the photographer can change some of these setting, depending on which shooting function the photographer chooses.
Depending on the camera you have, the P-function is a lot like the automatic shooting setting. The camera chooses the correct lens opening (f-stop) and shutter speed to get the correct lighting for the photo, but you (the photographer) will be able to set the ISO, image size, the quality and the light meter function/. The P-function allows the photographer only a little creativity by changing a few settings on the camera.The program exposure mode sets both the aperture and shutter speed for you.
With this function the photographer can set the shutter speed (to get a fast action or to freeze the image). The camera will automatically set the lens opening.
If the shutter speed is too fast or too slow, the camera will warn the photographer, but the photo will still be taken if it was set in this way. You set the shutter speed when using the shutter priority exposure mode.
The photographer sets the lens opening when using the aperture priority exposure mode, for example f5.6 for fewer field of depth, where the background will be out of focus, this can also be used for macro photos. If the camera is set to f16, the background will be in focus and the image taken will be “sharper”. This setting can be used for landscape photography.
Photo taken on AV mode, background is out of focus
The photographer can set the lens opening and the shutter speed as well as other functions on the camera. The photographer has total control over the camera and can change all the settings as needed. This is also known as the creative shooting function. Many professional photographers prefer to use this function as they have total control over the camera.