When you work manually you set the settings in a certain order based on what is most important for this particular image.
§Step by step
- 01Decide first what the image should express: sharp background or focus on one subject?
- 02Choose the aperture based on desired depth of field.
- 03Choose the shutter time based on whether the subject is moving.
- 04Adjust ISO so the exposure fits – keep it as low as possible.
- 05Set white balance according to the light source so colours become natural.
- 06Take a test image and check the histogram.
Adjust and take a new test image until the exposure sits right. Once you have the hang of it you can concentrate on the subject and composition.