Quick Photography Basics: 80% Results in 10 Minutes

The Pareto Principle for Photography: Master 80% in 10 Minutes

Have you heard of the Pareto Basic principle?
The Pareto Theory fundamentally states that to obtain 80% of the effects, it takes 20% of the effort.
Currently, I'm going to teach you 80% of photography in ten minutes.

Don’t forget—20% of the effort will almost certainly get you 80% of the way there.
But it requires much more to actually become a fantastic photographer.
When I study something new, I like to take a look at it in its simplest form.
I tell people, “Talk to me like I’m a five-year-old.”

Once I have that fundamental understanding—that core knowledge, that solid foundation—then I can build on top of it and really dig into the complexities.

That's what we’re going to do with photography today.
I'll get you 80% of the way so you’re making amazing images.
And if you're not, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and figure out why.

Here we go: 10 minutes!

Understanding ISO: Your First Camera Setting

What Is ISO?

ISO is the first thing I adjust in any given situation.
The basic idea is that ISO controls the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light:

• Higher ISO = more sensitivity to light

• Lower ISO = less sensitivity

You might think, “Crank that ISO up—I need all the light!”
Actually… it’s the opposite.

Keep ISO as Low as Possible

The higher the ISO, the more:

• Grain

• Noise

• Artifacts

• Funky visual issues

ISO Test Example

To demonstrate ISO, I did a test with one of my favorite lenses:

• ISO 100

• ISO 200

• ISO 400

• ISO 800

• ISO 1600

• ISO 3200

• ISO 6400

• (Just for fun: 12,800 and 25,600 on a Sony A7R2!)

Why Camera Price Affects ISO Performance

ISO capability is one reason camera body prices vary:

• Lower-end cameras start to look grainy at ISO 800–1600

• Higher-end cameras can handle ISO 3200, 6400, 10,000+ and still look good

In general: In photography, you pay more to get more light.

Practical ISO Settings for Real-Life Scenarios

Outside in Bright Light

• ISO 100

In the Shade

• ISO 200

Indoors

• ISO 400