topic Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5 in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

ncastilo — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:12:12 GMT

Hi everyone, I have an old Canon EOS Rebel T5 and I’m planning to do a photoshoot on my college campus for a friend who is a senior. I was wondering what camera settings you would recommend for outdoor shots during the day? I’d like to shoot in manual mode but I sometimes have trouble getting the focus right. I’m especially looking for advice on aperture (portraits vs wider shots), shutter speed, ISO settings, and any other general tips you may have!

Thanks!

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

kvbarkley — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:34:00 GMT

Don’t shoot manual. Use P or Av to set the depth of field.
what lens do you have?

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

Tintype_18 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:55:58 GMT

Good questions by kv.

Arrive early, take lots of photos and see the results. I do this at sports events. Mandatory as they are the grandkids.

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

ebiggs1 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:24:54 GMT

"I’d like to shoot in manual mode..." Don't! Period!!

"Don’t shoot manual. Use P ~~or Av to set the depth of field.~~ " Use P mode and set ISO to 200. Use your standard kit lens set to AF.

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

LeeP — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:30:11 GMT

Why would you shoot in manual? It will do nothing but slow you down. If it's outside during the day, P mode may likely to do the job perfectly for portraits shot non-professionally by a friend. You could play around with Av to blur the background or to get bokeh. The real emphasis should be composition first. Strenuously avoid backlighting or glaring direct light and you should be good. Pay attention to shadows and bracket exposures. If you have an assistant, you could play with a piece of cardboard covered in aluminum foil as a reflector to bounce some fill light.

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

ncastilo — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:57:03 GMT

I have an 18-55 mm lens. Thanks everyone for your advice!

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

Tintype_18 — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:22:39 GMT

Adding: Far from an expert but I have mentioned in other places that I like to experiment with my Canon T7. Out of practice but I like to keep my camera handy around the house for those photo opportunities. ncastilo, the Masters golf tournament validates the idea of golfers making a commitment to worthwhile practice; perfect practice results in perfect results. Good luck and have tons of fun!

Re: Settings for graduation photos with Canon Rebel T5

ebiggs1 — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:50:13 GMT

"I have an 18-55 mm len".

That will do just fine. ....... and P mode! ISO 200