Aperture

What is aperture?

Aperture is the opening in the camera that lets light in and controls the depth of field. The size of this opening variates, which allows for a range of select focus to clear subject and background.

How does aperture work technically (in the camera) and visually (in the photo)?

When you adjust the aperture, you are changing the size of the opening that lets in light. When you increase your f-stop number, the opening is smaller. When you lower your f-stop, the opening is larger. Visually, a higher f-stop or smaller opening will let less light in, but will create a clear image with a large depth of field. A lower f-stop or larger opening, which lets more light in, will create an image with select focus, blurred background, and shallow depth of field.

What happens to the exposure triangle when you change aperture?

When you change the aperture, you are changing the amount of light coming in the camera and ultimately change the exposure. When the aperture opens, you need to compensate by having a fast shutter speed. Likewise, when the aperture closes, you add balance by adjusting to a slower shutter speed.