Aperture – What you Need to Know for Perfect Photos

By: Cindy Cordova



Aperture refers to the opening inside a camera lens that allows light to pass through the lens and onto the film when a photo is taken. Aperture plays a very important role in the quality of a photograph, as it determines the amount of light that touches the the film.

When the diameter of the aperture is changed, a spiral of blades inside the lens expand or contract to allow or disallow an amount of light to pass through. These blades make up the lens diaphragm. When aperture is reduced in size, it is called stopping down and when the aperture size is increased, it is called opening up.

Many cameras have aperture values, or f/numbers, printed on the side of the barrel of the lens. The aperture values might range from f/1.4 to f/22. The larger the f/number, the smaller the aperture or lens opening.

The aperture that should be used for a particular photo is also influenced by the film speed. Film speed is also measured on a numerical scale. Film with a high film speed number is referred to as fast film. Because fast film is more sensitive to light, it requires a higher aperture number, or smaller lens opening.

The depth of field in a photo is impacted by aperture, as well as by shutter speed and lens type. Depth of field refers to the focus or 'zone of sharpness' for the nearest and furthest objects in your photo. By using a smaller aperture, more of the objects, near and far, will be sharply focused. In other words, you will have an extended depth of field. Generally, the closer the lens is to an object when a photo is taken, the more shallow the zone of sharpness will be. A wide angle lens would tend to have an increased zone of sharpness.

Understanding aperture is one of the most important components of creating perfect photographs. Take the time to practice it and master it and you will be creating beautiful photographic art in no time.


Want to find out more about photography, then visit Cindy Cordova's site for the lastest photography news, trends and inspiration.



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