What Is Aperture?

What is Aperture

Aperture In Simple Words

Aperture is the term used to describe the opening of a lens's diaphragm, which allows light to pass through your lens and reach the sensor of your camera. 

An aperture of f/1.4 has a wider opening compared to an aperture of f/8. The lower the number, the wider the opening.

Aperture and Exposure

Aperture affects our photos in two significant ways. It controls the opening of the lens, thereby regulating the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor.
As a result, aperture plays a crucial role in determining the exposure of the image.

Let's say you have your aperture set to f/5.6. If you desire a darker image, you can simply adjust the aperture to a smaller value, such as f/8. Conversely, if you want a brighter photo, you can choose a wider aperture like f/1.4.

However, it's important to note that using a very small aperture can result in an out-of-focus image. This brings us to the second point.

Aperture and Depth of Field

Aperture also allows you to control the depth of field, which refers to the area of the photo that appears in sharp focus.

Imagine you have a 20-meter field, and with your current aperture setting, only the first 10 meters are in focus.


To increase the focus to 15 meters and make the background sharper, you can use a larger aperture number, such as f/11.

Conversely, if you want to decrease the focus to 5 meters and create a blurred background, you can opt for a smaller aperture number like f/2.8.


💡 Tip 

To capture that soft and blurry background in your photos, you need to work with a wide aperture. Experiment around f/2.8, the wider the aperture, the blurrier the background will be.

If your lens doesn't allow for such a wide aperture, no worries. Just position your subject close to the camera and away from the background. This trick will enhance the effect.

What is Aperture and a photo with Bokeh

In conclusion

By adjusting the aperture setting, you have control over the exposure and depth of field in your photos. Feel free to experiment and stay creative.

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