Let’s talk about Aperture, my favorite of the three (ISO, Shutter, and Aperture). Unlike ISO and Shutter, Aperture is exclusive to the lens, not the camera. But like the ISO and Shutter, Aperture, also known as F-Stop, makes the image brighter or darker.
- A lower F-Stop (f/1.4): Aperture blades are more open > brighter image
- A higher F-Stop (f/16): Aperture blades are more closed > darker image
The secondary effect of the Aperture, which I love, is the depth of field, which guides the viewer where to look by showing what’s in focus; this applies to still photography and shooting video.
- A lower F-Stop (f/1.4): Shallow depth of field (subject in focus, blurred background)
- A higher F-Stop (f/16): Deep depth of field (everything is in focus)
There are a lot of varieties and things to consider when it comes to Aperture, including cost, focal length, size, and lens type. Across most cameras, the ISO and Shutter have similar ranges, some higher-end cameras will have a greater range of ISO and Shutter, but overall it is pretty equal. But when it comes to lenses and Aperture, it’s the “Wild West.”
Now people will argue all day about whether they should or shouldn’t have a shallow depth of field. But, like all things in the field, it’s a tool for storytelling.
So a quick wrap-up of everything:
- ISO – higher, brighter / more noise
- Shutter – lower, brighter / more motion blur
- Aperture – lower, brighter / more depth of field blurry background
