digital lab : aperture

Shallow : ISO 200 | Aperture f/1.8 | Shutter 1/25


Long : ISO 200 | Aperture f/10 | Shutter 1

Hi Everyone -

As previously mentioned, I'm sharing some of the things we're learning in my digital photography course. My goal is to focus on the bottom line, so we can remember these steps in the field. To recap, there are four elements to consider when taking a photo, which I call the Power of How -

Step 1 : ISO - How is your light?
Step 2 : Aperture - How is the focus?
Step 3 : Shutter Speed - How long is light allowed into the camera?
Step 4 : Light Meter - How is the exposure to be adjusted?

Last time, we learned about Step 1 : Setting the ISO and today we'll address aperture -

Step 2 : Aperture - How is the focus?
Do you want a shallow or long depth of field?

Aperture refers to controlling the light that passes through the lens and is measured in f-stops. A lens set to its maximum aperture allows the most light to pass through and is considered to be wide open. One that is set to a smaller aperture limits the light and is considered to be stopped-down. Here are some guidelines -

Shallow depth of field = less area in focus, softness.
Limited focus = low number.

• f /1.4
• f /2
• f /2.8
• f /4
• f /5.6

Long depth of field = more area in focus, clarity.
Expanded focus = high number.

• f /8
• f /11
• f /16
• f /22

Here are some examples meant to illustrate the technique. Notice the blur in the background.


Shallow : ISO 200 | Aperture f/1.8 | Shutter 1/800

Notice the clarity in the background.


Long : ISO 200 | Aperture f/22 | Shutter 1/5

Notice the focus on the word 'create' and how everything else gets softer as you reach the edges of the photo.


Shallow : ISO 800 | Aperture f/1.8 | Shutter 1/1250

Notice the overall clarity and your ability to read the text.


Long : ISO 800 | Aperture f/22 | Shutter 1/8

Notice the softness of the white background.


Shallow : ISO 400 | Aperture f/1.8 | Shutter 1/320

Notice the detail in the white background, which is actually lace.


Long : ISO 400 | Aperture f/22 | Shutter .4

At this point, you can turn your dial to 'A' (aperture) on your dslr and adjust the depth of field up or down to get the different effects. Your camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed. On your point & shoot, try switching to the flower icon for a more shallow depth of field.


ISO 200 | Aperture f/5.6 | Shutter 1/1600

Next time, we'll cover choosing your shutter speed or how long light is allowed into your camera, which will blur or stop motion. Depending on the subject matter you're photographing, you might want to select this first, but more on that next week. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll try to answer them. If I've gotten something wrong, let me know and I'll correct it.

xo, Cindy

Source : Keisha Scarville