The aperture is a key part of photography. It controls how much light enters your camera and affects the depth of field and exposure. Learning how to use aperture properly can improve your photos, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer.
This article will break down what is aperture in photography, how it works, and offer practical tips on how to use it creatively for better photographs.
What is Aperture?
The aperture is the opening in the lens that controls how much light enters your camera’s sensor. An f-stop number typically indicates the size of the aperture opening.
- Wide aperture (f/1.4) = More light passes through.
- Small aperture (f/16) = Less light passes through.
The larger the aperture (small f-number), the more light that enters the camera. The smaller the aperture (large f-number), the less light enters the camera. Aperture is a vital part of how you achieve correct exposure in different lighting conditions.
Understanding f-Stops and t-Stops
Before diving into how aperture works, it’s essential to understand two key terms: f-stops and t-stops.
● f-stop: This is the scale used to measure the size of the aperture opening. The f-stop numbers (like f/1.4, f/4, f/11) indicate the ratio of the lens’s focal length to the size of the aperture opening. A lower f-stop number (e.g., f/1.4) means a larger aperture, while a higher f-stop (e.g., f/16) means a smaller aperture.
● t-stop: t-stops measure the theoretical maximum amount of light that is available through the lens. The t-stop is widely used in cinematography and is typically more accurate than the f-stop because it compensates for different lens properties (see lens coating) that have an impact on light transmission.
Aperture and Depth of Field
The depth of field of an image is one of the most significant creative decisions you can make and the Aperture significantly impacts the depth of field.
| Aperture | Depth of Field | Best For |
| Wide Aperture (f/1.8) | Shallow depth of field (blurred background) | Portraits, close-ups, isolating subjects |
| Small Aperture (f/16) | Deep depth of field (sharp focus) | Landscapes, architecture |
A wide aperture (like f/1.8) produces a shallow depth of field, making the background blurry and helping you isolate the subject. A small aperture (like f/16) ensures more of the scene is sharp, making it perfect for wide landscape shots.
Source: Canon Infobank on Aperture
Aperture and Exposure
Exposition refers to how bright or dark your image is, and aperture directly affects exposure. A larger aperture allows more light (numerically lower f-stop) to enter the lens, while less light enters with a smaller aperture (higher f-stop). Achieving a correct exposure means understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO fit together.
| Aperture (f-stop) | Effect on Light | Result |
| Large Aperture (f/1.4) | Lets in more light | Brighter image |
| Small Aperture (f/16) | Let in less light | Darker image |
The aperture setting you choose influences how much light the sensor captures, impacting the overall brightness of your image. Learn more about upscaling images.
Setting Camera Apertures
Altering the aperture on your camera is simple. Depending on your preference you can choose between Manual Mode and Aperture Priority Mode
Aperture dial: This is usually found on the lens or in the camera menu.
Manual Mode — You have complete creative control over shutter speed and aperture.
Most mirrorless and DSLR cameras:
- Aperture dial: This is usually found on the lens or in the camera menu.
- Aperture ring: Some vintage lenses have an aperture ring to set your
Which Aperture Setting is Best?
You will have to review the dazzlers that help you decide what aperture to use as it can demand the subject and even a dramatic effect you want to create. Here’s a quick guide:
● A wide aperture (f/1.4 to f/2.8): Perfect for portrait shots or whenever you want a blurred background.
● Medium aperture (f/4 to f/8): suitable for standard photography, balancing both light and depth of field.
● Small aperture (f/11 to f/16): Mainly for landscapes or architectural shots when the goal is getting everything in focus.
Remember, the choice of aperture will also affect shutter speed and ISO, so it’s important to find the right combination.
How Do I Adjust the Aperture on a DSLR Camera?
To adjust the aperture on your DSLR camera:
- In Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av on the mode dial): Rotate the aperture dial to choose your desired f-stop.
- In Manual Mode (M on the mode dial): Manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed to get the correct exposure.
For cameras without a dedicated aperture dial, you can adjust the aperture through the camera’s settings Manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed menu.
What is the Aperture Priority Mode?
Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av) is a semi-automatic mode in which you determine the aperture setting, and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed appropriately for a good exposure.
This is especially useful for you to keep shooting in changing light conditions when you don’t want to adjust the shutter speed manually.
For example, for portrait shots, you could go with a big aperture (such as f/1.8) so that the background is nicely blurred out – which the camera will use to select the matching shutter speed to ensure the exposure is correct. Learn more about changing and removing the background.
How Does Aperture Translate Into Your Photos?
The aperture setting directly translates into the visual outcome of your photos:
- A large aperture (f/1.4): Lets in a lot of light, provides a blurry background that isolates your subject, and gives you the ability to shoot in near-dark conditions.
- Small aperture (f/16): Also good for getting both the foreground and background in focus — good for wide landscapes or shots of buildings.
Aperture Ranges and Lenses
Different lenses offer various aperture ranges. Here’s a quick comparison of the aperture capabilities of common lens types:
| Lens Type | Maximum Aperture | Best Use |
| Prime Lens | f/1.4 – f/2.8 | Low-light portraits, bokeh |
| Standard Zoom Lens | f/3.5 – f/5.6 | General Photography |
| Professional Zoom Lens | f/2.8 | Sports, events, low light |
Prime lenses often have a wider maximum aperture, making them ideal for shooting in low light and achieving shallow depth of field.
Practical Tips for Using Aperture
Here are some quick tips to help you make the most of aperture:
- For Blurry Backgrounds (Shallow Depth): Use a large aperture (e.g., f/1.8).
- For Landscape Shots (Deep Depth): Use a small aperture (e.g., f/16).
- In Low Light: Use the maximum aperture your lens allows (e.g., f/1.4).
- Balance Aperture with Shutter Speed and ISO: A larger aperture lets in more light, so you can use a faster shutter speed.
Common Misconceptions About Aperture
- Larger Aperture = Always Better?
No. While a larger aperture lets in more light, it may reduce sharpness in the corners of the image. - Small Apertures Always Improve Sharpness?
Not true. Tiny apertures (e.g., f/22) can cause diffraction, making the photo appear softer. - Aperture Alone Cannot Fix Exposure
Aperture works in combination with shutter speed and ISO to ensure proper exposure.
Aperture at a Glance: Quick Table
| Term | Explanation |
| Aperture | Opening in the lens that controls the light. |
| Large Aperture (f/1.4) | More light, blurred background (shallow depth). |
| Small Aperture (f/16) | Less light, sharper focus (deep depth). |
| Aperture Priority Mode | Mode where you set the aperture, and the camera adjusts exposure. |
Sources:
Conclusion
The aperture in photography is one of the key parts that governs exposure and depth. You can take perfect pictures if you know how it works and what it does to your images. Whether you shoot landscape images at small apertures or portraiture at large openings, try out different size settings to see how they affect the quality of your photographs. Over time, you will understand and use aperture better with more practice.
