Aperture is the adjustable opening inside your camera lens that lets in light. You can think of it like the pupil of your eye — it opens wider in low light and narrows in bright conditions. In photography, aperture is measured in f-stops, such as f/2.8, f/5.6, or f/11.
Smaller f-stop numbers (like f/1.8) mean a wider aperture, allowing in more light and producing a shallower depth of field. That’s great for portraits with blurry backgrounds. Larger f-stop numbers (like f/16) mean a narrower aperture, which brings more of the scene into sharp focus — useful for landscapes.
Why It Matters
Aperture affects:
- Exposure: A wider aperture brightens the image.
- Depth of field: Affects how much of your image appears sharp.
- Image style: Helps create dreamy backgrounds or crisp detail throughout.
Together with shutter speed and ISO, aperture forms the exposure triangle — the three core settings that control brightness and image quality.
Tips for Beginners
- Use wide apertures (f/2.8 or lower) for portraits or low-light scenes.
- Use narrow apertures (f/8–f/16) for landscapes or group shots.
- Learn how f-stop numbers work — they can be confusing at first!