Camera Basics 101
Cameras have come a long way since their invention in the early 19th century. Today, there are a variety of cameras available, from point-and-shoot cameras to professional DSLRs. Regardless of the type of camera, there are some basic concepts that every photographer should understand. This is a blog about a few basic concepts with an in depth focus on Aperture. In upcoming blogs I will explain other basic concepts in depth.
1. Aperture:
What is Aperture?
The aperture is the opening in the lens that allows light to enter the camera. It is measured in f-stops, with a lower number indicating a larger aperture and a higher number indicating a smaller aperture. A larger aperture allows more light to enter the camera, which is useful in low-light situations. It also creates a shallow depth of field, which can be used to blur the background and create a more dramatic effect. A smaller f-stop number (e.g. f/1.8) means a larger aperture opening, while a larger f-stop number (e.g. f/16) means a smaller aperture opening.
How Aperture Affects Your Photos
Aperture affects two main aspects of your photos: depth of field and exposure. Depth of field refers to the amount of the photo that is in focus, and it is controlled by the aperture. A larger aperture opening (smaller f-stop number) will result in a shallower depth of field, meaning that only a small portion of the photo will be in focus. This is great for portraits or close-up shots where you want to blur the background and make the subject stand out. On the other hand, a smaller aperture opening (larger f-stop number) will result in a deeper depth of field, meaning that more of the photo will be in focus. This is great for landscape photography or group shots where you want everything to be in focus.
Aperture also affects exposure, or how bright or dark your photo is. A larger aperture opening (smaller f-stop number) will let in more light, resulting in a brighter photo. A smaller aperture opening (larger f-stop number) will let in less light, resulting in a darker photo. This is important to keep in mind when shooting in different lighting conditions, as you may need to adjust your aperture to get the right exposure.
This photo is an example of using a shallow depth of field. The trillium is in focus and the background is blurred due to a shallow depth of field. The camera lens opening is large allowing in more light and it account for that the exposure time is fast. I will go into more detail in upcoming blog on shutter speed. Any questions make sure to leave it in the comments.
Specs of this picture f/ 2.8 1/125 seconds ISO 125
All photos on this blog were taken on a Canon EOS 5D mark IV!
How to Use Aperture
To use aperture, you'll need to set your camera to aperture priority mode (usually denoted by an "A" or "Av" on the mode dial). This mode allows you to set the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to get the right exposure. Once you're in aperture priority mode, you can adjust the aperture using the command dial on your camera. Keep in mind that changing the aperture will also affect the depth of field, so be sure to adjust it accordingly based on what you want to achieve in your photo.
2. Shutter speed: The shutter speed determines how long the camera's sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second. A faster shutter speed (such as 1/1000th of a second) freezes motion, while a slower shutter speed (such as 1/30th of a second) creates motion blur.
3. ISO: The ISO determines the camera's sensitivity to light. A higher ISO (such as 1600) allows the camera to capture images in low-light situations, but it also introduces noise (graininess) into the image.
4. White balance: The white balance determines the color temperature of the image. Different light sources (such as sunlight, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs) have different color temperatures, and the white balance setting can be used to adjust for these differences.
5. Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement of elements in the image. This includes the placement of the subject, the use of lines and shapes, and the balance of light and dark areas. A well-composed image can be more visually appealing and convey a stronger message.
Understanding these basic concepts can help you take better photos and make more informed decisions when choosing a camera and settings. With practice and experimentation, you can develop your own style and create images that are both technically sound and artistically compelling. Remember to check back for more understanding of basic concepts. Also subscribe to newsletters so you don’t miss new pictures, blogs, and coming soon prints for sale.
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