Photography Remembered

What is Aperture in Photography - Guide for Beginners

2 min

A Beginner’s Guide to Aperture in Photography

In this guide, we will introduce aperture for beginners and explain how to use it effectively.

What is Aperture?

Aperture refers to the opening in your camera’s lens that allows light to pass through to the sensor. It works just like the pupil in your eye:

  • In bright light, your pupils get smaller (a smaller aperture).
  • In dark conditions, your pupils get larger (a wider aperture).

Aperture is measured in f-stops, written like f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16…

Here’s the key:

  • A small f-number (f/1.8, f/2.8) means a wide aperture, letting in more light.
  • A large f-number (f/11, f/16) means a narrow aperture, letting in less light.

The Trade-Off: Light vs. Depth of Field

Aperture affects two important things:

  1. Brightness – Wider apertures (small f-numbers) let in more light, making photos brighter. Narrower apertures (large f-numbers) let in less light, making photos darker.

  2. Depth of Field – This is how much of the photo is in focus from front to back.

    • Wide apertures (f/1.8, f/2.8) create a shallow depth of field, where the subject is sharp but the background is blurred.
    • Narrow apertures (f/8, f/11, f/16) create a deep depth of field, where much more of the scene is sharp and in focus.

How to Change Aperture

Changing aperture depends on your camera and lens:

  • Switch to Aperture Priority (A or Av) or Manual (M) mode.
  • Use the main dial or wheel to adjust the f-stop.
  • The number on your screen/viewfinder (like f/2.8 or f/8) shows your current aperture setting.

Some entry-level cameras may require using the quick menu, while higher-end models often have a dedicated dial.

When to Use Wide Aperture

  • Portraits where you want the subject sharp but the background blurred.
  • Low-light situations without a tripod, to let in more light.
  • Artistic shots with shallow focus.

When to Use Narrow Aperture

  • Landscapes where you want everything from foreground to background sharp.
  • Group photos to keep multiple subjects in focus.
  • Bright conditions where you need to cut down light.
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Quick Aperture Reference

  • f/1.4 – f/2.8 – Very bright, shallow focus, great for portraits and low light.
  • f/4 – f/5.6 – Good for everyday shooting, moderate depth of field.
  • f/8 – f/11 – Landscape and architecture, deep focus and sharpness.
  • f/16+ – Special effects or extreme depth, but watch for reduced sharpness.
Camera knowledge