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We explore the terms and techniques of Photography.
Welcome to photography a to z. Yes. Our brand new deep dive into all things photography. Yeah. And we are gonna kick things off with
Speaker 2:very exciting.
Speaker 1:A is for aperture. Absolutely. And trust me.
Speaker 2:Big one.
Speaker 1:Understanding this one little concept can totally transform your photography game.
Speaker 2:For sure. No more. It's the key.
Speaker 1:Relying on auto mode.
Speaker 2:Yeah. You can get out of auto mode.
Speaker 1:That's right. Once you grasp aperture, you're on your way to taking those stunning shots you've always admired.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Whether it's blurring the background in a portrait Yeah. Or capturing a crisp, sweeping landscape. All of it. Okay. So let's break it down.
Speaker 1:Sure. What exactly is aperture? Yeah. I know it has something to do with the lens, but I need more.
Speaker 2:Think of it this way.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think of it like the pupil in your eye.
Speaker 1:K.
Speaker 2:Aperture is literally an opening in the lens, and it controls how much light reaches your camera sensor.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:Wider opening.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:More light floods Got it. Narrower opening. You're letting in just a sliver.
Speaker 1:Okay. So just like our pupils adjust to bright or dim lighting
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:The aperture does the same for the camera.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. Yeah. But I'm looking at my lens, and I see all these numbers.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Are those the aperture settings?
Speaker 2:Those are your f stops.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:They tell you how wide or narrow that opening is. Okay. And here's where it gets a little tricky.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Smaller f stop numbers like f 2.8 Uh-huh. Mean a wider aperture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Larger numbers like f 22
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Mean a smaller aperture.
Speaker 1:Wait. Why is it backwards like that?
Speaker 2:I know. Right?
Speaker 1:It seems like it should be the other way around.
Speaker 2:It's very counterintuitive.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's all based on the math behind how f stops are calculated. Oh. It has to do with the focal length of the lens Uh-huh. Divided by the diameter of the aperture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:But, honestly, you don't need to get bogged down in the calculations.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Just remember
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Smaller f stop, more light.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Larger f stop
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Less light.
Speaker 1:Okay. I can handle that. Good. So aside from controlling light Yeah. What else can I do with aperture?
Speaker 1:Yeah. I've heard photographers talk about depth of field, and I think it's connected?
Speaker 2:Yes. You're absolutely right.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Depth of field or DOF
Speaker 1:DOF. Okay.
Speaker 2:Is simply the area of sharpness in your image.
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:It's that magical zone where things are in focus.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And guess what? What? Aperture is the key to controlling it.
Speaker 1:Oh, This is where it gets exciting. It is. So how does aperture affect depth of field?
Speaker 2:Okay. So a wide aperture, like f 2.8, will give you a shallow depth of field.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:This means only a small portion of your picture will be in sharp focus while the rest blurs out beautifully.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:It's that dreamy effect you see in portraits where the background fades away and your subject really pops.
Speaker 1:So that's how they do that.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:It always seems so professional.
Speaker 2:Get that.
Speaker 1:I definitely tried to recreate that with my phone camera, but Sure. Never quite works.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Well, phone cameras are getting better and better at simulating this.
Speaker 1:They are.
Speaker 2:But a true camera lens gives you much more control and precision.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Now imagine you're shooting a vast landscape
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And you want everything crisp and clear from the wildflowers in the foreground
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:To the mountains in the distance.
Speaker 1:I've always wondered how they get those super sharp landscape shots.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's amazing.
Speaker 2:So that's where a narrow aperture like f 16 or f 22 comes in. Correct. It gives you a deep depth of field ensuring that everything from front to back Yeah. Is in focus.
Speaker 1:Wow. So I can go from blurry backgrounds to tack sharp landscapes
Speaker 2:Yeah. You can.
Speaker 1:Just by adjusting the aperture.
Speaker 2:You got it.
Speaker 1:This one setting is so powerful.
Speaker 2:It really is.
Speaker 1:It really is.
Speaker 2:And here's the cool part.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Depth of field isn't just a technical thing. Uh-huh. It's a creative tool.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You can use it to draw the viewer's eye. Oh. Tell a story or evoke a certain mood in your photographs.
Speaker 1:I'm starting to see how much thought goes into each photo. Yeah. It's like painting with light.
Speaker 2:That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1:So if I wanna get creative with depth of field, what should I keep in mind?
Speaker 2:Well, let's say you're shooting a portrait and you want that classic blurred background.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You choose a wide aperture.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But what if you're photographing a group of people and you want everyone in focus?
Speaker 1:Good question. Then I'd need a narrower aperture. Right?
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:To make sure everyone is sharp.
Speaker 2:You're getting it.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Now imagine you're taking a picture of a flower in a field.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You could use a wide aperture to blur the background and make the flower stand out.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Or you could use a narrow aperture to show the flower in context with its surroundings, keeping everything in focus.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It all depends on the story you wanna tell.
Speaker 1:Wow. I never realized how much aperture could impact the mood of a photograph. Yeah. It's more than just technical settings.
Speaker 2:For sure.
Speaker 1:It's about making artistic choices.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:That's what makes photography so fascinating. Yeah. Now let's talk about something else that can dramatically affect your photos.
Speaker 2:Light. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Well, yeah, I know you need light to take a photo. Right. But how does that tie in with aperture?
Speaker 2:Okay. So remember, aperture controls how much light enters your camera.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So naturally, it plays a big role in how your camera handles different lighting conditions.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Let's say you're shooting on a bright sunny day.
Speaker 1:Lots of light.
Speaker 2:Lots of light.
Speaker 1:I bet you'd need a smaller aperture then to prevent the photo from being overexposed.
Speaker 2:That's right. You'd wanna use a narrower aperture to restrict the amount of light coming in.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:But what if you're shooting indoors in a dimly lit room?
Speaker 1:I'd probably need a wider aperture to let in as much light as possible, wouldn't I?
Speaker 2:Exactly. A wider aperture is your best friend in low light situations.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It allows you to capture more of that precious light resulting in a brighter image.
Speaker 1:Okay. This is starting to make a lot of sense. Good. But hold on. Aren't there other things that affect how bright or dark a photo is?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I've heard about something called ISO.
Speaker 2:Yes. You're right on track.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:We can't talk about aperture without mentioning ISO and shutter speed. Okay. These three elements work together to form what's called the exposure triangle.
Speaker 1:The exposure triangle. That sounds intriguing.
Speaker 2:It's very important.
Speaker 1:Okay. So
Speaker 2:think of it this way. Aperture's like the window controlling how much light enters your camera.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Shutter speed is how long that window stays open.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And ISO is your camera's sensitivity to light. Gotcha. By adjusting these three settings, you can control the overall exposure of your image.
Speaker 1:So it's like a balancing act. Yes. If I change one setting, it affects the others.
Speaker 2:Precisely.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So let's go back to that low light scenario.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You've opened up your aperture to let in more light. Right. But what if the photo is still too dark?
Speaker 1:Yeah. And that happens.
Speaker 2:You have 2 options.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You can either slow down the shutter speed, giving the sensor more time to collect
Speaker 1:light. Okay. That makes sense.
Speaker 2:But
Speaker 1:But isn't there a risk of blur if I use a slower shutter speed?
Speaker 2:There is. That's the trade off.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:A slower shutter speed can lead to blurry images if your subject is moving or if you're not holding the camera steady. Yeah.
Speaker 1:That's why tripods are so handy in low light.
Speaker 2:Right. So I can either use a tripod or you said there was another option.
Speaker 1:Yes. You can increase the ISO.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Remember, ISO is your camera's sensitivity to light.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:A higher ISO setting makes the sensor more sensitive, allowing you to capture brighter images even in challenging lighting.
Speaker 2:So I could crank up the ISO instead of using a slower shutter speed?
Speaker 1:That's right.
Speaker 2:But doesn't a high ISO cause noise or grain in the photo?
Speaker 1:It can. Yeah. That's the trade off with ISO.
Speaker 2:So many trade offs.
Speaker 1:It's like turning up the volume on a microphone. You'll hear the sound louder.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But you'll also hear more background hiss and static.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Similarly, a high ISO can introduce noise into your images, especially in the darker areas.
Speaker 2:Wow. This exposure triangle is a lot to keep in mind.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:I'm trying to see why photography can be so challenging.
Speaker 1:It's a constant balancing act. But once you understand how these three elements work together, you'll have much more creative control over your photos.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah. And
Speaker 1:that's where the real fun begins. Okay. So we've got aperture shutter speed and ISO all working together to create the perfect exposure.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:But what about the lens itself? Yeah. Don't different lenses have different aperture capabilities?
Speaker 2:Excellent question. You're right.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Lenses can vary significantly in their maximum aperture, meaning the widest aperture they can achieve.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And this can make a big difference in your photography, especially in low light situations.
Speaker 1:I've heard photographers talk about fast lenses.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And I think it has something to do with aperture.
Speaker 2:It does.
Speaker 1:Can you explain what that means?
Speaker 2:So fast lenses are lenses with wide maximum apertures, typically f 2.8 or wider. Okay. These lenses are called FAST because they allow you to shoot at faster shutter speeds in low light.
Speaker 1:So if I'm shooting a concert or a dimly lit event, a fast lens would be a huge advantage.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. They excel in low light conditions.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And they're also great for creating those beautiful blurry backgrounds because of their ability to achieve a shallow depth of field.
Speaker 1:Wow. So much to consider when choosing a lens.
Speaker 2:It is. But remember, the best lens for you depends on your shooting style and the type of photography you enjoy. Oh. Now speaking of lenses, have you ever heard of prime lenses?
Speaker 1:Prime prime lenses vaguely.
Speaker 2:Vaguely.
Speaker 1:Those ones that don't zoom?
Speaker 2:You got it. Okay. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning you can't zoom in or out. Right. But what they lack in versatility, they often make up for in other areas.
Speaker 1:Like what?
Speaker 2:Well, prime lenses are often sharper and have wider maximum aperture as compared to zoom lenses.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:This makes them excellent for low light photography and achieving that shallow depth of field we talked about earlier.
Speaker 1:Interesting. So if I'm willing to sacrifice the zoom capability, I could get a prime lens that excels in low light and creates those amazing blurry backgrounds.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's a trade off, but many photographers swear by prime lenses for their image quality and creative potential.
Speaker 1:This is making me rethink my entire lens collection.
Speaker 2:I know. Right?
Speaker 1:Now before we move on, you mentioned something earlier about bokeh.
Speaker 2:Oh, yes.
Speaker 1:It sounded almost musical.
Speaker 2:It does have a nice ring to it.
Speaker 1:Yeah. What exactly is bokeh, and how does it relate to aperture?
Speaker 2:Okay. So bokeh, it's one of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of photography.
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:It's the quality of the blur in the out of focus areas of an image, particularly those dreamy rounded highlights you often see in portraits or close-up shots.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's not just any blur. It's the quality of the blur that makes it bokeh.
Speaker 2:Precisely. Yeah. And you know what plays a huge role in the look and feel of bokeh? What? Aperture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:A wider aperture like f1.4 or f2 will generally produce more pronounced and pleasing bokeh compared to a narrower aperture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's all about that creamy, dreamy background blur.
Speaker 1:So when I'm scrolling through Instagram and see those stunning photos Mhmm. With the soft blurred backgrounds Yes. That's bokeh. And I can create that by using a wide aperture.
Speaker 2:You got it.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:And you know there's more to bokeh than just aperture.
Speaker 1:Oh, really?
Speaker 2:The design of the lens, the shape of the aperture blades, even the distance between your subject and the background all contribute to the overall look of bokeh.
Speaker 1:This is incredible. Who knew there was so much depth to a simple hole in a lens?
Speaker 2:That's the beauty of photography. It's a world of endless possibilities and creative exploration.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And just when you think you've got it all figured out, there's always something new to learn.
Speaker 1:Well, I'm definitely feeling inspired to go out and experiment with all these newfound aperture techniques.
Speaker 2:Good.
Speaker 1:But before I do, there's one more term I wanna clarify. Okay. Diffraction.
Speaker 2:Diffraction. Yes.
Speaker 1:You mentioned it earlier, but I'm still not quite sure what it is.
Speaker 2:Okay. So diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when light waves bend as they pass through a narrow opening. Mhmm. In photography, this happens when you use a very small aperture like f 22.
Speaker 1:K.
Speaker 2:While a narrow aperture gives you that great depth of field keeping everything in focus, there's a trade off.
Speaker 1:A trade off. What do you mean?
Speaker 2:Well, diffraction can cause a slight softening or loss of sharpness in your image, especially in the fine details.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's a subtle effect, but it's something to be aware of when you're aiming for maximum sharpness throughout the scene.
Speaker 1:So while a narrow aperture is great for keeping everything in focus
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It might sacrifice a little bit of overall sharpness due to diffraction.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's all about finding the right balance for each situation.
Speaker 1:Okay. I'm starting to feel like a real photographer now, analyzing all these nuances and making informed decisions.
Speaker 2:That's the spirit.
Speaker 1:So do you have any other tips for controlling aperture?
Speaker 2:Yeah. I think I'm ready to move beyond the theory
Speaker 1:Okay. Great.
Speaker 2:And get into the actual practice of using aperture.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That's the fun part.
Speaker 2:That's what it's all about. Right?
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:So do you have any other tips for controlling aperture?
Speaker 1:Most cameras make it pretty straightforward.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:You'll usually find a dedicated dial or control wheel
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Labeled with those f stop numbers we discussed.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Sometimes it's on the lens itself, sometimes on the camera body.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Just check your camera's manual to be sure.
Speaker 2:Okay. So if I wanna create that dreamy blurred background effect, I just turn the dial towards the smaller f stop numbers Yeah. Like f2.8 or f4.
Speaker 1:You got okay. And if I'm aiming for a landscape with everything in sharp focus, you'd rotate it towards the larger f stop numbers like f 16 or f 22.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:Easy peasy.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Now what about shooting modes?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I've heard photographers talk about aperture priority mode.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:What's the deal with that?
Speaker 2:So aperture priority is a fantastic way to start taking control of your aperture without getting overwhelmed.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:You simply set the desired aperture, and the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to give you a proper exposure.
Speaker 1:So there's, like, a semiautomatic mode where I get to make the creative decisions about aperture.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And the camera handles the technical stuff.
Speaker 2:Yes. It frees you up to focus on composition
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Depth of field, and the overall look and feel of your image.
Speaker 1:That sounds perfect.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's a great starting point.
Speaker 1:Okay. Let's say I'm taking a portrait of my friend.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And I want that blurred background.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:I'd set my camera to aperture priority mode.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:Choose a wide aperture like f2.8. Yep. Make sure my friend's eyes are in focus and click.
Speaker 2:That's it. And you'll probably notice that the camera selects a faster shutter speed to compensate for all that light pouring in through that wide aperture.
Speaker 1:This is making so much sense now. Good. Can't wait to go out and try it.
Speaker 2:Awesome.
Speaker 1:Any final words of wisdom?
Speaker 2:Final words of wisdom.
Speaker 1:Before we wrap up our aperture adventure
Speaker 2:Remember, photography is a journey of exploration.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Don't be afraid to experiment.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Shoot the same scene at different apertures and see how it changes the mood and feel of the photo. Play with depth of field. Yeah. Embrace the challenge.
Speaker 1:That's great advice. I think the biggest takeaway for me is that aperture isn't just a technical setting. It's a powerful tool for storytelling.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. By understanding Aperture and using it creatively, you can transform ordinary snapshots into compelling photographs that capture attention and evoke emotion.
Speaker 1:Well said. This deep dive into Aperture has been truly eye opening. I feel like I've unlocked a whole new level of creative control.
Speaker 2:That's great to hear.
Speaker 1:So to everyone listening, grab your cameras out there and start experimenting with aperture.
Speaker 2:Have fun.
Speaker 1:See what happens when you play with depth of field light and shadow. Discover the magic of bokeh, and most importantly, have fun capturing the world through your unique lens. Until next time, when we'll dive into another letter in our photography a to z series, happy shooting.