If you’re just starting out learning photography, then you’ve probably noticed that photographers have a language all their own. Camera aperture is just one of those common photography terms that gets used a lot without much explanation.  No need to worry though, as this article will give you a great and clear guide to understanding aperture.  Here is a breakdown on what aperture is, how it works, and why you want to use it:

Camera Aperture Explained

In simple terms, camera aperture is the opening in your lens that lets light come into contact with your film (or digital sensors). The opening can be changed using your camera’s F stop or if you have a digital camera you can change it using the manual settings.  Some digital cameras even have a fixed aperture mode that lets you pick the aperture and the camera automatically figures out the other settings.

Aperture is measured in “F” numbers and is usually represented on your camera in abbreviations such as F8, F/8 or some variation in between. As the F value increases in number, the amount of light allowed into the camera decreases. For instance, an F value of 1/4 would be considered wide-open, while 1/22 would be pretty much as closed as possible.

What Does the Aperture Really Do

Camera aperture has a dramatic impact on the final prints of your photographs. A closed aperture will let in very little light into the camera, which will give you the chance to expose the film (or digital sensor) for a longer period of time. Adjusting the F value is a great way to use slow shutter speeds and long exposures without overexposing your film into oblivion.

Aperture also gives you the opportunity to react quickly to changes in lighting.  If you’re photographing in a bright environment, a high F stop (very closed aperture) will give you the chance to use slower shutter speeds. In contrast, when shooting in a low-light environment, opening up the aperture to a very low F value will provide you with greater flexibility in capturing your image and may even save you from requiring a flash.

When is a Good Time to Change the Aperture?

You don’t have to manipulate your camera aperture.  Many SLRs adjust the aperture automatically to great success making it easy not to worry about it. However, if you want more direct control over the depth of field in your image then you can manually adjust the camera’s aperture. An open aperture (low f stop) will give you very little depth of field (subjects close to the camera will be clear while the background is blurry) and a closed aperture will make everything in your photograph seem more detailed.

Knowing when and how to adjust your aperture is a powerful tool in any photographer’s bag of tricks. One great way to see how it affects your images is to shoot every photograph twice – once with a low F value and once with a high one. Aperture is a great way to expand your creativity with the simple change of a setting.

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