Aperture controls light through the lens with f-stop numbers. A low f-stop (larger opening) brightens low-light settings or creates a blurred background, while a high f-stop (smaller opening) sharpens images in bright light or for detailed landscapes. It’s crucial for exposure control and creative effects, and the video demonstration with an analogue camera simplifies it.

The aperture controls how sharp the foreground and background appear. The smaller the f-number, the more light enters the sensor, making the background more out of focus. In this picture of a python, I set the aperture to f/7.1. The trees in the background are beautifully out of focus because they are much further away from the python, which is my point of focus. By using f/7.1, I ensured the entire python is in focus.

You must also learn about Shutter Speed. Join this simple beginner’s photography workshop and start taking great pictures!