Aperture settings are one of the most versatile tools in photography, offering both technical and creative possibilities. Understanding how aperture impacts exposure and depth of field is crucial to unlocking its full potential.
Coming to you from Craig Roberts of e6 Vlogs, this insightful video explores the dual role aperture plays in photography. Technically, it controls the amount of light reaching the sensor, balancing the exposure triangle with shutter speed and ISO. Creatively, it influences depth of field, allowing you to highlight your subject or create dramatic effects. Roberts explains how to maximize depth of field by combining a small aperture with a wide angle lens and getting close to your subject. He emphasizes pushing boundaries to see how much detail you can squeeze out of smaller apertures like f/16.
Roberts also challenges conventional advice about avoiding wide apertures or stopping down your lens for the sharpest results when it comes to landscape photography. Instead, he advocates for shooting wide open to explore the creative effects of shallow depth of field. Using a wide aperture isolates a subject, making it stand out against a blurred background. He encourages you to think outside the box and experiment with different lenses, from wide angle to telephoto, to achieve unique results.
Expanding on these ideas, Roberts highlights how aperture influences exposure. He encourages using wide apertures, high ISOs, and faster shutter speeds to shoot in low light or even handheld at night. By underexposing your shots deliberately, you can create moody, high-contrast images where light sources take center stage. Alternatively, overexposing can produce a high-key effect, softening shadows and creating a light, airy feel. Roberts shows how these techniques allow for greater creativity while breaking away from technical norms. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.
