Understanding Apertures in Photography
Whether you're capturing moments with a vintage film camera or a modern digital setup, understanding the exposure triangle; aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is fundamental to creating stunning photographs. These three elements work together to control how light interacts with your film or digital camera sensor, ultimately shaping the look and feel of your images. In this guide, we’ll focus on the often-misunderstood role of aperture, exploring not only its impact on exposure but also how it influences depth of field and the creative potential of your photography. While many tutorials emphasize aperture’s effect on brightness, we’ll dive deeper into how it shapes the area in focus, offering practical tips to elevate your skills, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer.
In this video, I discuss aperture and how it affects depth of field in your photography.
Whether you're capturing moments with a vintage film camera or a modern digital setup, understanding the exposure triangle; aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is fundamental to creating stunning photographs. These three elements work together to control how light interacts with your film or digital camera sensor, ultimately shaping the look and feel of your images. In this guide, we’ll focus on the often-misunderstood role of aperture, exploring not only its impact on exposure but also how it influences depth of field and the creative potential of your photography. While many tutorials emphasize aperture’s effect on brightness, we’ll dive deeper into how it shapes the area in focus, offering practical tips to elevate your skills, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer.
What is the Exposure Triangle?
The exposure triangle is the foundation of photography, balancing three critical settings to achieve a well-exposed image:
Aperture: Controls the size of the lens opening, affecting both the amount of light entering the camera and the depth of field.
Shutter Speed: Determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light, influencing motion blur and brightness.
ISO: Adjusts the sensor’s sensitivity to light, impacting image brightness and noise levels.
Mastering these elements allows you to manipulate light creatively, ensuring your photos are neither too dark nor too bright while achieving the desired artistic effect. Let’s zoom in on aperture, as it’s one of the most powerful tools for controlling both technical and creative aspects of your images.
Aperture refers to the adjustable opening in your lens through which light/photons pass to reach the the film or scamera sensor. It’s measured in f-stops (f/1.4, f/2.8, f/8, f/11, f/16), where lower numbers indicate a larger opening and higher numbers indicate a smaller one. Aperture plays a dual role: it regulates the amount of light in your exposure and controls the depth of field, which determines how much of your image is in sharp focus.
A smaller number but larger opening aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8) allows more light to enter, brightening your image, which is ideal for low light situations like indoor portraits or night photography. Conversely, a higher number but smaller aperture (e.g., f/11 or f/16) lets in less light, making it suitable for bright environments, such as outdoor landscapes on a sunny day. Balancing aperture with shutter speed and ISO ensures your image achieves the desired brightness without over or underexposure.
While aperture’s effect on exposure is widely discussed, its influence on depth of field is equally important and often not mentioned. Depth of field (DoF) refers to the range within your image that appears sharp and in focus. Aperture settings directly control this range, allowing you to create everything from dreamy, blurred backgrounds to crisp, detailed scenes.
Wide Aperture (Low f-stop, e.g., f/1.4 or f/2.8): A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field, where only a small portion of the image is in focus, and the background blurs into a creamy bokeh. This is perfect for portrait photography, where you want to isolate your subject from the background, or for macro photography, emphasizing fine details. For example, with a 50mm lens set to f/2.8, the depth of field might be just a few inches when focusing on a subject a few feet away, making the subject’s eyes sharp while the background melts into beautiful bokeh.
Narrow Aperture (High f-stop, e.g., f/11 or f/16): A smaller aperture increases the depth of field, bringing more of the scene into focus. This is ideal for landscape photography, where you want both the foreground and distant mountains to be sharp, or for group shots, where everyone needs to be in focus. However, smaller apertures require more light or adjustments to shutter speed and ISO to maintain proper exposure.
While aperture is the primary driver of depth of field, other factors also play a role:
Focal Length: Longer lenses (e.g., 85mm or 200mm) produce a shallower depth of field compared to shorter lenses (e.g., 24mm or 35mm) at the same aperture. For instance, a 50mm lens at f/2.8 will have a narrower depth of field than a 24mm lens at f/2.8.
Subject Distance: The closer your subject is to the camera, the shallower the depth of field becomes. For example, photographing a flower a few inches away at f/2.8 will result in a very narrow focus plane, while the same aperture used for a subject 10 feet away will yield a slightly deeper focus area.
Lens Design: Different lenses have unique optical characteristics that affect depth of field. Prime lenses with wide maximum apertures (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) are prized for their ability to create dramatic bokeh, while zoom lenses may offer more flexibility but less pronounced background blur.
Practical Tips for Using Aperture Creatively
Experiment with Portraits: Try shooting a portrait at f/1.8 to create a beautifully blurred background that makes your subject pop. Then, switch to f/8 and notice how more of the background comes into focus. Compare the results to understand aperture’s creative impact.
Master Landscape Photography: For sweeping vistas, use a narrow aperture like f/11 or f/16 to ensure both foreground and background details are sharp. Use a tripod if the smaller aperture requires a slower shutter speed to avoid camera shake.
Control Light in Low-Light Settings: In dim environments, a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or lower) can help you capture well-exposed images without relying heavily on high ISO settings, which can introduce noise.
Understand Your Lens: Not all lenses perform equally at every aperture. Some lenses are sharpest at mid-range apertures (e.g., f/5.6 or f/8), while others excel wide open. Test your lens to find its “sweet spot” for optimal sharpness and clarity.
Balance the Exposure Triangle: Adjusting aperture affects the other elements of the exposure triangle. For example, using a wide aperture in bright light may require a faster shutter speed or lower ISO to prevent overexposure. Practice balancing these settings to achieve your desired look.
Mastering aperture is a game-changer for photographers, whether you’re shooting on a vintage film camera or a cutting-edge digital model. By understanding how aperture affects both exposure and depth of field, you can make intentional choices to bring your creative vision to life. Experiment with different f-stops, observe how they transform your images, and practice balancing aperture with shutter speed and ISO. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of how to use the exposure triangle to capture the perfect shot in any scenario.
For a hands-on demonstration, check out our accompanying instructional video, where we break down aperture settings using a 50mm lens and show real-world examples of how f/2.8 versus f/11 changes your images. Start experimenting today, and watch your photography skills soar!
Desert Road
This photograph captures a striking, timeless scene, rendered in evocative black and white through the lens of a Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta, a classic medium-format camera renowned for its exceptional optical quality and mechanical precision. This image transports the viewer to a vast, open desert landscape, where a lone road stretches endlessly toward the horizon, flanked by rugged terrain and a dramatic mesa rising on the left. The monochromatic palette enhances the stark beauty of the scene, emphasizing contrasts between the smooth asphalt, the textured earth, and the towering rock formation under a sky dotted with scattered clouds.
This photograph captures a striking, timeless scene, rendered in evocative black and white through the lens of a Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta, a classic medium-format camera renowned for its exceptional optical quality and mechanical precision. This image transports the viewer to a vast, open desert landscape, where a lone road stretches endlessly toward the horizon, flanked by rugged terrain and a dramatic mesa rising on the left. The monochromatic palette enhances the stark beauty of the scene, emphasizing contrasts between the smooth asphalt, the textured earth, and the towering rock formation under a sky dotted with scattered clouds.
The Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta, manufactured in the mid-20th century, is renowned for its Tessar lens, which imparts sharp clarity and a profound tonal spectrum—qualities distinctly evident in this photograph. The selection of black-and-white film harmoniously complements the camera’s capabilities, eliminating color to emphasize form, shadow, and light. The image likely utilizes a slow film, Kentmere100, capturing minute grain and intense contrast, which accentuates the ruggedness of the desert and the gentle curvature of the road. The composition, with the road guiding the viewer’s gaze into the distance, evokes a sense of journey or solitude, a recurring theme in desert photography. The slight tilt of the horizon imparts a dynamic, almost cinematic quality.
The scene itself evokes the American Southwest, with its arid expanses and iconic geological features. The mesa, a flat-topped hill with steep sides, stands as a silent sentinel, its layers of erosion telling a story of millennia. The road, perfectly centered, cuts through the wilderness like a lifeline, hinting at human presence in an otherwise untouched natural world. Sparse vegetation and scattered shrubs dot the landscape, their muted tones blending into the grayscale, while the sky above offers a sense of vastness and freedom, tempered by the soft, drifting clouds.
The Zeiss Ikon’s ability to handle such lighting conditions, with its precise aperture and shutter controls, likely contributed to the image’s balanced exposure, where no detail is lost in the highlights or shadows. The black-and-white format also lends a nostalgic quality, reminiscent of classic road trip photographs from the mid-20th century, when the Super Ikonta was a favored tool among serious amateurs and professionals alike.
The emotional resonance of the image lies in its simplicity and isolation. The empty road invites contemplation—where does it lead? What stories have passed along this path? The mesa, with its imposing presence, adds a sense of permanence, contrasting with the transient nature of the journey. For photographers and enthusiasts, this image serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of film photography, where the deliberate process of shooting with a camera like the Super Ikonta fosters a deeper connection to the subject.
In today’s digital age, this photograph stands out as a reminder of the artistry involved in traditional photography. The Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta, with its manual focus and rangefinder system, required skill and patience, qualities that shine through in the meticulous framing and exposure of this desert scene. It’s a powerful blend of technology and nature, capturing a moment that feels both eternal and fleeting.
Barren Expanse
The photograph captures the awe-inspiring expanse of the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that has captivated millions. Taken in striking black and white with a Voigtlander Vito IIa on Kentmere100, the photograph emphasizes the dramatic contrasts and textures of the canyon’s layered rock formations. The absence of color draws attention to the intricate details of the canyon walls, revealing the subtle variations in the rock layers that tell a story of ancient geological processes.
The photograph captures the awe-inspiring expanse of the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that has captivated millions. Taken in striking black and white with a Voigtlander Vito IIa on Kentmere100, the photograph emphasizes the dramatic contrasts and textures of the canyon’s layered rock formations. The absence of color draws attention to the intricate details of the canyon walls, revealing the subtle variations in the rock layers that tell a story of ancient geological processes.
In the foreground, a barren tree with twisted, leafless branches frames the scene, adding a touch of stark elegance and a hint of the harsh desert environment that defines this region. The tree's silhouette against the vast canyon and the cloudy sky creates a poignant contrast, symbolizing both resilience and the passage of time. The clouds themselves add depth to the image, casting soft shadows over the rugged terrain and enhancing the sense of scale and majesty that the Grand Canyon embodies.
Situated in Arizona, United States, the Grand Canyon stands as one of the most renowned and iconic landscapes globally. With a length spanning approximately 277 miles, a width reaching up to 18 miles, and a depth exceeding a mile, this natural marvel was sculpted by the Colorado River over an estimated six million years. Notably, the canyon’s rocks possess a geological history dating back nearly two billion years, providing a profound glimpse into Earth’s ancient past. The canyon’s vibrant layers, ranging from the dark Vishnu Schist at its base to the lighter Kaibab Limestone at its rim, collectively constitute a comprehensive record of ancient oceans, deserts, and tectonic upheavals.
The Grand Canyon is not only a visual spectacle but also a place of cultural and ecological importance. It has been home to Native American tribes, including the Havasupai and Hopi, for thousands of years, and their histories are woven into the land. Today, it is protected as a national park, attracting millions of visitors who come to hike, raft, or simply gaze in wonder at its grandeur. The canyon's diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, from bighorn sheep to the elusive California condor, adding to its rich tapestry of life.
This image serves as a powerful reminder of nature's ability to shape the world over eons, offering a moment of reflection on our place within such vastness. Whether viewed as a geological masterpiece or a spiritual haven, the Grand Canyon continues to inspire and humble all who encounter it. I know that I was humbled by its beauty and grandeur.
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Grandiose Majesty
Taken in May of 2025, this striking black and white photograph captures the awe-inspiring grandiose majesty of the Grand Canyon in a way that feels both timeless and haunting. The image centers on a solitary, gnarled tree standing defiantly on the canyon's edge, its twisted branches reaching out to the harsh Arizona sun against the vast, rugged landscape. The tree, weathered by years of harsh desert conditions, serves as a poignant symbol of resilience amidst the canyon's unrelenting expanse.
The Grand Canyon itself is the true star of this composition, its layered rock formations stretching into the distance, carved over millions of years by the relentless force of the Colorado River. The photograph's perspective highlights the dramatic depth and scale of the canyon, with sheer cliffs dropping away into shadowy depths, revealing the geological history etched into every stratum. This natural wonder is a testament to the power of erosion and time, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its breathtaking vistas. I know that I stood there in awe.
This image evokes a sense of solitude and contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the vastness of nature and humanity's small place within it. The Grand Canyon's iconic status is reinforced here, not just as a scenic marvel but as a living record of Earth's ancient past. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply an admirer of natural beauty, this photograph encapsulates the raw, untamed spirit of one of the world's most remarkable landmarks. #GrandCanyon #Photography #Nature #BlackAndWhite #Landscape
Enduring Landscape
This black and white photograph captures a timeless scene of resilience and simplicity. An old, weathered grain drill stands proudly in the foreground, its large wheels and sturdy frame a testament to the hard work of generations past. Beyond it, the rugged landscape unfolds—rolling hills and a dramatic, rocky bluff rise against a vast sky, where clouds drift lazily, casting soft shadows over the earth.
There is a quiet strength in this image, a reminder of the enduring connection between humanity and the land. The grain drill, though aged, symbolizes the determination to cultivate and create, even in the harshest conditions. The landscape, with its untamed beauty, whispers of perseverance—nature’s unyielding spirit mirrored in the tools we have built to work alongside it.
This black and white photograph captures a timeless scene of resilience and simplicity. An old, weathered grain drill stands proudly in the foreground, its large wheels and sturdy frame a testament to the hard work of generations past. Beyond it, the rugged landscape unfolds—rolling hills and a dramatic, rocky bluff rise against a vast sky, where clouds drift lazily, casting soft shadows over the earth.
There is a quiet strength in this image, a reminder of the enduring connection between humanity and the land. The grain drill, though aged, symbolizes the determination to cultivate and create, even in the harshest conditions. The landscape, with its untamed beauty, whispers of perseverance—nature’s unyielding spirit mirrored in the tools we have built to work alongside it.
Over the years, I have captured several photographs that I aspire to display on my wall. While not all of my photographs, whether film or digital, resonate with me, this particular one stands out. It exudes a profound sense of endurance and an unwavering determination to never give up.
The camera, akin to the antiquated grain drill depicted in the photograph, exhibits simplicity yet functionality. Contrary to the notion that substantial investment in specialized equipment is prerequisite for capturing photographs that resonate with an audience, this image was captured using a Proud Chrome Six, an inexpensive camera I acquired from a camera lot a few months ago and captured on Kentmere100, a somewhat inexpensive medium format film.
Photographers, including myself, often prioritize acquiring the most advanced equipment. However, the true essence of photography lies not in the gear itself, but in the subjective experience of the photographer. It is the unique perspective, emotions, and composition that transform a simple image into an extraordinary capture. This realization holds profound significance for individuals with visual impairments, as it emphasizes the power of perception and the human spirit in creating remarkable art.
The Vermillion Cliffs
The Vermilion Cliffs, located in northern Arizona near the Utah border, are a geological masterpiece that captivate with their vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes. Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, the second step of five, this 294,000-acre national monument, established in 2000, showcases towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and intricate rock patterns that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion and geological activity.
The Vermilion Cliffs, located in northern Arizona near the Utah border, are a geological masterpiece that captivate with their vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes. Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, the second step of five, this 294,000-acre national monument, established in 2000, showcases towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and intricate rock patterns that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion and geological activity.
The Cliffs embody raw, untamed beauty, blending geological grandeur with a serene, almost spiritual calm. Their vibrant colors, sculpted forms, and vast scale remind visitors of nature’s power and artistry. Whether viewed from a distance or explored up close, the cliffs leave an indelible impression—a testament to the timeless beauty of Arizona’s wild heart.
I’m sure my beautiful wife could talk extensively about it in scientific terms, diving into the geological forces that shaped these wonders, but for me, it’s all about capturing nature’s beauty. The cliffs do not disappoint! Standing before these towering formations, you feel the weight of time in every curve and hue—reds that blaze at sunrise, purples that deepen at dusk, and textures that beg to be framed. Every angle is a new story, a new moment of awe.
This shot was taken with the legendary #Zeiss #Ikon #SuperIkonta 531/2 on #Kentmere100 #blackandwhite #film, developed in #510Pyro. The monochromatic tones bring out the cliffs’ raw textures, from the smooth undulations of The Wave to the jagged edges of Paria Canyon. There’s something magical about shooting film here—it forces you to slow down, to truly see the landscape, to wait for that perfect interplay of light and shadow. The Vermilion Cliffs demand patience, but they reward it tenfold with views that feel like they belong to another world.
If you’ve ever been to the cliffs or dreamed of visiting, share your stories! What’s your favorite way to capture nature’s beauty? #VermilionCliffs #ArizonaAdventures #FilmPhotography #NatureLovers
The Ravens Call
I heard him before I saw him—a low, guttural croak that sent a shiver down my spine. Turning, I caught a glimpse of glossy black feathers as the raven landed behind me, its eyes glinting like polished obsidian. With a single, mocking call, it took flight, soaring into the endless blue sky, leaving me alone with the echo of its voice. My grandfather, a lost son of the Cherokee nation, used to speak of the raven as if it were more than a bird—a mysterious shape-shifter, a trickster not to be pursued. His stories, told by firelight, wove a tapestry of awe and caution, his voice low as if the raven might overhear.
To the Cherokee, the raven is a messenger, carrying the voices of ancestors across the veil. The Navajo, too, speak of ravens guiding lost souls, but their tales come with a warning: follow a raven too far, and you may cross into the spirit world, where time unravels and the air hums with voices that linger in your bones. One misstep, and you might never return to the living realm. Grandpa once told of a hunter who chased a raven’s call through a foggy woodland, only to find his shadow walking beside him, no longer tethered to his form. That story stayed with me, a quiet chill in the back of my mind.
The elders say when a raven perches, silent and staring, its gaze heavy with knowing, you must leave an offering—cornmeal, tobacco, a whispered prayer. For the raven does not forget, its memory as long as the rivers that carve the earth. Ignore it, and you risk its wrath. Its wings, they say, can cast a shadow that swallows you whole, drawing you into a realm where light fades and the world feels wrong. My grandfather warned of a woman who scoffed at a raven’s stare, only to vanish into the night, her footprints ending where the bird had perched.
Do I believe these tales? No, not in the way the elders did. I’m a man of reason, more at home with my Sony A7Cii than with spirits and shadows. But standing there, the raven’s croak still ringing in my ears, I felt something—an unease, a pull, like the bird knew more than I ever would. Respect it, I say. Leave it be. Offer a nod to its mystery and walk away. The raven doesn’t need your belief to hold its power; it demands only that you don’t tempt its gaze.
Shot on the Sony A7Cii with a vintage Minolta lens, capturing the fleeting moment that raven pierced the silence. The photograph is raw, like the stories themselves. What do you think? Ever felt a raven’s eyes on you, or heard its call in the quiet? Share your stories below. #Sony #A7Cii #Minolta #Konica #RavenTales
Snowstorm in Payson, AZ
The snowstorm in Payson, Arizona, blankets the landscape in a crisp, white serenity that transforms familiar views into a magical winter wonderland. As delicate flakes swirl around, each unique and short lived, I capture the stillness and quietness of the moment. A snowstorm is like a blanket from heaven, glistening as it spins and falls from heaven, perfection and beauty in motion.
A few weeks ago, we received a few inches of snow in our charming town of Payson, AZ. It was a truly beautiful sight to behold and much badly needed for our parched landscape. In a normal year, we can expect to receive around three feet of snow in a typical winter season, but this time around, we’ve only had the one little storm so far. We all hope and pray that we will receive more snow and moisture in general as the winter progresses. This precipitation not only keeps the fire risks down but also makes life significantly easier and more enjoyable in the high desert environment. Being nestled at 5,000 feet, snow and bone-chilling temperatures are quite the norm during the winters here, creating a winter wonderland that we can't help but appreciate!
As I mentioned earlier, I am originally from the state of South Carolina. Most people tend to assume that we don’t receive any snow there at all, but the truth is that they do get snow from time to time. They typically experience only a few inches each year, but every few years, they are fortunate enough to be graced by a real blizzard. The snow here in Arizona is much lighter and fluffier in comparison, presenting such beauty and perfection as it falls from heaven. It resembles a soft blanket gently settling onto the earth. When it glistens in the rare moments of sunlight, it feels like a precious gift from God and it is.
Luckily, I was off of work the day of the snow and was able to play in it all day. I grabbed my Sony A7Cii, a few lenses, and the Voigtlander Vito IIa and had a blast shooting the snow and nature at the park. The ducks and geese were having a blast waddling around in the snow. As I was capturing the beauty and stillness of the moment, I realized how lucky I was to be able to see such a beautiful scene. I may never see another snow storm, but I am grateful to God that I was able to see this one. We didn’t get that much, and it didn’t hang around long, but it was beautiful while it was here.
