Body Lens Cap

Body Lens Cap

Photography 101: All About F Stops

Taking pictures and adjusting the settings manually can be intimidating to the new photographer. Veterans of the craft will no doubt remember the first roll of film they ruined by reading the light wrong, or the irreplaceable moments in time lost behind a lens cap. A photographer's job is to be the conductor of a symphony of moving parts, influencing each element to make sure the end result is more than just the sum of the parts.

Without understanding each element of photography, it's impossible to know how they relate as a whole. So let's start our trip into the inner workings of photography with one of the most unfamiliar topics: aperture.

Defining Aperture
Aperture is simply what controls how much light is exposed to your film (or your digital camera’s sensor). It can be opened and closed using the F-Stop on your camera, which is usually a ring located around the lens in between the focus ring and the body of the camera. If you’ve ever looked into someone’s eye as light was shone into it, you have a pretty good idea of what the aperture does – it works just like a pupil.

Most cameras have an F-Stop range of 1.7 or 2.0 to 22 or so; the range of values usually increases with the quality and cost of the camera. You can see your camera's range by looking at the numbers around your lens. Lower F Stops expose the film (or sensor) to more light and are more open, while high F Stops close the aperture and shut out the light.

How Aperture Impacts Images
Using your F-Stop to purposefully manipulate the aperture of your camera will allow you to change the depth of field shown in your photographs. If you're unfamiliar with the term "depth of field" it describes how much of your picture is sharp and how much is blurry. Aperture directly affects the amount of time a frame is exposed. And, the more time the film has to absorb light, the more clarity and depth will come through the final image.

For example, if you were to take a picture of a line of dominos from one end using a low F Stop number (an open aperture) you would likely see one or two dominos clearly and the other dominos as blurry. Open apertures create a shallow depth of field. If you were to take the same photo with a high F Stop (a closed aperture), you would see a lot more dominos down the line.

Fun Aperture Experiments
Once you know how it works, playing with your camera's aperture can be a lot of fun. Here’s a couple of ideas to try the next time you’re out shooting and you want to test it out:

Take every photograph twice – once at a high F-Stop, and once at a low F-Stop.
Challenge yourself to shoot an entire roll at one F-Stop, then switch it up.
Put your camera on full manual and adjust the F-Stop on the fly to adjust for light

Don’t forget to adjust the shutter speed of your camera to allow for more or less light (faster speeds for more light, slower speeds for less), or you may end up with overexposed or underexposed images. Many digital cameras have a fantastic option called "aperture priority mode" which lets you choose an F Stop and will then adjust the shutter speed automatically. It is worth noting that the best conditions for experimenting with aperture are cloudy or overcast days. When faced with low or bright light, your options for F Stop values will become limited.

Of course, the very best way to improve your photography is to never stop shooting. So, get out there and find those photographs!

About the Author

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames.com and loves photography. Your Picture Frames makes it easy for you to find just the perfect frame. See our selection of frames for every occasion like our adorable baby frames and gorgeous wedding picture frames by visiting our picture frame website or calling us at 1-800-780-0699.

Canon Rebel XTi purchase help?

I'm looking to buy the Canon Rebel XTi with the 18-55mm lens kit. Usually this goes for around $900. Now I've recently become aware of the phrase "camera body" but believe it refers to the camera only without the lens. Regardless, I found a seller for $700 but I'm looking to make sure they are selling what I want. if someone more experienced could go over the below quote and mention any red flags I would be much obliged:

"New Retail Box Packaging Includes Full 1 Year Warranty What's in the Box: Canon Rebel XTi Camera Body Canon EF-S 18-55 IS Lens Body cap Dust cap Lens cap Neck strap Manual and CD USB and Video Cables"

Yes, this is the XTi Camera body/lens kit you are looking for. SLR's are sold as Body only, or as kits (contains at least one lens)...I do not see "Battery" in the kit, which you will need, as well as the charger. You will probably want a carrying case as well...but these are often "extras" not included with all kits. Make sure to purchase (about 10.00 or so) a UV filter for the lens (must match the mm diameter of the lens screw on front of lens...that measurement is marked on the lens as a 0 with a slash through it followed by numbers OR on the back of the lens cap. These are available at all camera shops or on line...the UV filter will give you sharper images AND protect the lens from dust...far better to scratch a cheap filter than to ruin a lens!

MASSA 52mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap with Strap for Canon 2 Pcs

Nikon BF-1B SLR Body Cap for Lens Mount
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