Aperture

Aperture – refers to the camera’s adjustable opening inside the lens that can change diameter to control the amount of light reaching the camera’s sensor. The aperture diameter is expressed in f-stops; the lower the numerical number, the larger the opening. For example, f2 is larger diameter than f8 and will allow in more light. The aperture and the shutter speed together control the total amount of light reaching the sensor and produce the exposure. The aperture choice dictates the amount of Depth of Field – a more open aperture produces less depth of field and vise verse – less open aperture (smaller diameter) such as f16 will create greater (deeper) Depth of Field.