Photography — Aperture

Control light. Craft depth. Master focus.

Explore Depth of Field

See how aperture changes focus and exposure in real time.

Shallow depth of field
Shallow depth of field — wide aperture

Quick facts

Aperture size

Lower f-numbers (e.g. f/1.8) = wider opening = more light + shallower depth of field.

Depth of field

Smaller aperture (higher f-number like f/16) increases depth of field — more of the scene is in focus.

Exposure

Aperture is one of the three pillars of exposure. Changing aperture requires compensation with shutter speed or ISO.

Aperture Simulator

Drag the slider to change aperture. The image simulates depth of field (blur) and relative exposure.

Simulated photo
Aperture: f/2.8
f/1.4f/2.8f/5.6f/11f/22

Tip: Lower f-stop = shallower depth of field. Use wide aperture for portraits and small aperture for landscapes.

Learn more

Common f-stops

  • f/1.4 - f/2.8 — great for portraits, low light
  • f/4 - f/5.6 — general-purpose, balanced
  • f/8 - f/16 — landscapes, sharpness across frame

Practice ideas

  1. Shoot the same scene at f/1.8, f/5.6, f/16 — compare background blur and exposure.
  2. Use aperture priority mode (A / Av) to control aperture directly.
  3. Move closer to subject for shallower DOF even at the same aperture.