How to Set Shutter Speed and Aperture

Aperture and shutter speed determine the exposure of film to light. They work in conjunction to produce a balanced image. Choosing both the right aperture and shutter speed is essential to taking a good photo.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cameras
• Film
• Light Meter
• Cameras

1. Set the correct film speed on the shutter speed dial on the top left of the camera.

2. Determine the shutter speed and corresponding aperture setting - also known as an f-stop - using a built-in or hand-held light meter. (See "How to Read a Light Meter.")

3. Set the aperture using the aperture ring on the camera lens. Aperture settings indicate the size of the opening in the lens and range from F2 to F22 on the typical camera.

4. Set the shutter speed using the shutter speed dial on top of the camera. Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second and ranges from 1 second to 1/1000 of a second on the average camera.

Tips & Warnings

• Aperture and shutter settings work together and can be used in different combinations to produce the same exposure.
• A smaller f-stop number will result in a shallower depth of field, and less of the background will be in focus.
• With an aperture of F11, the shutter speed on a bright sunny day is typically 1/125 second. Using the same aperture on a cloudy day, set the shutter speed at 1/60 second to expose the film to light for a longer period of time.
• Choose a high shutter speed to capture action.

[mikeb380]

on 10/22/2006 I think the ezpertwasa little off on his directions. The exposure depends on the ISO of the film. With an ISO of 200 on a bright sunny day, set the shutter for 1/ISO or in this case, use
1/200 sec.andin bright sunshine use f16 as a startingpoint. This is the "Kodak Sunny 16 rule".Dependingon the strength of
the light you will have to alter the settings From
this point you can vary the shutter and aperture (f stop) but you have to keep them in balance
I teach classes in basic photography and I have some charts showinghow to do this if I could post them some how. go to http://www.columbiacameraclub.com/ and look for the
forum "The Main Room" on that forum you'll see a topic
"Understanding Apertures" I have an explanation and
charts there to help you see this. You don't need to
be a member of the club to use the site but if you
want to post you have to register on the site.
I hope this helps some of you.
Michael

on 3/20/2006 If you aren't sure what the correct aperture and shutter speeds are, you can use a technique called bracketing. To bracket your shots, choose the shutter speed and aperture that you think is correct, then take a shot with one higher shutter speed, and one lower. Then take one higher aperture, and one lower. That way you give yourself a cushion.