What is Aperture?

Video Transcript

"Aperture and/or the F-stop, is basically the eye of your camera or your lens. And, it's going to determine how open the eye is and how much light comes through. But, it also controls the depth of field. So, when you're getting ready to take your photographs. You need to think about the amount of light that is out there. But, also the depth of field you want. And, you're aperture is going to help determine both of those things. If you're in a low light situation, you're going to need to open the aperture up to allow more light in. But, at the same time you need to be conscious of what shutter speed you're using. Because, if there's action it can easily get blurry. Now, a high light situation where there is plenty of light. You're going to be able to have the most combinations of aperture F-stop and shutter speed. So, you have more options when there is more light. It's just really important to think of the aperture as the lenses eye. And, the more you open it up the more light is going to come in. But, you also need to understand that the aperture is going to control your depth of field. So, if you want an image with both the foreground and background in focus. You're going to need an aperture that allows you to do so. The best way to learn is just through experiment. So, go out there and take pictures at different aperture settings and see how they affect the light. And, also see how they affect the depth of field. Someone can tell you. But, really if you do it and see it you're going to see the most results. And, understand it the best."