Photography Basics: Understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO

Photography Basics: Understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO

Photography Is All About Light

At the heart of every photograph is light. Whether you’re shooting with a high-end medium format camera or a vintage 35mm film camera, three core settings—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—determine how your image is exposed. Together, they form the Exposure Triangle, the foundation of photography.

Aperture: Controlling the Lens Opening

Aperture is the adjustable opening in your lens that determines how much light enters the camera.

  • Measured in: f-stops (f/1.8, f/5.6, f/16).
  • Wide aperture (low f-number): More light, shallow depth of field, blurred backgrounds—great for portraits.
  • Narrow aperture (high f-number): Less light, deep depth of field—ideal for landscapes.

Shutter Speed: Freezing or Blurring Motion

Shutter speed is the length of time the shutter stays open.

  • Measured in: Seconds or fractions of a second (1/1000, 1/60, 2").
  • Fast shutter speed: Freezes action (sports, wildlife).
  • Slow shutter speed: Creates motion blur (waterfalls, light trails).

ISO: Adjusting Sensor Sensitivity

ISO controls how sensitive your camera’s sensor is to light.

  • Low ISO (100–200): Crisp, clean images—best in bright conditions.
  • High ISO (800+): Brighter images in low light but may introduce noise (grain).

The Exposure Triangle: Balancing Light

Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together in harmony. Adjusting one requires changes to the others for correct exposure.

  • Example: Shooting in low light? You might open the aperture wider and increase ISO, or use a slower shutter speed with a tripod.

Types of Cameras: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Medium Format Cameras

  • Best for: Commercial, fashion, fine art, and landscape work.
  • Advantages: Larger sensors for superior detail, dynamic range, and tonal depth.

Full-Frame DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

  • Best for: Professionals and advanced hobbyists.
  • Advantages: Great low-light performance, shallow depth of field, versatile lens options.
  • Difference: DSLRs have optical viewfinders; mirrorless have electronic viewfinders and are lighter.

35mm Film Cameras

  • Best for: Classic film look and analog photography enthusiasts.
  • Advantages: Wide variety of film stocks for unique tones and textures.

Rangefinder Cameras

  • Best for: Street and documentary photography.
  • Advantages: Compact, quiet, and precise manual focusing.

APS-C & Micro Four Thirds Cameras (Optional Section)

  • Best for: Beginners and travel photographers.
  • Advantages: Smaller, more affordable, and lighter while still offering interchangeable lenses.

Mastering Light to Master Photography

By understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, you’ll gain full creative control over your images. Whether you’re shooting with a medium format powerhouse or a pocket-sized rangefinder, mastering these elements will elevate your photography to the next level.

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