Aperture and Shutter Speed are two essential terms in photography that greatly impact the quality of your photos. Although often misunderstood and used interchangeably, they are different and play a significant role in the overall effect of your images. Both aperture and shutter speed depend on light and utilize it to enhance the features of photographs.
In order for an image to be captured on film, it needs exposure to light. There are two tools in a camera to control the amount of light reaching the film called shutter and aperture. The shutter blocks all light until you press its button, quickly opening and closing to briefly allow light to enter. You can control the amount of light entering by increasing or decreasing the shutter speed. The light reaches the film after passing through a small opening called aperture. You can control the aperture opening, also known as f-stop. Smaller f-stops mean larger openings, while larger f-stops mean smaller openings.
Key Takeaways
- Shutter speed and aperture are crucial in controlling the amount of light entering the camera.
- Aperture is the small opening allowing light onto the film, while shutter speed is the length of time that the sensor is exposed to light.
- Aperture and shutter speeds are inversely proportional to each other, and you need a balance between the two to achieve desirable results.
