Last week we took a look at creative uses of shutter speed in photography. This week we are examining the other side of exposure, aperture.
Aperture in photography is defined as the open hole through which light travels. How wide we make the opening makes a huge difference in our exposure, and our focal depth of field.
Going “wide open” allows the maximum amount of light to enter the camera, while creating a very shallow depth of field. The affect of a shallow depth of field is that all objects in the scene which are not the focal point will be out of focus. Closing down the aperture keeps little light from entering the camera, but increases our depth of field.
Too often we adjust aperture based on how much light we need to enter the camera. Provided shutter speed is not a concern, for instance in still life photography or any type of photography where the point of interest is not moving, then aperture should be our priority.
Shouldn’t we want maximum depth of field in our photography?
No. The more objects which are in focus, the more distracting the image becomes. Sometimes we want a very shallow depth of field.
For example this beautiful photograph of a slow water drip. The photo is taken with a large open aperture, reducing the depth of field. The focal point is on the center of the drip, while the distracting yet colorful background fades away into a dreamy blur.
The creative effect is a dreamy mix of pinks and blues in the background, allowing our eyes to focus on the subject.
A very shallow depth of field (f2.8) is often desired in sports photography. In this American football stock photo, the sharp focus is on the wide receiver catching the football over the middle, and the defender tackling him from behind.
The players in the background quickly fade into a blur. If they didn’t, the picture would look too busy and our mind would struggle to determine where the most important action was taking place.
The extra benefit in using a wide open aperture in outdoor sports photography is it allows the photographer to use fast shutter speeds without resorting to increases in ISO.
This time let’s examine a case where closing down the aperture (f16 or higher) is a good creative choice.
This photograph of railroad tracks leading toward a setting sun is a classic story telling photo. The photo is taken at ground level, and composition allows us to follow the tracks into the picture. By closing down the aperture, the photographer is able to capture 
the photo in sharp focus from foreground to background.
The effect on the viewer of this stock photograph is a feeling of “You are Here.”
Capturing a photo with a small aperture often means decreasing shutter speed to allow enough light to enter the camera. For this reason it is important to have a tripod handy so we can keep the camera steady.
This photo is beautifully framed and composed. Notice the footprints leading us through the photo, which is in sharp focus from front to back.
As you can see, our choice of aperture should be a creative decision whenever possible. The story we wish to tell, and how much of the scene we deem to be more important, should tell us what aperture we need to consider. I hope these examples inspired you!
How do you use different choices in aperture in your photography?
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