Principles of Exposure: Aperture Control and Value

Exposure: Aperture

Notice in this chart that the wider apertures have a narrow DOF, while the smaller aperture has a larger DOF. Additionally the shutter speed must be sped up or slowed down depending on aperture setting.

Aperture is a mechanical feature on the camera lens that adjusts the amount of light that is let into the camera. The size of the aperture also changes the depth of field range, a term for the area of an image that is in focus. 

A larger aperture will create a narrow depth of field and allow the maximum amount of light in the camera, so a faster shutter speed may be used. This is great for artistic images, street photography, portraiture and still life. The depth of field can be very slim with a wide open aperture resulting in more emphasis on the subject.

A smaller aperture is used when the depth of field must be wider. This also allows a sharper image to be captured because the flatter part of the lens is being used... resulting in less distortion fringing of details. Great for images that need increased detail, landscapes, nature photography, architecture.

When a smaller aperture is being used to control depth of field, adjusting the focus on the lens can change the position of the DOF. You can move the DOF closer or farther away. Many lenses will focus automatically, but you can disable that to adjust the focus yourself.

Our artistic element of the week is "Value". Value refers to the tonal quality of an image, tonal quality is, IMHOP best evaluated through a black and white image. If you shoot in black and white or experiment with black and white conversion with an image editing program, you will learn to see opportunities for good value in b&w photography. Good tonal quality should show as many levels of value as possible, from bright to dark and everything in between.

Key Assignment 2: Aperture and Value

Students, your new assignment is to develop an understanding and demonstrate control of depth of field. Additionally we are focusing on value in photography by shooting black and white imagery.

All elements due in 1 week.

Assignment: 

1- Depth of Field Portraits: Create 2-3 portraits that demonstrate depth of field. Use a wide open aperture setting and look for good backgrounds for your subjects.

Portraits should be:

• Taken with the camera in Portrait orientation
• Show full face in the frame
• Can be taken with creative angles and perspective
• Should show the character of the person
• Be in focus, properly exposed (not too bright or dark) 
• Use Aperture Value (AV) mode to achieve the widest aperture possible with ISO and Shutter Speed on Auto.

2- Near/Far Focus: Arrange 2 people 10 feet apart from each other. Produce 1 image that shows the subject closest to you in focus, then change your focus to show the subject farthest away from you in focus.

Near / Far Process: 

1. Pose two subjects in the frame roughly 15-20 feet apart. 
2. Use the widest aperture possible on your lens.
3. Set the lens to MANUAL focus (switch on side from AF to MF).
4. Roll the focus element to focus on subject in foreground and take a photo.
5. Roll the focus element to focus on subject in background and take a photo.
6. Photo should be properly exposed, not too light or dark.
7. Put both images side-by-side in photoshop before posting.

3- Value/Contrast through B&W: Set your camera to shoot in Black and White only. Take 1 photo each day of the week that captures "value". Look for interesting compositions, light, contrast, patterns. You will need to shoot many images and experiment so you can learn to "see" in B&W value. This is the time to get "artsy" with your photos. Post your best 5 images to your blog.

Notify me when all work is posted and ready for review....

- Mr.W