The aperture setting is known as the f-stop. The lowest number f-stop lets the most amount of light reach the image sensor. The next f-stop lets half as much light reach the sensor and so on. You control depth of field with f-stops. When you choose a low f-stop such as f/2.8, more light reaches the image sensor and the depth of field is limited; objects behind your subject and in the foreground are blurry. A low f-stop is ideal for portraits. Notice how your attention is drawn to the model while the background is a colorful blur. When you choose a high f-stop number such as f/16, less light reaches the image sensor and more of your image is in focus, which is desirable when you're shooting a landscape, as shown in the following illustration. Notice how the entire image is sharp, from the tiny blades of grass in the sand to the art deco hotel in the distance.
A high f-stop increases the depth of field.
Capture Images Using Shutter Priority Mode
- Turn the camera mode dial to the shutter priority icon. Many cameras use the abbreviation Tv for shutter priority mode.
- Choose the desired shutter speed. Refer to your camera manual for the control that sets the shutter speed.
- Compose and shoot the picture.
