If you want to see the effect of f-stop setting , take the lens off the camera and look at a light source. Now change the f-setting slowly, one click at a time, and watch the aparture open or close. Remember that low numbers equal big opening, high numbers equal small opening.
In your opening flower picture, to increase depth of field (DOF) use a higher aperture setting, then lower your shutter speed to allow the shutter to stay open longer. That way you'll have more of the background in sharp focus.
On the other hand, if you're picture is of a fast moving object like a flying bird, you have to 'freeze' the action by using a faster shutter speed. To compensate for the quick open/shut of the shutter you have to 'open' the aperture to let in more light in the shorter time, therefore use a LOW # f-stop like 1.7 or 2.8 etc.
If your camera has a light meter that is coupled to the shutter speed and lens aparture, look through the viewfinder while moving the aperture ring through it's range of f-settings, watch the setting needle move up and down. Now try changing the shutter speed and watch the needle.
Adjusting the aperture and shutter speed to align with the light meter needle and get a sharp, clear picture is the great balancing act of photography. You have to decide whether your "priority" is shutter speed (freeze the action) or aperture (depth of field).
That's why manual film SLR 35mm cameras are shuch great teaching tools for learning the art of photography.
Film speed ( ASA # ) is also part of this equation, higher ASA # means faster film (less light required), but that's another discussion.
So put in a role of film (ASA 400 is a good all pupose film), have fun and start experimenting. Keep a record each shot you take (ie: lens used, film ASA#, f-stop, shutter speed, ambient light conditions etc.) and soon this will all start to make sense and you'll photography even more (not to mention getting good grades).
I hope this helps, and remember to .... Have fun!!!!
In your opening flower picture, to increase depth of field (DOF) use a higher aperture setting, then lower your shutter speed to allow the shutter to stay open longer. That way you'll have more of the background in sharp focus.
On the other hand, if you're picture is of a fast moving object like a flying bird, you have to 'freeze' the action by using a faster shutter speed. To compensate for the quick open/shut of the shutter you have to 'open' the aperture to let in more light in the shorter time, therefore use a LOW # f-stop like 1.7 or 2.8 etc.
If your camera has a light meter that is coupled to the shutter speed and lens aparture, look through the viewfinder while moving the aperture ring through it's range of f-settings, watch the setting needle move up and down. Now try changing the shutter speed and watch the needle.
Adjusting the aperture and shutter speed to align with the light meter needle and get a sharp, clear picture is the great balancing act of photography. You have to decide whether your "priority" is shutter speed (freeze the action) or aperture (depth of field).
That's why manual film SLR 35mm cameras are shuch great teaching tools for learning the art of photography.
Film speed ( ASA # ) is also part of this equation, higher ASA # means faster film (less light required), but that's another discussion.
So put in a role of film (ASA 400 is a good all pupose film), have fun and start experimenting. Keep a record each shot you take (ie: lens used, film ASA#, f-stop, shutter speed, ambient light conditions etc.) and soon this will all start to make sense and you'll photography even more (not to mention getting good grades).
I hope this helps, and remember to .... Have fun!!!!
, is the flower clear enough? *from what a crappy scanner can do?*
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