Aperture

What is it?

Aperture is essentially the amount of light let into the camera which alters the focus. Aperture is measured in f stops (focal length).

Depth of Field

The depth of field is what’s in focus in front or behind the subject.

Focal length and Focus points

Focal length is the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus. It determines how zoomed in or out your photos will be. Shorter focal lengths (like 18mm) capture wider scenes, while longer ones (like 200mm) bring distant subjects closer.

Focus points are the areas in your frame where the camera can focus. More focus points give you greater flexibility to choose what to keep sharp in your photo. You can select a single point for precise focusing or let the camera choose automatically.

Experimenting with aperture

This is a photo with a high aperture – f/2.8

The photo doesn’t have much in focus – the subject – the plane – is the main thing in focus when the rest of the image is out of focus. The higher aperture in the image means that the lens hole is larger which means it lets more light in so there is a smaller depth of field which means less is in focus.

This is a photo with a medium aperture – f/8

This photo was taken using a medium aperture therefore a decent amount of the photo is in focus. The main subject being the plane is fully in focus and most of the background is in focus, however the pencils and marbles at the front of the image are out of focus.

This is a photo with a low aperture – f/22

This photo was taken using a low aperture – f/22, therefore less light is entering the lens, this allows for more of the image to be in focus and ultimately a more detailed image with the subject, foreground and background in focus. – The whole image in is focus.

Experimenting with aperture on cameras

This photo was taken with a decently high aperture estimate – 4-8 – as the main subject is in focus however the foreground and background are out of focus. This means that more light is entering the lens because the aperture is higher so the lens hole is wider. This image worked well because the image focuses on the subject while disregarding the fore, and background. Which is what i was trying to achieve.

This photo was taken with a low aperture, estimation: f/ 18-22. This is because the lower the aperture, the smaller the lens hole is therefore less light is entering the lens which means more of the image is in focus. Because of this lower aperture, almost all of the image is detailed, including the background as it isn’t as blurred as the image above. This image worked pretty well as both subjects are in focus which is what I wanted, however I think the image could improve if perhaps a slightly higher aperture was used to then blur the background while keeping the subjects in focus.

Artists who have experimented with aperture

Uta Barth

Uta Barth is a contemporary artist known for her innovative exploration of perception and visual experience, particularly through photography. Her work often examines the effects of aperture and depth of field, using these technical aspects to challenge the viewer’s understanding of focus and clarity. Barth frequently employs shallow depth of field, blurring elements of her images to create an ethereal quality that encourages contemplation and invites viewers to engage with the act of seeing itself. By manipulating focus, she highlights the ephemeral nature of perception, making viewers acutely aware of the distinctions between what is seen and what is overlooked.

In her series such as “Ground” and “…the windows,” Barth plays with light, space, and composition to construct an immersive visual environment. The interplay between sharp and blurred elements in her photographs can evoke a sense of memory and intimacy, suggesting that perception is not merely about clarity but also about the feelings and thoughts that accompany our visual experiences. Her work invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and the inherent subjectivity of seeing, making her contributions to the realm of contemporary photography both intellectually rich and visually striking.

Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter was an influential American photographer and painter, best known for his pioneering work in colour photography during the mid-20th century. His images often feature a unique blend of urban landscapes, street scenes, and intimate moments, characterized by a masterful use of depth of field and a keen sensitivity to colour. Leiter frequently employed shallow depth of field to isolate subjects, drawing attention to details that might otherwise go unnoticed. This technique not only enhances the emotional resonance of his work but also reflects the transient nature of city life, inviting viewers to engage with fleeting moments in a dynamic urban environment.

Leiter’s iconic photographs, often taken in New York City, showcase his ability to juxtapose sharp and blurred elements, creating layers of visual intrigue. His compositions are marked by rich colours and reflections, capturing the interplay of light and shadow that define the urban experience. By blurring the boundaries between the foreground and background, Leiter compels viewers to look closer, exploring the poetry found in everyday scenes. His innovative approach to colour and form has left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of photographers and redefining the possibilities of visual storytelling in photography.

Ralph Eugene Meatyard

Ralph Eugene Meatyard was an American photographer renowned for his unique approach to portraiture and his exploration of identity, often employing masks and unconventional settings. His work is characterized by a haunting quality, blending the ordinary with the surreal, and frequently utilizing shallow depth of field to create a dreamlike atmosphere. By focusing on specific details while allowing the background to blur, Meatyard invites viewers to engage with the emotional and psychological layers of his subjects, emphasizing the complexities of human expression and the themes of isolation and alienation.

Meatyard’s photographs often depict family members and friends in eerie, enigmatic settings, where masks serve as both a literal and metaphorical device. This intentional obscuration raises questions about identity and perception, prompting viewers to contemplate the nature of self and the roles we play in society. His masterful use of aperture not only shapes the visual narrative but also enhances the emotional weight of his imagery, reinforcing the sense of mystery and introspection that defines his work. Meatyard’s contributions have had a profound impact on contemporary photography, establishing him as a key figure in the dialogue between art and life.

Ralph Eugene Meatyard and his work with sticks and branches

Ralph Eugene Meatyard was known for his unique approach to photography, especially when he captured images of twigs and branches. He used these natural elements to create mysterious and dreamlike scenes. Instead of focusing on traditional subjects, he made everyday objects look intriguing and artistic. His work often blends the ordinary with a sense of the surreal, inviting viewers to see beauty in simple things.

My work influenced by Meatyard’s Zen twigs

In my photos of twigs and branches, I aimed to capture the beauty and simplicity of nature, inspired by Ralph Eugene Meatyard’s work. I experimented with aperture to control the depth of field. By using a wide aperture, I created a soft background that makes the twigs stand out sharply, adding depth and focus to my images. My goal was to turn these ordinary elements into something intriguing, inviting viewers to see the magic in the everyday.