Simple Photography Exposure Guide

A concise overview of the three primary elements of an exposure. Understanding this will help you get more from your camera and photos!

 DefinitionAffects
Shutter Speed How long the film or sensor is exposed to the light.
Slow Shutter Speed (1/125 sec or longer)
Light is let in for a longer time.
Moving objects may be blurred.
Fast Shutter Speed (1/250 sec or shorter)
Light is let in for a shorter time.
Moving objects frozen.
Aperture How much light is allowed in for a given amount of time.
Wide Aperture (f/4 or lower number)
Lets more light in.
Shallow depth of focus (e.g. blurred background, sharp foreground).
Small Aperture (f/8 or higher number)
Lets less light in.
Deep depth of focus (e.g. sharp foreground and background).
ISO The sensitivity of the film or sensor.
Low ISO (200 or lower)
Lower Sensitivity.
Takes more light to get the "right" exposure.
High ISO (400 or higher)
Higher Sensitivity.
Takes less light to get the "right" exposure.