Aperture/F-Stop The aperture is the opening in a camera lens that regulates the amount of light reaching the film. The aperture is adjusted by the F- stop on the lens of the camera.

Aperture

This is another illustration depicting the opening of the aperture corresponding with the f-stop number. Notice, that the larger the f- stop number, the smaller the opening.

Aperture F-stop numbers on lens

Shutter The shutter is a mechanically or electronically controlled device that regulates the length of time light is allowed into the camera for film exposure. It works together with the aperture to control the amount of light to make a correct exposure.

The speed of the shutter is measured in fractions of seconds. The B setting is there for extended exposures. Here you hold down the button and the shutter stays open as long as you keep holding the button. When you let go, the shutter shuts. It is mainly used for night time and low light conditions.

To set the shutter speed on your camera, you set the dial to the desired setting. You only have the bottom part of the fraction but it still means seconds of a fraction. Shutter

This illustration shows how the shutter (like a curtain) moves when the shutter release button (button you push to take a picture) is pushed to take a picture. Depending on how large or small the f-stop is set to and how fast or slow the shutter speed is set at, is what determines how much light is entering the camera.

The Aperture and shutter work together to control the light and controlling the light is what photography is all about. So learn all you can about these two aspects of photography!!!