Aperture

[sharrij]

So, I have been trying to learn about different apperture settings. I have to be honest and say that I could see no difference between all of the different shots with diffferent Ap settings. I think that I've learned, and would love someone to tell me, if you are shooting at a high F number, should you use a tripod? Also, DOF didn't seem to be any different! I'm confused!

[jdepould]

What camera are you using?

[sharrij]

Ooops! Nikon D90

[private]

Look at the background not the subject...do you see a difference now?

[RoyL]

Find a post or something with some tree's in the background ( not close to the post). Get as close to the post as you can focus, open your aperture f3-5.6 or whatever is widest, focus on the post and take a shot. Now close up the aperture to f16 and focus on the post again and shoot. Now when you compare the images the one with the widest aperture should have a blurred background (the tree's) and the other should be in sharp focus right the way into the image.

Some types of photography the DOF is more pronounced, like portrait and macro photography, whereas it may not be as apparent in Landscape photography.

[sharrij]

Thank you...should I use a tripod?

[t blanchard]

What kind of lens are you using? With longer focal length lenses, shallow DOF is more pronounced. I agree with Roy L on finding a tree or something to photograph at different f stops. In fact, I would recommend going out and shooting all kinds of things at wide and small f-stops and comparing the results. Keep in mind how close you are to an object will also affect the DOF. Try photographing something from a foot away at a wide open (small number) f stop and then again from 10 feet away, and so forth.

Also, if your camera has DOF -preview (and I imagine that Nikon does) - then use that each time you shoot until you get used to the results.

Also, shutter speed is more going to determine if you should use a tripod. Of course that is related to your f-stop.

There are some great photography books and resources that explain the interrelation of all of these elements.

Hope this helps some!!!

[private]

You do not have to use a tripod - what shutter speed are you using?

[t blanchard]

Originally Posted by sharrij

Thank you...should I use a tripod?

Using a tripod really depends... what shutter speed are you using?

The general rule of thumb is that the minimum shutter speed where you can hand hold the camera (without a tripod) is related to the focal length of the lens. Choose a shutter speed with a denominator higher than the length of the lens. So if it is a 50mm lens, then you can shoot at 1/60; 200mm then you are safest at 1/250. An image stabilized lens or camera will let you choose a lower shutter speed than that - sometimes 2 or 3 stops.

If you want a slower shutter speed then you will need a tripod.

[sharrij]

Shutter speed...I am really not sure. I know that sounds like a dumb answer, but I thought that if I changed the aperture, the camera adjusted shutter speed and ISO to work with my f number. I did not do a full "manual", just changed the aperture setting. Do I need to change the shutter speed manually? I will get out this weekend and try some of the suggestions! Thank you to everyone who replied. I am a novice at this and plan on taking a class this summer to get me on the right track!