What is the camera diaphragm for?

By purchasing a high-quality camera, do not stop at the standard settings. In this article, we will describe what a function such as aperture is required for, and how to use its capabilities.

Physically, the camera's diaphragm is the petals that cover the lens and let in a certain amount of light. The better the lens, the more petals are installed on it, and the smoother the blur effect is achieved. We will not tell in words what photos can be obtained, but we will show all clearly.

These photos depict children, and at first glance the photos are almost identical. But on the first image we clearly see the boy in the background, and on the second - the background behind the girl is all blurred. Just note that this is by no means the maximum degree of blurring, and it is impossible to achieve the same effect manually (in Photoshop).

Now let's explain how the camera's aperture was set up in both cases. In the first photo, the diaphragm is closed, so we see the whole picture clearly. On the second photo the diaphragm is more open, because of what the boy is not visible. We have considered this and it is clear to us that with the maximum open aperture we get a blurred background, and with the hole closed, it is clear.

In almost all cases, the aperture on the camera is indicated as "f /" and the figure, which indicates the degree of openness of the gap. At first it will be hard for you to remember all the values, so it's enough to know that the smaller the number, the more the background blurs, and the more - the better the objects in the background are visible. The following picture shows the standard values that are present even in conventional soap boxes. You see how the diaphragm changes depending on the indicators.

Despite the fact that the aperture priority function is also present on compact cameras, it is not possible to achieve a blurred background effect on them. In order to understand the difference, it is enough to try out the mirror and professional cameras. Believe me, the differences in quality will be noticeable to the naked eye. Yes, and the number of functions, settings you will pleasantly amaze. Do not rush to learn everything at once and first figure out each parameter separately, and after that choose the manual mode and link them.

In the photo with the ladybug it is clearly visible that the diaphragm is completely open. Such a picture can be made with any professional equipment, regardless of the brand - Nikon, Canon. The camera, which is important, should be a mirror or professional.

In conclusion, it should be said that the camera's aperture can focus on a particular object, highlighting it and blurring the background. In the photo above with the ladybug, this effect is clearly shown, because you see only an insect, and the rest is not so important. Closed diaphragm of the camera is necessary for pictures of the street, landscapes, crowds, where it is required that all the photos be in focus.

Apparently, not everything is as complicated as it seemed at first, but before you proceed to further study of the art of photography, practice well at this stage.