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Exploring the Aperture Priority
We already discussed the fully automatic settings as Auto or Program Modes in previous articles. Although the automatic settings are easy to use, they cannot produce the desired results every time. Therefore, let’s look into one of the Semi-Automatic features, Aperture Priority.
What is the Aperture Priority?
Aperture Priority is one of the semi-automatic features in cameras. Generally speaking, it allows you to set the aperture value, and the camera concludes the shutter speed. Aperture priority mode provides photographers with the uses of shallow or long Depths of Field.
Photographers have full access to all the camera features in this mode, and the camera only controls shutter speed.
In the picture below, I decided to have a shallow depth of field. Therefore, I selected the Aperture Value to the lowest number (f2.8), and the camera adjusted the shutter speed for me:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”22337″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Shallow Depth of Field”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the other hand, if I change my mind, I can increase the aperture value and bring all elements into the focusing range.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”22338″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Long Depth of Field”][vc_column_text]
Popular Uses for Aperture Priority
Whenever the focusing range is an important key, photographers prefer to use the aperture setting. Therefore, before taking a shot, you should ask yourself whether you need a shallow depth of field or an expanded one.
Typically, for Landscape and Cityscape photography, photographers use an expanded focusing range. On the other hand, for Portrait or for those times that you want to separate your subject from the rest of the scene, you need a shallow depth of field. Here are some examples:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”22342″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Shallow Depth of Field”][vc_single_image image=”21619″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Long Depth of Field”][vc_column_text]So next time when you grab the camera to take a picture, ask yourself if the depth of field plays any role there. If the answer is “Yes,” then you need to select Aperture Priority. Of course, if you want to shoot in semi-automatic mode.
In Digital Photography Bootcamp, I cover these differences in great detail with more slides, and students get the assignments to practice on these features.
Bootcamp is a six-week program and includes six classroom sessions and two field trips. It is an entirely hands-on workshop.
Our next Bootcamp program starts June 3, and tickets are selling fast.
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