Days 5, 6 & 7: Understanding Aperture 1 & 2 & Tackling Depth of Field

Days 5, 6 & 7 | Understanding Aperture 1 & 2, & Tackling Depth of Field

Aperture, aperture, aperture.  This is where I have really struggled with my photography. Remembering what numbers (or f-stops) give me what effect (or depth of field) - all the numbers and size of depth of field get jumbled somewhere in my head.

Then I read Darcy's birthing analogy for aperture:

"...it's counter intuitive for anyone who has given birth. In the delivery room 10 means push...in camera talk - f/1.2 means push."

Now I have a reference point which I understand. Then Darcy went one step further and gave a visual representation of aperture and the effects of various f-stops. And now I get it! Brilliant!!

Taken from: http://my3boybarians.com/2010/10/understanding-aperture-part-1-day-5/

And finally, Darcy created some birds-eye-view diagrams representing the depth of field or focus areas the different f-stops provide you with.

I even learnt what bokeh means - the elusive blurry background I lust for when shooting gorgeous portraits of my boys.

Today's assignment:

1. Place your camera in aperture priority mode.
2. Keep your flash off.
3. Using a tripod, dial your aperture to the most open it will go.
4. Take a photo. Stay in the same place and focused on the same subject.
5. Notch your aperture 1 stop smaller.
6. Take another photo. Stop down to the next smallest aperture.
7. Repeat these steps until you've visited every possible f-stop your lens allows.
8. Head back to the computer, upload your images to see how aperture affects your images.

The specs and results:
Camera: Nikon D80
Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80 f/3.3-5.6G
ISO: 400
Shutter Speed Range: 1/13 - 3.6
Aperture Range: f/3.3 - f/22
(I took a total of 18 shots but I have just included 5 below to demonstrate the assignment)

Apertures:    f/3.3       f/5       f/8       f/13       f/22

What is it that you struggle the most with when it comes to photography? What helps you remember the different relationships and rules relating to aperture?