Chapter 3
Exposure Triangle And Aperture
What is the exposure triangle?
The exposure triangle consists of three variables that adjust how a camera captures light: aperture,
shutter speed, and ISO. Together, these three elements properly expose a shot. The three variables of
the exposure triangle are all dependent on each other. For example, adjusting one of the three variables
will entail an adjustment of another to maintain proper exposure. The exposure triangle is also referred
to as the photography triangle and camera triangle.
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the primary variables of the camera triangle that control exposure.
However, each variable also affects other qualities of an image. Depth of field, motion blur, and noise
are all determined by elements of exposure triangle photography.
What is the exposure triangle composed of?
Aperture
ISO
Shutter Speed
Aperture
How does the exposure triangle work? To better understand the exposure triangle, let’s examine each
variable one by one starting with aperture. The literal definition of aperture means “opening” or “hole.”
The aperture of a camera lens is a hole that regulates how much light passes through to the film or
sensor.
When the shutter button of a camera is hit, the aperture opens up to a predetermined width and lets in
a specific amount of light. Aperture works with ISO and shutter speed to control exposure. Here is an
image of an exposure triangle cheat sheet that you can save for reference when shooting your next
project.
, As you can see from the exposure triangle chart, the width of a camera lens’ aperture is measured in
f/stops written in numbers like 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16.
Smaller apertures, like f/16, let in less light. Larger apertures like f/1.4 let in more light. To better
understand aperture, take a look at our in depth video breakdown of aperture. Note the visual
differences in aperture sizes and how it adds to the overall visual storytelling.
Shutter Speed
When the shutter button of a camera is pressed, the aperture opens up. How long the aperture stays
open is determined by the camera’s shutter speed. Shutter speed controls how long the sensor of the
camera is exposed to light.
Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second. For example, a shutter speed of 1/60 holds the
shutter open for one sixtieth of one second. The longer the shutter speed is in time the more light is let
in. If it is shorter in time, less light is let in. Here is a video by Phlearn that breaks down shutter speed
and how it affects exposure.
Exposure Triangle And Aperture
What is the exposure triangle?
The exposure triangle consists of three variables that adjust how a camera captures light: aperture,
shutter speed, and ISO. Together, these three elements properly expose a shot. The three variables of
the exposure triangle are all dependent on each other. For example, adjusting one of the three variables
will entail an adjustment of another to maintain proper exposure. The exposure triangle is also referred
to as the photography triangle and camera triangle.
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the primary variables of the camera triangle that control exposure.
However, each variable also affects other qualities of an image. Depth of field, motion blur, and noise
are all determined by elements of exposure triangle photography.
What is the exposure triangle composed of?
Aperture
ISO
Shutter Speed
Aperture
How does the exposure triangle work? To better understand the exposure triangle, let’s examine each
variable one by one starting with aperture. The literal definition of aperture means “opening” or “hole.”
The aperture of a camera lens is a hole that regulates how much light passes through to the film or
sensor.
When the shutter button of a camera is hit, the aperture opens up to a predetermined width and lets in
a specific amount of light. Aperture works with ISO and shutter speed to control exposure. Here is an
image of an exposure triangle cheat sheet that you can save for reference when shooting your next
project.
, As you can see from the exposure triangle chart, the width of a camera lens’ aperture is measured in
f/stops written in numbers like 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16.
Smaller apertures, like f/16, let in less light. Larger apertures like f/1.4 let in more light. To better
understand aperture, take a look at our in depth video breakdown of aperture. Note the visual
differences in aperture sizes and how it adds to the overall visual storytelling.
Shutter Speed
When the shutter button of a camera is pressed, the aperture opens up. How long the aperture stays
open is determined by the camera’s shutter speed. Shutter speed controls how long the sensor of the
camera is exposed to light.
Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second. For example, a shutter speed of 1/60 holds the
shutter open for one sixtieth of one second. The longer the shutter speed is in time the more light is let
in. If it is shorter in time, less light is let in. Here is a video by Phlearn that breaks down shutter speed
and how it affects exposure.
