Photo Workshop with YWP Alumni Advisor Kevin Huang

So, you've got a camera and you're ready to start snapping away. But what do all those settings mean? Let's break down the basics.

Aperture: Controlling the Light

Aperture is the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. Think of it as the pupil of your eye--it opens and closes to let in more or less light. A wide aperture (low f-number or f-stop) lets in more light, blurring the background (great for portraits). A narrow aperture (high f-number or f-stop) lets in less light, keeping more of the image in focus (perfect for landscapes).

Shutter Speed: Freezing or Blurring Time

Your camera's shutter is like a curtain. This controls how long the camera's sensor is exposed to light. A fast shutter speed freezes action, which is great for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. A slow shutter speed means the sensor is exposed to light longer, creating motion blurs like in smooth waterfalls or light trails at night.

ISO: Sensitivity to Light

This setting determines how sensitive your camera's sensor is to light. A higher ISO setting allows the camera to capture images in low-light conditions, but it can also introduce noise or grain. A lower ISO allows you to capture images in bright conditions.

Balancing All Three: To get the perfect shot, you'll need to balance these three settings. For example:

• Capturing a fast-moving subject in low light: Use a high ISO, fast shutter speed, and wide aperture.
• Shooting a landscape with everything in focus: Use a low ISO, slow shutter speed, and narrow aperture.

If you have a DSLR camera, use the Manual mode to play around with all three settings. Some smartphones may also have Manual mode for you to manipulate these settings. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to master these settings and take amazing photos!

Header image: Lake Champlain, VT. Photo by Kevin Huang, YWP Alumni Advisor