Aperture and depth-of-field are what create the biggest differences in style and quality you see when comparing photos created with a phone and photos created with a DSLR camera. On a phone, you just don't have the control or creative possibilities that aperture and depth-of-field can give you on a DSLR camera.
When you hire a professional photographer, one of the things you're paying for without really knowing it is that photographer's understanding of aperture and depth-of-field. Those portraits that you love of your kids with the super-sharp eyes and the creamy blurred out background? That's all aperture and depth-of-field.
A good photographer will use aperture and depth-of-field to guide your eye around the photo and create an impactful composition. The good news is that aperture and depth-of-field are easy concepts to learn.
Of course, as with any art form, the fundamentals are easy to learn yet difficult to master. But with the following two articles I've written for Photographers' Cooperative, you'll get everything you need to know about aperture and depth-of-field.
Start with this article about aperture.
Then finish your reading with this article about depth-of-field.
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I also have a TON of free articles in my Learn Photography section of my blog and my Writing section of my website. From camera skills to editing to photos to business, you can start to learn just about any photography skill here on my website.
If you want more, take a look at my 55-page PDF resource that details everything you need to know to take control of your camera and start creating beautiful photos.
If you're ready for hands-on practice in a private lesson, take a look at my mentoring session options. I'm an educator first and photographer second. I want to help you learn how to use your camera to create amazing images every day.
