I got so wrapped up in explaining how to use aperature priority that I forgot to mention why to use it.

Changing the aperature (often reffered to as "opening up" or "stopping down" controls how much of the picture is in focus. Very low F numbers have low depths of feild, and vice versa. Generally for boa stuff, youll want lots of depth of feild... so high F numbers as possible.

Example:

Outside there is lots of light, so I can pretty much stop down my aperature as much as I want... the shutter speed will stay high enough. Hence, I get very clear shots with lots in focus:





Inside is another story. When shooting with available light I have to open the aperature up (use a lower F number) quite a bit. Which reduces my depth of feild substancially:

*also note the color on these two shots would be horribly off had they not been white balance calibrated with whibal*

(tail out of focus, head in focus)


(Vice Versa)


I've learned to eliminate that problem indoors by using a quality flash. I generally use a flash technique called bouncing, where I point the flash at the ceiling which bounces light down onto the subject. Doing so softens the light while at the same time illuminating the subject perfectly. This is where Nikon's flash system shines (accurate exposures... wireless functions as well):




-----
Take Care,

-Ryan Homsey

www.topnotchboas.com

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