Aperture refers to the opening in the lens through which light passes into the camera. It is represented by an f-number, such as f/2.8 or f/16. A lower f-number means a wider aperture, allowing more light to enter the camera. Aperture also controls the depth of field, determining how much of the image is in focus.

Shutter speed refers to the length of time the camera’s shutter remains open, allowing light to reach the image sensor. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/1000 or 2″. A faster shutter speed freezes motion, while a slower speed creates motion blur. Shutter speed is crucial for capturing action or controlling the amount of light entering the camera.

ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera’s image sensor to light. It is represented by a number, such as ISO 100 or ISO 3200. A lower ISO value is less sensitive to light and produces cleaner images, while a higher ISO value is more sensitive but can introduce noise or graininess. ISO allows photographers to adjust the exposure in low-light conditions or to freeze action with faster shutter speeds.

Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the three pillars of exposure in digital photography. They work together to control the amount of light that reaches the camera’s image sensor. By adjusting the aperture, photographer can control the depth of field and the amount of light entering the camera. Shutter speed determines how long the sensor is exposed to light, affecting motion blur and the amount of light captured. ISO adjusts the sensor’s sensitivity to light, allowing for proper exposure in different lighting conditions. Understanding how these three settings interact is crucial for achieving well-exposed and creative photographs.