Module 2: Shutters, Aperture
& Their Relationships
On the second module, we dive deeper into the technical side of operating your camera, as well as any other model, by understanding and practising the relationships between shutter, aperture and ISO. These are essential concepts that allow you to control depth of field, moving subjects, enabling you to configure your equipment according to lighting conditions and the purpose of the image you are creating. You'll also get introduced to a diverse range of composition techniques, building your visual repertoire, giving direction and purpose to the way you frame your subjects.
Why This Module Matters
Understanding, in practical terms, the relationship between shutter, aperture, and ISO is essential for every photographer when operating a camera. Composition techniques, on the other hand, will sharpen your judgement, helping you decide with more confidence what to include, what to exclude and why, while framing a scene. This module will allow you to:
- Learn to operate your camera with confidence, understanding the key variables.
- Analyse a scene and its graphic elements with an objective approach, applying composition techniques.
- Understand exposure stops, focus, depth of field, moving subjects and shooting modes.
What You’ll Learn
- Aperture & Shutter
Control depth of field and moving subjects in your photography.
- Exposure Stops & f/stops
Understand these terms and their purpose with a comprehensive reference table.
- Focus & Sharpness
Useful equipment features to control focus and sharpness in your images.
- Composition Techniques
Learn how to combine graphic elements in a scene effectively.
What You’ll Do
- Analyse Camera Settings
Examine how to combine shutter and aperture effectively and creatively.
- Practice Accurate Exposures
Use Manual and semi-automatic shooting modes with confidence.
- Build Technical Knowledge
Control focus, Depth of Field and moving subjects in your photos.
- Apply Knowledge Practically
Use composition techniques to create inspiring images.
Module Topics
In Module 2, we will cover the following topics and beyond:
- Shutters & Aperture
- Focal Plane Shutters
- In-Lens Shutter
- Exposure Stops
- Traditional Shutter Speed Stops
- Aperture Stops
- f/stop Values
- The Advantage of Using f/stops
- Full & Third Stop Reference Table
- Aperture & Depth of Field
- Reciprocity
- What Is Depth of Field?
- Circles of Confusion
- Perceiving Sharpness
- Sharpness
- Depth of Field (DOF) Scale
- Hyperfocal Distance
- DOF Preview Button
- LCD Preview Button & DSLR Cameras
- Digital Sensors & the View Camera
- DSLR Shooting Modes in Practice
- Manual (M)
- Aperture Priority (Av or A)
- Shutter Priority (Tv or S)
- Program Mode (P)
- Exposure Compensation
- Composition
- Helpful Guidelines
- The Rule of Thirds
- Leading Lines
- In the Middle / Symmetry
- Negative Space
- Use the Foreground
- Shapes, Patterns & Repetition
- Orientation
- Fill the Frame / Try to Get Closer
- Putting it all Together
- Pre-visualisation
Module Outcomes
By completing Module 2, you will:
- Gain a comprehensive knowledge of shutter, aperture and how to effectively combine them.
- Learn when to use the different shooting modes and the advantages of each of them.
- Incorporate the use of depth of field and photograph moving subjects with confidence.
- Understand composition techniques and sharpen your perception when analysing a scene.
Guidance Every Step of the Way
As with every stage of your learning, our expert tutors will guide you through Module 2 with passion and insight. They’ll help you understand the relationships between shutter speed, aperture and ISO, enabling you to operate your camera with confidence. Combining technical aspects with composition techniques will allow you to convert attractive scenes into engaging images.
Discover the Modules
Explore our course outline page to learn more about the other modules.
View Course Outline
