Shutter Speed = how long the camera lets light in

Aperture = how big of a hole lets the light in

Shutter speed is a simple concept.  The longer the shutter is open, the more light comes in.  So 1/250 second lets in more light than 1/500 second.

Aperture is simple too.  The bigger the hole between your lens and the camera, the more light comes in.  The confusing thing is that an f1.8 aperture is actually a bigger hole than an f22 aperture, and there are all these seemingly random decimal numbers.  That's because we are measuring a ratio between the holes at the front and back of the lens, so a smaller ratio means they are closer in size.  Make sense?  If not, just think, "smaller number, more light".

Here's the cool thing about aperture.  It affects your "depth of field".  A large depth of field means everything is in focus.  A small depth of field means only a little bit of stuff is in focus.  With aperture, smaller number = less depth of field = less in focus.  And sometimes less in focus is good!  Controlling the depth of field can turn an average photo into a great photo.  Here's the easiest way:

If your camera has an "A" or "Av" setting, that is the Aperture Priority mode (SLR's and compact cameras can both have this mode).  Instead of shooting in Auto or "P" mode, try aperture priority, especially outdoors.

Once in aperture priority mode, you change the aperture and the camera finds the right shutter speed for you.  So when you dial in a smaller number like f5, the camera will find a faster shutter speed to compensate.  Here are some tips on what to do when:

Landscape photography: Use a higher number like f16 or f22.  This keeps the foreground and background in focus.  It also means a slower shutter speed, so a tripod is highly recommended.

 
Shot at f5.7. Only some buttercups are in sharp focus.

Shot at f22.  Pretty much everything is in focus.

Portraits: Use a low number like f2.8 or f4.5.  This blurs the background and focuses attention on your subject.  It also means a faster shutter speed, which minimizes the effect of your subject moving (especially kids).

Shot at f2.8.  Only toddler is in focus, even though he is moving!

Sports:  Use a low number like f2.8 or f4.5.  The faster shutter speed will help to freeze the action.  Keep in mind your focus area will be small so if possible, put your camera into continuous shooting mode, take a burst of photos, and keep the best one.  Delete the not-best photos in the camera!

Shot at f4.  Ball carrier is frozen, rest of the field is out of focus.

Low light:  Use a low number like f2.8 or f4.5.  This allows in more light, meaning you will get a faster shutter speed and less chance of camera shake or subject movement.

Shot at f5.3 to allow for natural light.

The principles above work for both point-and-shoot and SLR cameras.  I hope you can now see why SLR lenses with lower minimum apertures (eg. f2.8) are more expensive and more desirable.  "Smaller number, more light" makes a difference!

Trust us with your Memories,
Ron C