STOP These APERTURE MISTAKES! (ƒ/11-ƒ/16)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มี.ค. 2021
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In this week’s episode, we discuss aperture mistakes you should stop making in landscape photography! Perhaps the single largest source of confusion when it comes to determining the best camera settings for a particular composition has to do with Aperture. Should you use a large aperture with a small f stop number to throw the background out of focus or should you use a small aperture with a large f stop number to create those razor sharp and in focus images? And that doesn't even account for the fact that each aperture you select will also impact the overall exposure of your image..it's enough to really scramble your brain!
In this video, I'll share with you the 5 beginner aperture mistakes I used to make all the time when I was getting started with landscape photography. Now these 5 mistakes are not ranked in order of severity, but they are ranked in the order that they impacted my development when I was navigating how to choose the best camera settings for a particular scene. I can't begin to tell you how many photos I ruined by simply not fully understanding how the aperture I dial in can impact the overall outcome of my photo. I hope the aperture mistakes that I made will help you to avoid them the next time you're on-location trying to determine the best camera settings to use for your particular situation. Thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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Anyone else share some of these same mistakes??
My most common error is not having an eye for what aperture might look good, i want to capture a scene, and i have my composition but i cant figure out "do i want a small or large aperture, if large, what do i want to have in focus - or should i focus stack - can i even focus stack" - these type of thoughts usually make me unable to capture a scene once i found a composition.
Ah yep definitely, all of them including the over sharpening but the best way to learn for sure.. Nicely explained video though, will help people out for sure..
As a first year photographer, all of them.
I've been shooting since oct 2020 and I have made all of these mistakes at least once.
As a astro shooter always at wide, so one day at Grand Canyon a whole day at f/4 after a night of MW's 1224! All I knew in '75 with film on Canon Ftb is put the needle in the circle like your example with the meter.
Watching all these "lessons" makes me realize how much I need to improve. A lot.
It's very painful spending time going to a location and realizing you don't have all the tools needed to get a good picture. Tools being in your head.
totally depends on the tools you are missing
If you dont have a tripod (like me), a camera capable with High ISO (like my old 550D, poor ISO performance) and only cheap lenses (like me xD...)
But yeah, still i managed to make out of woodsticks a crude "tripod" or at least something to hold the camera in place to make astrophotographywith 15-20sec exposure time (Milky way) for example :D
And im done with my gear more or less, at least the fked up 550D. Since my lenses are anyways all EF (no EF-S except kit i sold some days ago) im thinking about fullframe (which i wanted to go anyways since over 10 years) mirrorless now.
I think the more i failed due my actually old, "bad" gear the more interesting it will get with a much better sensor (2010 APS-C entry level vs 2018 FF,...) and definately a new tripod (broke my 15$ one already years ago)
I like your pronunciation coz I'm from Ukraine and it's hard to understand what people say. And I gotta say your pronunciation is perfect, I wish my English teachers could speak like you
Thanks so much for that!
One big mistake I am still learning is getting my head around the impact of focal length on DOF. For eg, DOF on 200mm at f11 is way more shallow than I ever expected. If my maths is correct 200mm at f11 has the same DOF as 50mm at f2.8 for a given subject at the same focus distance. I have a catalogue of out of focus mistakes caused by not considering the focal length when setting the aperture.
But you really cannot use them on the same subject unless you want a completely different framing. If you step 4x back to get the same framing then the depth of field is about the same.
@@okaro6595 Absolutely. The error is to think that f1.4 is narrow and f11 is not regardless of focal length and distance to subject.
No matter how long I’ve been doing this, it’s good to be reminded of these basics.
Aperture is everything. I remember starting out shooting everything wide-open and being like... "why is nothing in focus?" Starting off just shooting everything at f/11 isn't the worst idea in the world-- but I always had a need to know "why?" You have few tools in your arsenal to make a good photo. A lot of it isn't up to you if the light or subject just isn't there. Composition and aperture are so crucial that it is easy to just "abide by the rules" but if you don't understand why the "rules" exist and what they really mean, you won't know when or how you need to bend or break them to get what you're looking for. On a new (to me) lens or camera, I'll definitely shoot at a slightly elevated aperture to give me a little extra tolerance for nailing focus, and I feel like as you get better with the machine in your hand, you can open that lens up and really start to get creative with it and nail focus on your subject like it's a bodily function.
Knowing how to use hyperfocal distance is a very powerful tool, but it's a hard concept to explain, and harder to understand just by hearing someone explain it (at least for me it was). Grabbing a manual prime lens and looking at the focus scale totally crystallized the concept in my brain. I point that infinity mark at f/16 and suddenly "woah! I get it now!"
One thing that I can recommend is aperture bracketing, especially when photographing woodlands. Not being sure what you want in field is normal, but make sure you cover the options you want for post.
My go to....
I don't see the difference between Focus Stacking and Aperture Bracketing , you still have to take Two or Three photos regardless which method you use.
But with Focus staking you don't have to change any settings
@@bonnitakhaliq9578 Difference is that focus stacking you are taking it with the plan to combine it in post. With "Aperture Bracketing" it can be simply be to add insurance that you get the single shot you want.
@@curtisbme so basically Apature bracketing is for beginners who don't understand depth of field and Photoshop, and focus stacking is for those that do?
In summary, understand what depth of field means.
Many photographers simple don't understand that every setting is a compromise and that it prioritizes one thing at the expense of another. Thanks for the insight Mark!
So you think all photographers are eather stupid or ignorant?
@@cantkeepitin No "all", but "many".
@@cantkeepitin Take it easy. What about beginners? These videos are generally aimed at beginners and casual shooters, not experienced photographers.
Hi Mark. Good video and commentary as always! One thing I thought you might mention, is that when you use a lens' "sweet spot" such as f/11, if instead of focusing on Infinity, focus at the hyperfocal distance, usually about 1/3 into the scene. This way, the DOF is maximized, and I find that most of my landscape images have sharp focus from foreground to Infinity, again as you said, provided that foreground objects aren't "too" close to the lens. Works for me! Thanks!
I always feel better to shoot a scene sometimes with various settings if time permits along with various focus points... I also have a pretty good idea where the sweet spots are for the 3 lenses I use the most. Unlike film where I used to waste a lot of money shooting too many similar images, now I waste far too much time occasionally culling through 400 pictures instead of 60, which is still a cost in time... which is often money as well!
So with a lot of lenses, depending upon focal length, you get diminishing returns and will be forced to focus stack if you're in a "I won't compromise" mindset. This begs the question: Do we need every image to be in perfect focus? Do images sell more or less if they are or are not in perfect focus? Does the entire frame have to be in perfect focus? This goes right into the same topic about how contrast works - Not every image do we need to see every detail within the shadows. In fact, if you examine some of the most well sold famous classic art work out there, rarely is everything in focus as well as every shadow detail perfectly detailed. Part of what I would argue, just like cropping, is what we choose to leave OUT of the image, and that's not just limited to cropping, but should include how much selective contrast one uses, and of course what depth of field one chooses. I'm not sure going down to the perfectionist end of the spectrum, while we all appreciate being the "best" of ourselves, which I'm totally on board with, but not all images need the scientific approach when it comes to perfection. In looking at some of the "art" that sells, one can often laugh at some of what we would characterize as "mistakes" from a technical standpoint, but stepping out of the technical part, which is easier to teach and make videos about, is the artistic part: How does an image make people feel? Yes, we're now in a Feelings based society, more now than ever. So with that in mind, most people make choices based upon not the rational or scientific but on how they "feel." I'd argue this is why most photography becomes repetitive and while again, the drive towards making images "perfect" is something that's measurable and tangible, sometimes, especially as you age, you start to "see" differently. I do agree on the majority of the issues presented here, except I would have emphasized more on "copy variation" which is YUGE/BIGLY/TREMENDOUS on mass produced plastic lenses/3rd party lenses. The other issue I would have brought up would be about per-visualizing at home, before you even leave the house: Paint in your mind, what kind of image do you want? This is the best and most fun part - the creative thinking part. This is what we need more of. Then all you do is go out and find that image. I'd also love to hear who inspires you? Art Wolfe is a great artist whom brought inspiration from classic painters. It's in that approach you'll notice many of his images are far from this engineering/technical/scientific and not so fun perfectionist approach, which feels more like a job... While I think both are good, I think viewers should be reminded that imperfections, just like in personality, bring uniqueness to photography. Personally what I've seen from most photographers is that they get instilled in them this perfectionist/engineering approach, and the images they make, while maybe technically perfect, begin to look very common and/or you see the same compositions repeated; I see this in where I live as seemingly everyone flocks to the same viewpoints for that "checklist" shot. Some of the most fun/inspirational images most have taken were unique images they found, not ones they saw and went to replicate. I do understand the benefit in knowing "how" to make technically great images, but I think we need to keep this hobby and "art" as fun as well. Like many trends in art, things tend to go in cycles... Just a different perspective and reminder to have FUN with it!!! I'd encourage anyone that wants a "breath of fresh air" to look at some of Art Wolfe's teachings and take a painting or drawing course. It makes a big difference and will make you an even better photographer and "artist".
i think you ought to understand that this video is about a very specific topic and not about some all-encompassing photography philosophy or supposed to be covering every tiny detail about lenses such as the 'copy variation' you brought up. This video is about helping people understand how different apertures affect an image so that people can effectively achieve whatever effect they want. At no point does mark ever indicate that there is a perfect depth of field or that every should always be tack sharp from front to back, in fact he is explaining pretty much the opposite.
Discussion of hyper-focalization is worth highlight. Focus off infinity but allow it to be captured through use of higher f-stop.
I remember the old days of manual focus when hyper focal distance was clearly marked on our lenses. Not so much these days.
@@rnavarrete1956 True but the principle can still be applied.
Insightful as always, Mark. Thank you!
These issues are so easy to ignore/forget. Great video, Mark - thx.
I so enjoy your tips! I learn so much. Thanks Mark.
In Photography class, back in 1972 at East Los Angeles College, they had a saying of "f8 and be There!"
❤️ That was a quote from Weegee, one of the most important photographers in history.
@@coreyblaser 👍👍 Makes sense. There was a 16X20 framed photo of him in the classroom. As I recall, he had a wacky expression on his face, stubby cigar in his mouth and holding a 4X5 Speed Graphic! I believe our senior instructor knew him personally. Good Times! 😃😃
For photojournalism, yes, F8 is great. Sharp, Somewhat fast. Dont have to nail focus.... crappy newsprint photos hide bad focus, two less things to think about when trying to get a shot for the press when everything was manual.
@@n5sdm Yeah, nowadays that's only for very basic photojournalism, usually for a reporter who also takes the photos but lacks in photographic skills. I don't think any decent photojournalist uses that anymore.
Great food for thought Mark. So very appreciate your effort in producing these videos.
Mark, enjoyed the video! Very helpful and thoughtful for many of us. We get caught up in the moment of the photo and forget these things.
This is some highly concentrated information with lots of good stuff in there! Usually you'll have to watch several different videos to get this much help. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and knowledge with us. Be safe and happy shooting out there!
Another issue to consider is that the closer things are to you that you are focused on the smaller the depth of field will be. Also the longer the focal length lens the smaller the DOF will be.
How wonderfully explained Mark! Thank you for making the video very informative.
Great video Mark, thank you. Choosing a right aperture for the scene was my struggle. What I also found interesting and inspiring is seeing your early photos, and what we can aspire to. Really enjoy your style of photography.
Can relate to what you explain, Mark. Took me an year to figure it out before I had my own in-the-field workflow when photographing:
1) Visualisation without camera/Finding the composition(s).
2) Frame for the visualised image in the view finder/ LCD screen which includes selecting the Focal Length and therefore the lens.
3) Select the F/Stop based on the DOF I want to capture the visualised image based on Focal Length and Lens capability
4) where to focus to get the desired DOF ( also very critical)
5) Set exposure ( ETTR without blowing out the highlights or RGB, Shoot in RAW)
6) Make the image.
7) Carefully check the histogram and the image to make sure you have the desired results.
Photographing has been so much more fun since I adopted this workflow.
Well done Mark. All good reminders.
Excellent informative content thank you Mark for sharing!
Good review of aperture. People should also be aware of the affect of focal length on depth of field. At 18mm or lower it is hard to get anything out of focus the depth of field is so large.
As usual, good job Mark. I like the way you explain things.
This is the most useful aducational video about aperture lesson on internet God Bless you Mr Mark thank you
Excellent video, great tips. I'm gonna watch it again! Thank you.
The Lens Stranger is particularly a great suggestion. Have some research/testing to do this weekend. Thanks Mark!
Thank you for the review. Knowing the capabilities of lenses is especially important for situations where it is tough to focus e.g. night photography.
Thank you! I needed this video.
Great practical video. Thanks!
Nicely explained. Request u to continue further withe type of shouldn't say small but we Photographers ignore most of the time.this is the fact we ignore small things keeping sometimes exposer sharpness etc.in our mind. Thanks.
Another really useful & informative video,, I especially like the canyon & tree image.
Thanks for pointing out these mistakes and solutions. I will work to improve my eye for composition.
Mark it would be great if you could do a video on putting this into practice in the field. Ie hyperfocal distance.
My biggest struggle is trying to work out exactly where to focus in order to get best depth of field. Without getting out the hyperfocal distance calculator and a tape measure.
Use a prime lens and the depth of field ranges on the lens barrel.
Thanks, some really great info !!
Great Vid! Thanks.
Learned a lot from this! Great video!
Mark , thanks for a succinct explanation. Enjoyed the video. Thanks
My wife recently bought a relatively nice Fuji camera. I've been trying to teach her the basics of the exposure triangle, but she continues to just wind the aperture dial to get the right exposure. Her camera is pretty good for aperture priority jpegs, in fact, I'd say because of its size and weight, it's better than my Z6 for just walking around, so I'll continue to teach her.
Ummm... for most lighting conditions, not too extreme (in this case, extremely dark), I’d strongly advise you and your wife to set aperture and shutter speed as you see fit for the right result, and then vary the ISO to get a proper exposure (for jpeg, exposure needs to match whatever result you want in the end, for raw, expose to the right, without blowing out the highlights)... so basically control the auto-iso using the exposure compensation, while having aperture and shutter speed locked down.
I love that Sports Walkman on your desk! I have a couple cassette Walkman personal stereos myself.
I always enjoy your videos and hearing your perspective.
Much appreciated sir! I know I've been making these mistakes so I greatly appreciate some insights from someone who's come before me. Thanks for sharing!
Mark, I love your posts going Way Beyond the technical. I'm an old photographer and remember the days when the hyperfocal markings the right on the lens which made it easier to figure out depth of field. That was of course with manual focus.
Excellent! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Have just subscribed, great content. 👍
Fantastic video, really helped me! Thank you!
Thanks. Great insight. 👍
Wow! Thanks! This was super helpful for a newbie photographer 👌
Wonderful information which just earned you a new subscriber. Thank you!
What a great video and again it teaches me I've still got a LOT to learn. But well that's the beauty of this hobby, not only getting great results from time to time but also learn every single time ! Thanks again. Will check out more of your videos.
Great information and well presented. Thank you.
Good info nicely presented. Thanks.
Great video, Mark. Focus peaking helps me dial in what aperture to use or whether I need to focus stack.
Love the video Mark! You are a gifted instructor, and photographer. Keep the videos coming. I watch every one and I always learn something.
Thanks so much Robert - that means a lot!
Interesting and educational. Good one . Thanks
Great info. That is why I love shooting on a tripod. When in doubt, focus stack.
Thanks Mark..... enjoyed it.
great info Mark.
Chock full of info to apply in the field. Always good to understand why a photo didn’t work. Thank you!
Thanks for the tips.
Thanks! I like your style and subscribed. Looking forward to learning from you.
very useful tips. thank you.
Super informative and thought-provoking. I have checked my lens for the "good" focus settings like you recommended, thanks.
Thanks for sharing 🤩
Fantastic explanation 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Fantastic video Mark! Lots of great tips to work from!
Thanks Jon!
Great clip, thanks
Great video! I remember taking aperture seriously for the first time when I was shooting sun’s rays one evening. I realized that I had opened a whole new world for myself to explore.
Thanks for good content.
Thanks for taking the time to show me how much adjusting the settings can make a difference.
Great video Mark. Really hit some problem spots and helped a lot. Cheers
Yes! I’ve learned the hard way about aperture and have been frustrated by it in the past when I didn’t fully understand what was going on in my images. Every example you’ve given, I’ve experienced so this is brilliant for people getting into landscape photography as aperture is so crucial. I felt myself nodding and agreeing through this whole video haha.
Fantastic demonstration with the scenes and there justification.💐👍
Thanks Mark! Good info and advice. I think we all have made at least one of those mistakes, if not all of them. I think the one I repeatedly fall prey to is not paying attention to what’s in the foreground of my scene and whether it’s in focus. Thanks again!
All the time, this is great and very helpful 👏
You explain things really well 👍
Awesome tips/pointers there Mark, I will have to remember these when I'm out and about ;)
Great I will try this. Very helpful 👌
Truly beautiful Kim you have come a long ways on your photographic journey. Happy Holidays
Yet another wonderful vlog and so informative as always, Mark. Thank you.
Thanks Anuja!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto Always a pleasure to see your work, Mark.
oooh, this is good. Delivery, presence, authenticity. I’m in
Excellent video Mark. I always learn something from your videos. Thank you. Alun
Thank for the help
Thank you this really helped me.
You explain so well a good learning curve for Me thanks a lot
Great info Mark! I was shooting sunrise a few months back and wanted a starburst just as the sun was coming up between a gap in some mountains. I shot the photo at f/22 and then proceeded to exposure stack for my foreground. Once I brought everything in to LR & PS I was unhappy with my focus. A few weeks later I went to the same spot and shot sunrise again, this time working as quickly as possible, I shot the sun at f/22 and then shot my foreground at f/11 and bracketed. Making sure to block the sun with my hand to avoid lens flare. All of this came from knowing what I wanted out of my end result and then figuring out a solution.
The photo still came out like dog doo in the end as my composition skills are still lacking, but learning is a part of the process.
Luckily I never listened to other photographers. Every time I photograph, I use different aperture, exposure compensation and distance settings to see what works best.
Your videos have been very helpful.
Love it! I went out with some fellow togs and we all have different styles of shooting. I love depth in my photos so I use lower aperture whilst my other fellow togs are using higher aperture. There's no right or wrong in photography it's just the way we visualise images in our brain :)
Here's an ISO-related mistake I have made: I produced a short movie with friends, recording everything with my FujiFilm X-T3. We shot in FLog at ISO 640 as that was the lowest for Log. A few weeks after the project I saw a pal2tech video testing the Fuji ISO performance and found out that my camera has two amplifiers. Stepping up one step to ISO 800 would've yielded me a lot less image noise and that little bit of better low light performance we would've needed without professional lighting in some cases. Safe to say, the next project I'll be shooting with ISO 800 as, at least in photos, the difference is quite noticeable.
pal2tech should really be on Fuji's payroll at this point. So helpful.
Great video, it helped me realize I was making many of the same mistakes. For landscape photos that don't have any movement, like water, etc. I find that Focus stacking is the best way to get a great shot with everything in focus!
Thanks for the video
And another great video. Thank you. Knowing to set your aperture for me is the most chalenging thing in photography.
Glad to hear the video was helpful Brano!
Very helpful videos. Subbed.
Another informative easy to understand lesson thanks
Thank you so much x...
Love you Mark♥️ I have written all your tips and tricks and review them before going on location and they are all so useful.
Awesome to hear!! Great to hear the videos are helpful!
Very helpful video, Mark!
Thanks Tom!