Photography is both a technical skill and a creative art form. One of the most important technical concepts photographers must understand is the exposure triangle, which explains how three camera settings work together to control light and image quality. When balanced correctly, these settings help produce sharp, well-exposed photographs. However, photography is subjective, and intentionally adjusting one element over another can help create a specific mood or artistic style. The three components of the exposure triangle are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Aperture
Aperture refers to the opening in the lens that allows light to reach the camera’s sensor. It is measured in f-stops, where a smaller f-number (such as f/2.8) means a larger opening that lets in more light, and a larger f-number (such as f/16) means a smaller opening that lets in less light. Although this may feel backward to beginners, it becomes clearer when understood as a ratio.
Real-world example:
When shooting a portrait, a photographer might use a wide aperture like f/2.8 to blur the background and make the subject stand out. In contrast, when photographing a landscape, a smaller aperture like f/11 or f/16 is often used to keep both the foreground and background in sharp focus.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed controls how long the camera’s shutter remains open, allowing light to hit the sensor. A fast shutter speed (such as 1/4000 of a second) opens and closes very quickly, while a slow shutter speed (such as 1 second or longer) stays open to allow more light in.
Real-world example:
At a sporting event, a fast shutter speed is essential to freeze fast-moving athletes without motion blur. On the other hand, when photographing a waterfall, a slow shutter speed can be used to create a smooth, flowing water effect that adds a sense of motion and artistry to the image.
ISO
ISO refers to the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. A low ISO setting results in cleaner images with less noise, while a higher ISO increases sensitivity and allows shooting in darker conditions—but at the cost of added grain.
Real-world example:
When shooting outdoors on a bright sunny day, a photographer can use a low ISO such as 100 for the highest image quality. In a dimly lit concert or indoor event where flash is not allowed, increasing the ISO helps capture the scene, even though some noise may be introduced.
Conclusion
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO must work together to create a properly exposed photograph. Changing one setting affects the others and understanding how they interact allows photographers to adapt to different shooting situations. Modern cameras assist with built-in light meters and automatic modes, but mastering the exposure triangle gives photographers greater creative control. Whether freezing action, creating background blur, or shooting in low light, knowing how to apply the exposure triangle in real-world scenarios is a foundational skill for capturing strong, intentional images.