top of page

The Exposure Triangle

Updated: Jan 18, 2023



The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography that describes the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Each of these three elements plays a critical role in determining the final image, and understanding how they work together is essential for capturing great photos.





Aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that lets light into the camera. A larger aperture, represented by a smaller f-stop number, allows more light to enter the lens and results in a brighter image. A smaller aperture, represented by a larger f-stop number, allows less light to enter the lens and results in a darker image. The aperture also controls depth of field, which is the area of the image that appears in focus. A larger aperture results in a shallow depth of field, which is great for portraits or other images where you want to isolate the subject from the background. A smaller aperture results in a deeper depth of field, which is great for landscape or other images where you want to keep everything in focus.



Shutter speed refers to the amount of time the camera's shutter is open to let light into the camera. A faster shutter speed allows less light to enter the camera and results in a darker image. A slower shutter speed allows more light to enter the camera and results in a brighter image. Shutter speed also controls motion blur, which is the effect of moving objects appearing to be blurred in the image. A faster shutter speed is great for freezing motion, while a slower shutter speed is great for creating the illusion of motion.




ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera's sensor (or film) to light. A lower ISO, represented by a smaller number, results in less sensitivity and a darker image. A higher ISO, represented by a larger number, results in more sensitivity and a brighter image. However, high ISO also results in more noise in the image.


By understanding the photography exposure triangle, you can take control of your camera and capture the images you want. You can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the perfect balance of exposure, depth of field, and motion blur.


If you're looking for a professional photographer, Montrose Photo Video is a great place to start. With years of experience, our team can help you to capture stunning images that tell your story. Whether you're looking for a portrait, landscape, or event photographer, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver the results you need. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a photo shoot.



Hello, my name is Johnny Lee and I'm your friendly neighborhood photographer / videographer. 😉 I LOVE telling stories!!! I adore traveling, exploring, and learning new things. I hold myself to the highest standards, and try to make people feel comfortable in their own skin. I find the beauty others don't see in themselves, and can help you share it with the world. This is your story, but I can help you tell it.




20 views0 comments
bottom of page