![](https://arielandres.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andres_20230813_2970_Z6-682x1024.jpg)
Aperture controls depth-of-field. In the first photo, I focussed on the near tree with my lens opening set to f/5.6. (It would’ve been better if I set it to f/2.8 to get shallower depth-of-field. I’ll redo the example another time.) The tree I focussed on is naturally in focus, but the trees behind it are blurry. In the second photo, I focussed on the tree further back behind it keeping the aperture at f/5.6. The tree in front is now blurry. In the third photo I reduced the aperture (higher f-number) and focussed on the front tree again. In this photo with the smaller aperture much of the photo is in focus compared to the previous two.
![](https://arielandres.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andres_20231015_2302_Z8-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://arielandres.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andres_20231015_2303_Z8-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://arielandres.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andres_20231015_2304_Z8-1024x683.jpg)
Shutter speed controlling motion blur. In the first photo I’m using a long or slow shutter speed of 1/20s. The water is blurred and creates a fast flowing, yet soft look to the waterfall. In the second photo, I’m using a very quick shutter speed of 1/8000s. The pearlescent droplets of water are suspended in the air.
![](https://arielandres.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andres_20230813_2970_Z6-682x1024.jpg)
![](https://arielandres.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Andres_20230813_2971_Z6-682x1024.jpg)