Exposure / Learn by doing
Aperture Priority explained simply
What is “Aperture Priority”?
An automatic mode where you choose the aperture and the camera usually chooses shutter speed. It is often marked A or Av.
- 01Choose aperture
- 02Camera chooses time
- 03Watch for blur
How do you use Aperture Priority practically?
A small exercise
Choose f/4, then aim at brighter and darker scenes. Watch the shutter speed change and check whether it is fast enough.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Aperture Priority solve a problem?
It lets you control background sharpness while the camera responds to changing available light.
What can go wrong?
The camera may choose a shutter too slow for movement. Watch the displayed speed and adjust ISO or your approach.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Choose aperture → Camera chooses time → Watch for blur. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Exposure basics — Canon
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
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