f16iso100

Why is the address of my blog "f16iso100"?

Grand Canyon ISO 100, f/16, 0.5 sec

F/16 at ISO 100 - this is one of my favorite camera settings that's great for many subjects, especially tack sharp landscape photography. 

F-Stop - Relative Aperture most commonly referred to as "F-Stop" refers to the size of the opening in relationship to the focal length of the camera lens through which light travels on its way to the sensor or film.  f/16 represents a smaller relative opening (the larger the number the smaller the opening - f/2.8 is a much larger opening than f/22). In most lenses, this results in a large depth of field (DOF) so both foreground and background objects appear in focus (as with any rule, there are exceptions  - macro photography is one of these so a post on macro photography seems likely).  A comprehensive article about aperture can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F_stop

ISO 100 - refers to film speed or for digital cameras, the sensor's sensitivity to light. The lower the number the less sensitive to light. Referred to as "slow" film, this low sensitivity to light setting in digital cameras or film speed can result in higher quality images due to less "grain" or noise in the final images.  This ISO setting / film speed is often used when there's ample light or it's possible to leave the shutter open longer to allow enough light  to reach the film or sensor for a proper exposure.

Higher and Higher ISO's - One interesting development of the past few years in digital camera evolution is the very high ISO settings possible that can create stunning low light photography.  The major digital camera manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Sony and others are constantly pushing the limits on this technology. Today, ISO settings in the four and five figures and beyond are pushing photographers to rethink available light photography. (I think this will be a good topic of a future post).

I am certainly no expert on ISO so here's a link to an article that will help you better understand film speed:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_speed

A passing thought about f/16 and ISO 100.  With a small aperture, objects, both near and far can be sharp and in focus and an ISO setting of 100 helps create a higher image quality.  Not a bad philosophy for work and life!  Keep things in focus, both the issues up close that have our attention today and those out there near the horizon that may be more important tomorrow while, at the same time, do things in a manner that creates the best chance for a high quality outcome. (No, I'm not writing a self help book, I just like the analogy.)

What's your favorite camera setting and why?  What are your thoughts on ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed or anything else for that matter.  Do you prefer full manual control or do you find full Auto or Program modes to be your cup of tea?  Use the comment area below to send me your thoughts.