Aperture = Depth of Field

     The aperture setting in the camera determines the depth of field of the photo. Shallow depth of field would focus on the foreground and blur the background. The lowest number in the aperture setting would focus only on a particular area you choose to be sharp.

 

Shallow Depth of Field

18-55mm lens at 55mm

f/5.6 for 1/5000 sec

     Setting your camera to a higher number of aperture would show all the details, foreground and background, in the photo.This is called a deep depth of field.

Deep Depth of Field

18-55mm lens at 48mm

f/20 for 1/20 sec

     If shooting manual is not that comfortable yet, you can set your camera to Av or Aperture Priority Mode. Choose the aperture depending on the effect you want and the camera will automatically balance it with the Shutter Speed =).