Photography Cheat Sheet
Quick reference for camera settings
Aperture
Controls depth of field and light intake
What is Aperture?
Aperture is the opening in your lens that lets light through. It's measured in f-stops (f/1.4, f/2.8, f/5.6, etc.).
Understanding f-stops
Lower f-number = wider opening = more light + blurry background. Higher f-number = narrower opening = less light + sharp background.
Depth of Field
Wide aperture (f/1.8) creates a shallow depth of field - perfect for portraits with blurry backgrounds. Narrow aperture (f/11+) keeps everything in focus - great for landscapes.
Shutter Speed
Controls motion blur and exposure time
What is Shutter Speed?
Shutter speed is how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. Measured in fractions of a second (1/500, 1/60) or full seconds.
Freezing Motion
Fast shutter speeds (1/500+) freeze action. Perfect for sports, wildlife, or kids running around.
Motion Blur
Slow shutter speeds (1/30 or slower) create motion blur. Great for waterfalls, light trails, or showing movement.
ISO
Controls sensor sensitivity to light
What is ISO?
ISO measures your camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Higher ISO = brighter image but more grain/noise.
The Noise Trade-off
Low ISO (100-400) gives clean, noise-free images. High ISO (1600+) adds grain but lets you shoot in darker conditions.
When to Adjust
Start with the lowest ISO possible. Only increase when you need faster shutter speed or can't open aperture wider.
Exposure Triangle
How aperture, shutter, and ISO work together
The Balance
These three settings work together to create proper exposure. Change one, and you'll need to adjust another to compensate.
Creative Decisions
Choose your priority: want blur-free action? Fast shutter. Dreamy background? Wide aperture. Then adjust the others to match.
The Math
Each full stop doubles or halves the light. Opening aperture one stop = using shutter twice as fast = halving ISO.
Composition Rules
Arranging elements for visual impact
Rule of Thirds
Imagine your frame divided into 9 equal parts. Place your subject along these lines or at their intersections for more dynamic shots.
Leading Lines
Use natural lines (roads, fences, rivers) to guide the viewer's eye toward your subject. Creates depth and draws attention.
Framing
Use doorways, windows, or natural elements to frame your subject. Adds depth and focuses attention on your main subject.
Lighting Tips
Working with natural and artificial light
Golden Hour
The hour after sunrise and before sunset offers warm, soft, directional light. The most flattering for portraits and landscapes.
Harsh vs Soft Light
Midday sun = harsh shadows. Cloudy days = soft, even light. Move to shade or wait for clouds when the light is too harsh.
Direction Matters
Front light: flat but safe. Side light: dramatic shadows. Backlight: silhouettes or rim lighting. Experiment!