Aperture helps you decide how much of a photograph feels sharp and how much falls into the background. It is one of the first settings worth experimenting with when you start photographing people.
What the numbers mean
Aperture is the opening in the lens. A lower number, such as f/2, means a wider opening that lets in more light. A higher number, such as f/8, means a smaller opening that lets in less light, with other settings unchanged.
How it changes the photograph
A wider aperture can give you a shallower depth of field: your subject stays sharp while the background becomes softer. A smaller aperture generally brings more of the scene into focus. Distance, focal length and where you focus also affect the result.
Try it with someone you know
Keep your camera position and subject still. Photograph the same scene at f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/8, if your lens allows those settings. Look at the eyes and background in each image. In aperture priority mode, watch the shutter speed the camera chooses as you change the aperture.
For a manufacturer’s explanation, see Nikon’s aperture guide.
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