How does aperture size influence depth of field?

Aperture size plays a crucial role in determining depth of field, which refers to the range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp. When using smaller apertures (denoted by larger f-stop numbers, such as f/16 or f/22), more of the scene is in focus, resulting in an increased depth of field. This is particularly useful in landscape photography where photographers often want both foreground and background elements to be sharp.

In contrast, larger apertures (like f/2.8 or f/4) create a shallower depth of field, isolating subjects from their backgrounds and resulting in a blurred effect known as bokeh. This technique is commonly used in portrait photography or macro shots to draw attention to the subject by softening distracting elements in the background.

Understanding the relationship between aperture size and depth of field allows photographers to make informed choices based on the artistic or compositional needs of their images.