Three settings control exposure: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Learning them gives you creative control and consistent results.

ISO

ISO controls brightness by amplifying the sensor signal. Higher ISO brightens but adds noise. Keep it low when possible, raise it when needed.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed controls motion blur. Fast shutters freeze action; slow shutters show motion (water blur, light trails).

Aperture

Aperture controls depth of field (background blur). Lower f-number = more blur; higher f-number = more in focus.

Starter presets

• Portrait: f/1.8–f/3.5, 1/200, ISO as low as possible
• Street: f/5.6–f/8, 1/250, auto ISO
• Landscape: f/8–f/11, 1/100, ISO 100–200

Use these as starting points, then adjust one variable at a time.