APERTURE CHEAT SHEET
PVME Training Division — quick reference
Full-stop f-stop sequence
Each step doubles or halves the light. Memorize this — every aperture decision lives on this ladder.
f/1.4 — f/2 — f/2.8 — f/4 — f/5.6 — f/8 — f/11 — f/16 — f/22
Rule of thumb: Lower f-number = wider opening = more light + shallower depth of field. Higher f-number = smaller opening = less light + deeper depth of field.
Depth of field by f-stop
| F-stop | DOF character | Typical PVME use |
|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 – f/2 | Razor thin, dreamy | Romantic bridal portraits, low-light reception candids |
| f/2.8 | Shallow, eye-only focus | Engagement sessions, environmental headshots |
| f/4 | Subject sharp, background soft | Couples, small groups, full-length portraits |
| f/5.6 – f/8 | Workhorse zone | Studio headshots, groups of 3–8, military formations close-in |
| f/8 – f/11 | Deep, near-to-far sharp | Real estate interiors, large formations, product |
| f/13 – f/16 | Maximum DOF, diffraction risk | Real estate exteriors, landscape, sun stars |
| f/22 | Diffraction territory | Avoid unless forcing long exposure |
PVME starting f-stops
| Scenario | Start at | Lens of choice |
|---|---|---|
| Studio headshot (tethered, single subject) | f/8 | Sony 85mm GM or 70-200 GM at 135mm |
| Corporate headshot — torso, white seamless | f/7.1 | 85mm GM |
| Military trainee headshot | f/8 | 70-200 GM at 100mm |
| Military formation (50+ people) | f/11 | 24-70 GM at 35–50mm |
| Wedding ceremony — wide | f/4 | 24-70 GM |
| Wedding portraits — bride alone | f/2 – f/2.8 | 85mm GM |
| Wedding family groups (4–10) | f/5.6 | 24-70 GM |
| Reception candids, low light | f/1.8 – f/2.2 | 35mm or 50mm prime |
| Real estate interior | f/8 | 16-35 GM at 20mm |
| Real estate twilight exterior | f/11 | 16-35 GM |
5 common aperture mistakes
- Shooting f/1.4 on group portraits — only one face will be sharp. Stop down to f/4 or smaller for couples, f/5.6+ for 3+ people.
- Cranking to f/22 for "more sharpness" — diffraction softens the entire image past f/11 on most full-frame bodies. Use ND filters instead.
- Wide-open headshots without confirming eye AF lock — at f/1.4 the focus plane is thinner than an eyelash. Always verify on the tether monitor.
- Forgetting aperture controls flash output — at f/8 your strobes may need 2 stops more power than at f/4. Re-meter when you change f-stops in studio.
- Using f/2.8 zooms wide open for real estate — interiors need depth, not bokeh. Stop down to f/8 minimum.
Quick decision tree
- One person, isolated → f/2 – f/2.8
- 2–3 people on same focal plane → f/4 – f/5.6
- 4+ people or layered groups → f/8 – f/11
- Interior architecture → f/8 – f/11
- Studio strobe headshot → f/8 (always)