How Aperture Affects Headshots

Wider apertures create softer portraits and draw more attention to the focal point. If a ring on a bride’s finger is the point in focus in an image shot with an aperture of f/1.2, it will draw more attention than it would if the image were shot at f/4. Another trait of wider apertures is the level of vignetting present in the frame. Images shot with wide open apertures tend to have more vignetting in the corners. In general, for headshots, we recommend shooting between f/2-f/2.8, and if you have the option, never really shoot wider than f/4.