In addition to the F-stop, what does aperture influence in photography?

The aperture of a camera plays a crucial role in determining the depth of field in a photograph. Depth of field refers to the range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp. A wide aperture (represented by a low F-stop number) results in a shallow depth of field, allowing the subject to be in focus while the background is blurred. This effect is often used in portraits to emphasize the subject, making it stand out from its surroundings. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high F-stop number) increases the depth of field, bringing more of the scene into focus, which is often desirable in landscape photography.

Understanding how aperture influences depth of field is essential for photographers looking to create specific visual effects or guide the viewer's attention within an image.