What does the f-stop represent in photography?

The f-stop is a crucial concept in photography that represents the size of the aperture opening in the lens. The aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera, and it is measured in f-stops. A lower f-stop number indicates a larger aperture, allowing more light to pass through, while a higher f-stop number denotes a smaller aperture, restricting the light entering the camera. This setting not only influences exposure but also affects the depth of field, which determines how much of the scene is in focus.

Understanding the f-stop and its impact on both light and depth of field is fundamental for photographers to control their images effectively, achieving the desired artistic effects and exposure levels.