Uploaded December 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Your contributions make these videos happen! nickcarverphoto.com/contribute
And check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: nickcarverphoto.com/metering
The fact that the f-stop numbers are backwards (low f-numbers = big apertures and big f-numbers = small apertures) is the most common stumbling block I see with my students. As if photography wasn't difficult enough for amateurs trying to master exposure, this whole backwards business can make learning about the aperture a real uphill battle!
It seems most photography classes and books tell the student to simply "remember" that the numbers are backwards. But memorization just doesn't work as a reliable learning method! So rather than tell my students to "remember" these kinds of photography basics, I instead try to teach them WHY things are the way they are.
So with that in mind, this video explains why the f-stop numbers are backwards. And as the video will teach you, the f-numbers actually aren't backwards at all, they only look backwards to us!
With a true understanding of what makes the f-numbers the way they are, you'll be able to control and use the aperture with more proficiency and confidence. Whether you're into digital photography or traditional analog photography (film), this is something every photographer should know.
Nick Carver Photography Main: nickcarverphotography.com
Online Photography Courses: nickcarverphotography.com/teaching/online_courses
Orange County Photography Classes: nickcarverphotography.com/teaching/classes
Your contributions make these videos happen! nickcarverphoto.com/contribute
And check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: nickcarverphoto.com/metering
The fact that the f-stop numbers are backwards (low f-numbers = big apertures and big f-numbers = small apertures) is the most common stumbling block I see with my students. As if photography wasn't difficult enough for amateurs trying to master exposure, this whole backwards business can make learning about the aperture a real uphill battle!
It seems most photography classes and books tell the student to simply "remember" that the numbers are backwards. But memorization just doesn't work as a reliable learning method! So rather than tell my students to "remember" these kinds of photography basics, I instead try to teach them WHY things are the way they are.
So with that in mind, this video explains why the f-stop numbers are backwards. And as the video will teach you, the f-numbers actually aren't backwards at all, they only look backwards to us!
With a true understanding of what makes the f-numbers the way they are, you'll be able to control and use the aperture with more proficiency and confidence. Whether you're into digital photography or traditional analog photography (film), this is something every photographer should know.
Nick Carver Photography Main: nickcarverphotography.com
Online Photography Courses: nickcarverphotography.com/teaching/online_courses
Orange County Photography Classes: nickcarverphotography.com/teaching/classes
