What components make up the "exposure triangle" in photography?

The exposure triangle in photography is made up of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. These three components work together to control the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor, which ultimately affects the exposure of an image.

Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening, which determines how much light enters the camera. A wider aperture allows more light in, creating a shallower depth of field, while a narrower aperture reduces the light and increases the depth of field.

Shutter speed indicates the duration for which the sensor is exposed to light. A fast shutter speed can freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed can capture movement and create a motion blur effect.

ISO is the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO setting is used in well-lit conditions to avoid noise, while a higher ISO is beneficial in low-light situations, though it may introduce graininess to the image.

Understanding how these three elements interact is essential for achieving the desired exposure and creative effect in photography. The correct combination of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO allows photographers to manipulate light effectively to create visually appealing images.