When capturing low light photos, such as firelight, should your aperture setting be large?

When capturing low light photos, such as those taken by firelight, a larger aperture setting is beneficial because it allows more light to enter the camera. An aperture is described by its f-number; a lower f-number indicates a larger aperture. By utilizing a larger aperture, you can increase the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, which is crucial in low-light conditions where light is limited.

In scenarios like firelight, where the ambiance is dim and the light source is small and focused, the increased light gathering capability of a larger aperture helps to create a better exposure. This results in brighter images and better detail in the shadows without requiring excessively long shutter speeds or high ISO settings, both of which could introduce motion blur or noise.

In contrast, smaller apertures allow less light to reach the sensor and are generally not as effective in low-light situations.