A low f-stop number results in what kind of depth of field?

A low f-stop number signifies a larger aperture opening in a camera lens. This larger opening allows more light to enter the camera, which not only enhances the exposure but also affects the depth of field. A shallow depth of field means that only a small part of the image will be in sharp focus while the rest is blurred. This effect is often used in portrait photography to isolate the subject from the background, creating a pleasing visual effect by bringing attention to the subject in focus.

In contrast, higher f-stop numbers correspond to a smaller aperture, which increases the depth of field, allowing more of the scene to be in focus. Thus, when using a low f-stop number, photographers intentionally create a shallow depth of field to achieve artistic effects or to emphasize subjects within their compositions.