Close-Ups
Most digital cameras adjust the aperture automatically, but some will also let you change it manually. This is useful when you're selecting the kind of shot you want to take. If you're taking a close-up portrait of someone, it's a good idea to set the aperture number low. This will let more light filter into the camera in the foreground, which will show more detail in the individual's face. Try experimenting with the lower f-stop numbers to find a value that works for you.
Landscapes
The term "depth of field" refers to the areas in a photograph that show up sharp and the area that shows up blurred. Modifying your camera's aperture can control the depth of field, allowing you to highlight certain objects in a photo, while taking the focus off of others. Setting your camera to a high f-stop number like f/22 will put most of the photograph in focus, giving you a clear picture. A smaller f-stop number will sharpen the objects in the foreground while blurring those in the back.
Light
Modifying your aperture controls how much light is in your photograph. For pictures of natural phenomenon such as weather, set the f-stop number to the smallest possible setting, allowing as much light as possible to flood into the camera. If you're in a well-lit environment, you may wish to limit the amount of light entering the camera. You can do this by selecting a larger f-stop number.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed is directly linked to aperture, because the opening and closing of a camera's shutter also controls the amount of light entering your lens. Many digital cameras set the shutter speed automatically, but skilled photographers will change it manually to achieve specific effects. For example, adjusting your camera to have a high shutter speed with a low f-stop number allows you to catch very fast movement without any blurring.