Just started a unit on photography ... we have to use SLR for some of the images.

I have a handout but its not easy to read =p

Basically when i take my image with an SRL i want the detail to really stand out ... what shutter speed and aperture would people suggest?

ALSO

I want some images where the closer object/subject is detailed but the background is not as detailed somewhat blurred - what shutter speed and aperture would people suggest?

So overall i guess I'm looking for guidance on the best options for taking pictures with an SLR.
detail = the fine details of the object

example ...an ashtray , crushed beer cans etc.. will be my objects - static .
detail = the fine details of the object

example ...an ashtray , crushed beer cans etc.. will be my objects - static .

You sound confused about what aperture and shutter speed are and how they interact. It depends on alot of things, the light, the distance, and the type of subject. The ultimate goal is to get enough light into the picture as you need. If you want blurry backgrounds, you need to use a small aperture (well, actually it's relative aperture but...) If the aperture is too small, you'll need to lower shutter speed. A very low shutter speed will be a problem if you're subject tends to move around alot. The most basic advise I can give is make sure you have plenty of light. Use as small an aperture and as large a shutter speed as reasonably possible (to get a blurry background).
As for detail really standing out, i'm not very clear what you mean by that. "Detail" is often used to describe a wide range of things. Generally having a blurry background (shallow depth of field) tends to draw attention to the subject so whatever "detail" is there is more noticeable. Lighting is also very important to draw attention to subjects, and to show texture or shape or give the picture a certain mood.

Oh yeah, if you're using an SLR as in a film SLR, make sure it has some sort of light meter, that will be very useful for judging exposures.

You might really want to read up on shutter speed, aperture, film speed (if you're using film) and the relations between them.

For more detail, you may want to add more contrast. In a digital camera, you should be able to do this in the camera menu. If film, you will need to find a higher contrast film.

If you are wanting more of the image to be in focus, select a higher aperture like f/11 or f/16 and a slower shutter speed (You could use the aperture priority mode and let the camera determine the shutter speed).

For a more blurred background, select a lower aperture such as f/2.8 and a faster shutter speed (or again you could use the aperture priority mode) and focus on the closer object. You can also use a higher focal length (the higher the mm the more blurry the out-of-focus area will be) to increase the blurred, out-of-focus area.

Check out the links on the right side of this page for more info on aperture and photography tips: http://www.digital-cameras-help.com/