To provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method in which the accuracy of focus can be improved in auto focus operation, imaging can be carried out automatically while imparting a degree of freedom to exposure condition, and representation range of imaging is not limited.

An imaging apparatus comprises a multistage diaphragm 3, arranged in the optical path of a photographic optical system, an ND filter 2 which can be inserted removably into the optical path, and a CCD 21 arranged in the optical path. The ND filter 2 is inserted into the optical path and the multistage diaphragm 3 is brought into open state (S21, S23). Focus is adjusted (S31) by a contrast AF based on image data from the CCD 21, and a photographic scene is recognized (S39). A decision is made whether the ND filter 2 is removed from the optical path or not based on the photographic scene, and the aperture value of the multistage diaphragm 3 is controlled (S45-S59).