0-9
A
- Aperture
- The opening in a camera lens through which light passes to enter the camera. It is measured in f-stops, and it affects the depth of field and exposure of the photograph.
- Aspect Ratio
- The ratio of the width to the height of an image. Common aspect ratios include 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9, affecting how images are framed and displayed.
B
- Bokeh
- The aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph, typically created by using a wide aperture. It often appears as soft, circular highlights in the background.
- Bracketing
- A technique where multiple shots of the same subject are taken at different exposure settings to ensure one perfect exposure or to create HDR (High Dynamic Range) images.
C
- Composition
- The arrangement of elements within a photograph, including subject placement, background, and the overall structure of the image, to create a visually appealing and effective photo.
D
- Depth of Field
- The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image. It is influenced by aperture, focal length, and the distance to the subject.
- Dynamic Range
- The range of light intensities from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights that a camera can capture in a single image. A wider dynamic range allows for more detail in both the shadows and highlights.
E
- Exposure
- The amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, determining how light or dark an image will appear. It is controlled by aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
- Exposure Triangle
- A concept that explains the relationship between the three elements that control exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Balancing these three factors is essential for proper exposure.
F
- Focal Length
- The distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus, usually measured in millimeters. It affects the field of view and magnification of the image.
G
H
- Histogram
- A graphical representation of the tonal values of an image, showing the distribution of shadows, midtones, and highlights. It helps photographers assess exposure and contrast.
I
- ISO
- A measure of the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values allow for shooting in lower light but can introduce noise or grain into the image.
J
K
L
- Leading Lines
- A compositional technique that uses natural lines within the scene to direct the viewer’s eye toward the main subject of the photograph.
- Lens Distortion
- An optical aberration that causes straight lines to appear curved in an image. Common types include barrel distortion (lines bow out) and pincushion distortion (lines bow in).
- Lens Flare
- A phenomenon where light is scattered or flared in a lens system, often producing bright spots or streaks in an image, usually caused by strong light sources like the sun.
M
- Macro Photography
- A type of photography that involves capturing close-up images of small subjects, often using a macro lens, to reveal intricate details that are not visible to the naked eye.
- Metering
- The process by which a camera measures the brightness of a scene to determine the appropriate exposure. Common metering modes include spot, center-weighted, and matrix.
N
- Noise
- Unwanted grainy texture or color distortion in a photograph, usually more noticeable at higher ISO settings or in low-light conditions.
O
P
- Panning
- A technique used to capture moving subjects by moving the camera along with the subject’s motion. This results in a sharp subject with a blurred background, conveying a sense of speed.
- Post-Processing
- The process of editing and enhancing a photograph after it has been taken, using software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. This can include adjustments to exposure, color correction, cropping, and retouching.
- Prime Lens
- A lens with a fixed focal length, such as 50mm, as opposed to a zoom lens. Prime lenses typically offer superior image quality and larger apertures.
Q
R
- RAW
- A file format that captures all image data recorded by the sensor, offering greater flexibility in post-processing compared to compressed formats like JPEG.
- Rule of Thirds
- A composition guideline that suggests dividing the frame into a 3×3 grid and placing the subject along the lines or at their intersections to create a more balanced and engaging image.
S
- Shutter Speed
- The amount of time the camera’s shutter remains open to allow light to hit the sensor. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second and affects motion blur and exposure.
T
- Telephoto Lens
- A lens with a long focal length that magnifies distant subjects, making them appear closer. Telephoto lenses are commonly used in wildlife, sports, and portrait photography.
- Time-Lapse
- A photographic technique that involves taking a series of photos at set intervals to create a video that shows changes occurring over time, often used to capture processes like sunsets or blooming flowers.
U
V
- Viewfinder
- The component of the camera through which the photographer looks to compose and focus the image. It can be optical (OVF) or electronic (EVF).
- Vignetting
- A reduction in image brightness or saturation at the edges compared to the center, often used intentionally to draw attention to the center of the frame, but it can also be an undesirable lens effect.
W
- White Balance
- A camera setting that adjusts the colors to match the actual lighting conditions, ensuring that whites appear white and colors are accurately represented.
X
Y
Z