A Glossary of Photography Terms
Information on common photography terms
Aperture
The adjustable opening in the lens used to allow light onto the film or digital surface.
The adjustable opening in the lens used to allow light onto the film or digital surface.
Backlit
Backlit is a photography term referring to images with too much light behind the subject
Backlit is a photography term referring to images with too much light behind the subject
Bracket
Bracket refers to a practice of taking several different exposures on...
Bracket refers to a practice of taking several different exposures on...
Depth of Field
This explains how deep the focus is within an image and is controlled by the aperture/F-Stop.
This explains how deep the focus is within an image and is controlled by the aperture/F-Stop.
Exposure
Exposure is the time while the film or digital sensor is being exposed to light.
Exposure is the time while the film or digital sensor is being exposed to light.
Extreme Angle
Extreme angle is a term that is generally used to denote any angle of view that is outside the way we normally look at an object.
Extreme angle is a term that is generally used to denote any angle of view that is outside the way we normally look at an object.
F-Stop
The number used to describe aperture size. A smaller number is a larger opening.
The number used to describe aperture size. A smaller number is a larger opening.
Film Grain
This is how much "texture" the film itself has.
This is how much "texture" the film itself has.
Film Speed
The light sensitivity of a film or equivalent digital sensor sensitivity.
The light sensitivity of a film or equivalent digital sensor sensitivity.
Focal Length
Focal length defines the distance from the first glass element of a lens to the point of focus.
Focal length defines the distance from the first glass element of a lens to the point of focus.
Leading Lines
Leading lines are lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image.
Leading lines are lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image.
Macro Photography
Macro photography is taking extremely close-up images of subjects.
Macro photography is taking extremely close-up images of subjects.
Reflector
Reflectors in photography are simply any item used to reflect light towards your subject
Reflectors in photography are simply any item used to reflect light towards your subject
Rule of Thirds
This refers to an imaginary grid drawn across a photo area that breaks the image into nine equal squares.
This refers to an imaginary grid drawn across a photo area that breaks the image into nine equal squares.
Shutter Speed
The speed at which the shutter of the camera opens and closes to allow in light.
The speed at which the shutter of the camera opens and closes to allow in light.
Stop Motion
A process of using fast film and/or shutter speed to "freeze" the motion of a subject.
A process of using fast film and/or shutter speed to "freeze" the motion of a subject.