photography

What is aperture?

The opening in the lens that controls how much light enters; measured in f-stops (e.g., f/2.8, f/16).

What does a low f-number (e.g., f/2.8) mean?

Wide aperture → more light → shallow depth of field.

What is shutter speed?

The length of time the camera sensor is exposed to light.

What does a fast shutter speed do?

Freezes motion (e.g., 1/1000).

What does a slow shutter speed do?

Blurs motion (e.g., 1/10).

What is ISO?

Sensor sensitivity to light.

types of camera control

aperture

shutter speed

white balance

focus

exposure

model

What happens with high ISO?

Brighter image but more grain/noise.

What is exposure?

The amount of light that reaches the sensor.

What are the three elements of exposure?

Aperture, shutter speed, ISO.

What is overexposure?

Too much light → image too bright

What is underexposure?

Too little light → image too dark.

What is the rule of thirds?

Dividing the frame into 9 equal parts and placing subjects along the lines/intersections.

What are leading lines?

Lines that guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

What is framing?

Using elements in a scene to frame the subject.

What is symmetry?

Balanced composition where both sides mirror each other.

What is negative space?

Empty space around a subject to emphasize it.

What is soft light?

Diffused light with soft shadows

What is hard light?

Strong light with sharp shadows

What is depth of field?

The area in focus in an image.

What is shallow depth of field?

Only a small part is in focus (blurred background).

What is deep depth of field?

Most of the image is in focus.

What should you consider when analysing a photo?

Composition, lighting, technical settings, mood, and message.

What is shutter speed?

The amount of time the camera’s shutter stays open, controlling how long light enters the camera

How does shutter speed relate to the human eye?

It’s like how long your eye stays open to let in light.

What happens with a fast (quick) shutter speed?

Less light enters → darker image (underexposed).

What happens with a slow shutter speed?

More light enters → brighter image (overexposed).

How does shutter speed affect exposure?

It’s one of the key factors that determine how bright or dark an image is.

What effect does a fast shutter speed have on motion?

It freezes motion, making moving subjects look still.

What effect does a slow shutter speed have on motion?

It creates motion blur, showing movement over time.

When would you use a fast shutter speed?

For fast-moving subjects like sports, wildlife, or action shots.

When would you use a slow shutter speed?

For creative effects like motion blur or light trails.

What is motion blur?

The streaking or blurring of moving objects caused by a slower shutter speed.

Why might you intentionally use motion blur?

To show movement and add drama or artistic interest.

type of composition

rule of thirds

leading lines

framing

light types

• Direction (front, side, backlight)

• Quality (soft vs. harsh)

• Color (warm sunset vs. cool shade)
  Great photographers don’t just find light—they use it deliberately.

colour and tone

• Complementary colors for contrast

• Limited palettes for a clean look

• Black & white for emotion and texture
  Also think about tonal contrast (lights vs. darks).

each point of the 10 marker

identify a technique

explain how its used

analyse the effect/ meaning

simple formula to remember 10 marker

technique

how it’s used

effect on viewer

what is composition?

rule of thirds

leading lines

framing

depth/ layers

balance/ visual weight

POV

use of light

focal point