Photography Terms

Shutter Speed

Faster speed freezes action and a slower one allows for more blurring. A faster speed also means less light is allowed into the camera

Exposure

The amount of light allowed into the camera that can be controlled via aperture or shutter speed

Aperture/F-Stop

This setting allows more or less light into the camera, measured by a number. A higher number means less light coming into the camera

Depth of Field

Enough light and proper aperture settings to allow the camera to focus on the foreground and the background

Bracketing

Taking a similar picture multiple times using different settings to get the best effect

ISO

A measure of the camera’s sensitivity to light (previously called the speed of film)

Rule of Thirds

A strong composition method in which a 3×3 grid is envisioned and the subject is in an outer section

Perspective

Using unique positions to shoot from that expand the viewers world

Subjective

A perspective that puts the viewer right there (POV)

Juxtaposition

Placing two opposite objects next to each other for contrast

Cropping

Changing the shape, dimensions, or aspect of the photo to impact the story, tone, or impact.

Backlighting

too much light from behind that darkens the foreground, can be cool if planned but will ruin the picture if not

Flash-Fill

Even if there is enough light, flash-fill can be used to even out the shadows and the light spots on a bright day