Photography Fundamentals and Techniques

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential photography terminology including exposure settings, lens types, file formats, lighting conditions, and composition techniques.

ISO

International Standards Organization; it defines standards for image sensitivity where higher values increase sensitivity to light but may introduce noise or grain into images.

Aperture

A setting that regulates light entry and affects depth of field; a wider aperture (lower f-stop number) creates a shallow depth of field, while a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) keeps more of the scene in focus.

Telephoto Lenses

Lenses (generally $85\,\text{mm}$ to $135\,\text{mm}$) ideal for portrait photography that compress facial features and provide flattering perspectives with subject isolation and a soft background.

Exposure Triangle

A concept consisting of ISO, aperture (f-stop), and shutter speed, which work together to determine the exposure of an image.

TIFF and PSD

The best file formats for preserving image quality during post-processing, unlike JPEG which compresses images and may result in quality loss.

Rule of Thirds

A composition technique involving dividing the image into a $3 \times 3$ grid and placing key subjects along the lines or at their intersections to create dynamic and engaging photographs.

Faster Shutter Speeds

Speeds such as $1/500\,\text{s}$ or faster used to freeze motion, resulting in clear images of fast-moving subjects.

Slower Shutter Speeds

Speeds used to create motion blur, which conveys movement and speed in an image.

f-stops

The unit of measurement for aperture (e.g., $f/2.8$, $f/8$) where each full stop change doubles or halves the amount of light entering the lens.

White Balance

Adjustments made to ensure that colors appear natural and true to life by compensating for different light sources and lighting conditions.

Golden Hours

Early morning or late afternoon light that provides softer, warmer tones and longer shadows, enhancing an image's aesthetics.

Overcast Conditions

Weather providing diffused light that reduces harsh shadows and creates evenly lit subjects.

Bokeh

The aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph, characterized by how the lens renders blurry parts and highlights.

Leading Lines

A composition technique using natural lines (roads, paths, fences) to lead the viewer's eye toward the main subject and create a sense of depth.

Framing

A technique that incorporates elements within the scene (like trees, windows, or archways) to frame the subject, adding layers and context to the image.