Photography Exam Revision

Photography

Drawing with light

Shutter Speed

the length of time a camera's shutter is open, allowing light to expose the sensor.

Aperture

the opening in a lens that controls the amount of light that enters the camera, affecting exposure and depth of field.

ISO (International Standards Organisation)

refers to the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A higher level of this setting allows for shooting in lower light conditions but may introduce noise.

Best time to Photograph

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft and warm, ideal for capturing stunning photographs.

Worst time to photograph

the midday hours when the sun is high, resulting in harsh shadows and bright highlights that can detract from image quality.

Hard Light

Bright light that casts harsh shadows and draws attention to a specific area of the photo.

Soft Light

Bright, soft and flattering light that has been diffused.

Light Meter

Device that is used to measure the amount of light.

White Balance

The global adjustment of the intensity of the colour.

Cloudy/overcast Light

Natural light that is diffused by clouds, resulting in a gentle cool light

Midday sun

Creates harsh light on subjects face

Shooting in shade

Can be great in even balanced light

Dappled shade

Creates inconsistent patterns on subjects face

Golden Hour

Gentle light that create a golden tone

Twilight

Light during this time is dark and blue

Front light

Subjects face lit from the front, Creates even light on the subjects face

Side light

Creates light on half of the subjects face to help show texture

Back light

Subject is lit from behind usually resulting in silhouette

Top light

Considered least flattering creating racoon eyes with the light coming from above the subject

Under light

Subject is lit from underneath and is unnatural as light is normally above our heads

Story

What is the meaning behind the photograph.

Vision

What do you want the image to look like.

Intent

What is the purpose of this photograph.

Composition

Placement or arrangement of visual elements in your scene.

Perspective

Photographs from a range of angles.

Rule of Thirds

A guideline that suggests elements of a photograph should be placed along a 3×3 grid.

Positive Space

Area the subject takes up in a photograph.

Negative Space

Empty area surrounding the subject

Rule of Space

Put space in front of the subject

Leading Lines

Lines in the image that attract the viewers eyes.

Vertical Symmetry

Symmetry along the vertical axis.

Horizontal Symmetry

Symmetry across the horizontal axis

Radial Symmetry

Symmetry around a single center point.

Depth

Can be created by placing objects varying distances from the frame.

Sub-Framing

Uses objects around the subject to frame them

Contrast

The difference between colour and tone between shades

Landscape Photography

Capturing an environment or space in the world horizontally.