Digital Photography Key Terms and Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to digital photography, suitable for exam preparation.

Digital Photography

The art and practice of creating images through electronic devices, capturing light and converting it into digital files.

ISO

A camera setting that controls the sensitivity of the sensor to light.

Shutter Speed

The length of time the camera's shutter is open to expose light onto the sensor.

Aperture

The adjustable opening in a camera lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera.

Composition

The arrangement of elements within a photograph to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing image.

Exposure

The amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, determined by aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

White Balance

The camera setting that adjusts colors to ensure that white appears as white in photographs.

JPEG

A commonly used method of lossy compression for digital images.

RAW

An uncompressed image format that captures all the data from the camera's sensor.

Digital Workflow

The process of capturing, editing, storing, and sharing digital images.

Copyright

The legal right of a creator to control the use of their original work.

Fair Use

A legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission.

Pixel

The smallest unit of a digital image, which displays a single point of color.

Pixels Per Inch (PPI)

A measure of image resolution indicating how many pixels are used within one inch of an image.

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

A measure of printing resolution that determines how many dots of ink are printed in one inch.

Curves Adjustment Layer

An adjustment layer used in image editing to control tonal range and contrast.

Layer Mask

A tool that allows selective hiding or revealing of parts of a layer in graphic editing.

Metadata

Information embedded within a file that provides details about the file content.

Softbox

A light modifier that disperses light to create a soft, even illumination.

Key Light

The primary light source in a lighting setup used to illuminate the subject.

Fill Light

A secondary light source used to fill in shadows created by the key light.

Back Light

A lighting technique used to illuminate the subject from behind.

Rim Light

A lighting technique that creates a highlight around the edges of a subject.

Snoot

A cylindrical attachment used to focus light on a specific area without spill.

Histogram

A graphical representation of the tonal values of an image.

Framing

A compositional technique that utilizes elements to create a frame around the subject.

Leading Lines

A compositional element that uses lines within the image to lead the viewer’s eye.

Pattern

The repetition of elements in a design or photograph.

Rule of Thirds

A compositional guideline that suggests dividing the image into thirds for better balance.

Geometric Composition

A style of composition where shapes and lines are arranged in a structured way.

Visual Weight

The perceived importance of elements in a photograph based on their size, color, and placement.

Emphasis

The focal point in a composition that attracts the viewer's attention.

Contrast

The difference between the darkest and lightest parts of an image.

Color Theory

A set of principles used to understand how colors interact and the impact they have.

Analogous Colors

Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

Complementary Colors

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel and create contrast.

Destructive Editing

Editing that permanently alters the original image data.

Non-destructive Editing

Editing that preserves the original image data, allowing for future adjustments.

Photography Genres

Categories of photography based on style, subject, or technique.

Photojournalism

A form of journalism that uses images to tell a news story.

Portrait Photography

A genre focused on capturing the personality and mood of an individual or group.

Documentary Photography

A style of photography that captures real-life events or environments.

Landscape Photography

A genre that focuses on capturing natural landscapes.

Studio Lighting

Controlled lighting used in a studio setting for photography.

Natural Light

Light that comes from natural sources, such as the sun.

Editing Software

Programs used to alter or enhance digital images.

Workflow Automation

Using technology to streamline and automate steps within a digital workflow.

Visual Hierarchy

The arrangement of elements in a way that signifies importance.

Creative Commons

A licensing system that allows copyright holders to grant permission for certain uses.

Image Resolution

The detail an image holds, typically measured in pixels.

Camera Sensor

The component that captures light and converts it into an image.

Digital Asset Management

The process of organizing and managing digital assets in a systematic way.

Client Interaction

The communication and relationship management with clients in a photography business.

Networking

Building relationships and connections within the photography community.

Portfolio Presentation

The way a photographer showcases their work to potential clients.

Functionality Testing

The assessment of photography equipment to ensure it works as intended.

Technical Skills Assessment

Evaluations designed to measure the practical skills in a specific technical field.

Creative Process

The series of steps involved in creating a work of art.

Brand Identity

The visual elements that represent a photographer’s brand.

Business Model

The plan for how a photographer generates income from their services.

Marketing Strategy

The approach taken to promote photography services to potential clients.

Social Media Influence

The effect social media platforms have on promoting photography work.