Photography

Ambient Light - Light already existing in an indoor or outdoor setting that is not caused by any illumination supplied by the photographer.

Aperture - opening in the camera that lets in the light.

Aspect Ratio - The ratio of width to height in photographic prints; a ratio of 2:3 in 35 mm pictures produces photographs most commonly measuring 3.5 × 5 inches or 4 × 6 inches.

Camera Angles - Various positions of the camera (high, medium, or low; and left, right, or straight on) with respect to the subject, each giving a different viewpoint, perspective or visual effect.

Capture - The process of recording data, such as an image, video sequence, or audio stream.

Color Correction - To correct or enhance the colors within an image.

Contrast - The difference in darkness or density between one tone or another.

Cropping - Removing portions of an image that are outside the area of interest.

Depth of Field - The area between the nearest and farthest points from the camera that are acceptably sharp in the focused image.

Evidence Quality Photos - Images of sufficient size and quality to allow comparison and examination by a qualified forensic expert.

Exposure - The quantity of light allowed to act on photographic material; a product of the intensity (controlled by the lens opening) and the duration (controlled by the shutter speed) of light striking the film or sensor.

F-stop - Lens setting number indicating the size of the aperture that allows light into the camera. It is an inversely proportionate number, so that f/1.8 indicates a larger opening than f/5.6.

Filter - A colored piece of glass or other transparent material used over the lens to emphasize, eliminate, or change the color or density of the entire scene or certain areas within a scene.

ISO Speed - The sensitivity of a given film or sensor to light, indicated by a number such as ISO 200. The higher the number, the more sensitive or faster the film or sensor.

Lens Speed - The largest lens opening at which a lens can be set. A fast lens transmits more light and has a larger opening than a slow lens. For example, f/1.8 would set a larger opening than f/5.6 and would, therefore, be a faster lens.

Raw File - The data captured by a digital camera sensor before it is converted into an image file by software, either inside the camera or on a stand-alone computer.

Resolution - In a digital photograph, the number of pixels which make up the image.

Scale - The relative size of an object as compared to other objects in general proximity. Also refers to a measuring device or set of marks to indicate object size in a photograph.

Shutter - Blades, a curtain, plate, or some other movable cover in a camera that controls the time during which light reaches the film.

Working Copy - A copy or duplicate of a recording or data that can be used for subsequent processing and/or analysis.