- aperture priority: this exposure option allows you to set your aperture, and then let the camera automatically set a corresponding shutter speed.
- backlighting: the main light on your subject comes in from behind, making the foreground appear in shadow.
- blinkies: this term describes areas of an image that are overexposed. on some digital cameras, the areas will blink to let you know.
- bracketing: using this setting, you can have your camera take three exposure variations of the same scene, giving you the option of light, medium, and dark exposures to choose from after you take the shot.
- burst photography: this digital camera feature allows you to shoot several quick pictures in sequence without the camera delaying to record the image to memory in between shots. when you're shooting moving subjects (like fast-moving animals), it's an essential tool that will help you get your best shot.
- cable release: this cable attaches to your camera and lets you activate the shutter button without actually touching the camera. it can be an important tool if camera shake is an issue.
- camera remote: just like a TV remote, this device activates the shutter button on your camera. it's basically the same as a cable release—it helps you put a bit more distance between you and the camera.
- condensation: this occurs when a change in temperature causes tiny droplets of water to appear on and in equipment.
- contact sheet: a printed sheet containing rows of small versions of your images, used to create a quick visual reference for a series of pictures.
- crossover light: a situation where your light comes from a mix of natural light at dawn or dusk and artificial light.
- desiccant packets: little packets of water-absorbing chemicals used to decrease humidity in an enclosed area.
- diopter: this is a small adjustment dial on some cameras that allows you to set the viewfinder so the image is sharp—it's a great help when you're using manual focus.
- exposure compensation: available on most digital cameras, this feature allows you to alter exposure settings without manually setting your aperture and shutter speed.
- exposure latitude: this describes the wide difference between very light areas and very dark areas in a scene you wish to photograph.
- fill flash: this is the flash that comes built into most cameras. it's not a strong flash, but it may be all you need to fill in where light is low.
- focal point: the focal point is a spot in the scenery where you choose to focus.
- freezing action: this photographic technique refers to catching action with a fast shutter speed. but contrary to its name, it has nothing to do with temperature.
- golden hour: early or late in the day, there's a narrow window of time when the light is extraordinary for photography.
- graduated neutral density filter: this is a filter that changes from light to dark to compensate for exposure latitude.
- gray card: a piece of gray material that's specially colored to match automatic exposure settings on a camera.
- haze filter: attach this filter to your camera lens to compensate for the dirt and pollution in the air.
- histogram: digital cameras create and display this chart to help you track the light values in an image and avoid overexposure.
- hyperfocal distance: As you take control of your photography, you'll learn to choose your focal point to control your depth of field. Hyperfocal distance is a focal point that gives you maximum focal clarity throughout.
- ISO settings: a measure of how sensitive the digital sensor is to light. the higher the value, the more sensitive the sensor is to light. you'd use a lower ISO setting in bright sunshine, and a higher ISO setting in low-light situations.
- light painting: moving the camera when photographing still lights to draw lines of light in your image.
- macro photography: a type of photography where your camera is very close to the subject and still achieves crisp focus.
- metering: this is how a camera's light meter reads the light and uses it to suggest exposure settings. there are various forms of metering on each camera.
- mixed light: a situation where your light comes from several different sources and may tint the scene with various colors.
- model release: a form signed by someone in your picture that allows you to sell or publish the image.
- monopod: a one-legged stand, somewhat like a tripod, that you can use to steady a camera. monopods take up less room in tight situations, but they can't stand alone like a tripod.
- panning: moving your camera at the same pace as a moving subject to blur the background, but not the subject.
- PDF file: a universal file format for storing documents. most manufacturers provide manuals and user information in this format.
- photo book: a hardcover book, printed professionally from your digital images.
- photoshop: a popular digital editing program for professional graphic artists and photographers. photoshop elements is a smaller, less expensive version of the program that's specially designed for amateur photographers.
- powerpoint: a microsoft program that's popular for slideshow presentations.
- RAW: if you set your camera to this file format, you'll be able to store exactly what your camera sensor sees—nothing more, nothing less. the camera won't automatically process or change the image after you take it.
- reflector: this is a handy tool you can use when the light is coming from the wrong direction and you want to redirect it to a better spot for your photograph. reflectors are easy to carry along with you, and they don't need batteries or power, so they're great for traveling photographers.
- saturated colors: you'll find these deepened colors in various lighting situations.
- scrapbooking software: software that lets you combine pictures on one page for printing and including in a scrapbook.
- shutter priority: this is the reverse of aperture priority. with this option, you set your shutter speed, and the camera automatically sets a corresponding aperture.
- sidelighting: the main light on your subject comes in from one side or the other.
- silhouette: in this type of photo, you'll leave the subject in the dark, creating a crisp outline against a well-lit background. you'll often find the perfect setup for a silhouette when you're shooting around water.
- spot metering: this feature helps you read the light from a spot or small area (usually 1% to 5% of the scene) to help you get proper exposure.
- stop: this is an exposure setting that refers to the aperture opening size.
- strap slashing: a thief can quickly cut your camera bag or purse strap and walk away with your belongings, often before you realize that anything's happened.
- travel adapter kit: a small package of gadgets you can use to convert local power to the type of power your electronic devices use.
- white balance: this digital camera function measures the temperature (or color) of light and adjusts the image to accurately display colors.
- wind chill: the effect that wind has on your perception of cold.
jan 28 2018 ∞
feb 26 2018 +
feb 26 2018 +