Bracketing
A method of taking multiple shots at slightly different exposure settings. Used in the film days to get the right exposure in tricky lighting situations. Can be used today in the same way and also for HDR processing in post-production.
Buffer
The memory bank in a camera that stores photos before they are written onto the removable memory device. Having a large buffer means being able to shoot lots of photos in quick succession without any loss of speed.
Cable Release
A device used to take long exposures by remotely pressing the shutter button. This allows the photographer set the camera on Bulb and avoid holding onto the shutter button the whole time which would most likely result in camera shake.
Circle of Confusion
Technically, an unfocused point of light that appears as a circle. This does not necessarily mean that this spot will look out-of-focus. The circle of confusion may be so small that it appears to be sharp.
Barrel and Pincushion Distortion
A distortion of the lens caused by imperfect manufacturing of the glass elements. Barrel and pincushion distortions create a convex and concave appearance across the photo, respectively. The effects are usually unnoticeable unless shooting a subject with several parallel lines. These distortions can be corrected by some cameras and post-processing software.
EXIF Data
A set of information generated by the camera that attaches to the photo. It is a record of the various values of the photo (resolution, bit-depth, focal length, aperture, shutter speed, etc.) as well as information pertaining to the manufacturer and model of the camera.
Guide Number
A number referring to the power of a flash obtained by multiplying the distance of the subject by the f-number for a specified speed of film or sensor sensitivity. The higher the guide number, the more powerful the flash.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
A process that can be done in-camera or in post-processing that extends the dynamic range (difference between light and dark areas) by taking multiple photos at different exposure levels. HDR imaging can create a photo that looks closer to the human eye in terms of the light and dark areas.
Hyperfocal Distance
The point nearest to the camera which is regarded as acceptably sharp when the lens is focused at infinity. When the lens is focused at the hyperfocal point, the depth-of-field extends from infinity to a distance halfway between the camera and the hyperfocal point.
Panning
A method used for moving subjects. Involves moving the camera with the subject so that the subject stays relatively in the same spot of the frame while moving. Used to create a sharper image of the subject.
Parallax Error
An error that occurs when the image seen through the viewfinder and the resulting captured image do not match up. Occurs in camera where the viewfinder is not through-the-lens such as rangefinders and TLR cameras. Usually only noticeable when photographing subjects close-up.
RAW file
An unprocessed and uncompressed file created by a camera. Usually takes special software to view and edit on a computer. Gives more latitude for editing.
Recycle Time
The times it takes for a camera flash to charge before it's ready to be fired again.
Slave Flash, Master Flash
A flash system where one flash or device (the master) can control another flash (the slave). A master can control a slave, but not the other way around. Not all flashes are made to be masters or slaves.
Tilt and Shift
The act of altering the focal plane of a camera by moving the bellows of large format cameras or the angle and position of a lens with modern TS lenses.
Vignetting
An effect that creates darker edges around a photograph. This can be caused by poor lens design, an incompatible lens hood, stacking too many filters, or by post-processing software. Though originally an unintended an undesired effect, it is used by many today for its aesthetics.
Also Read: 23 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Recommended Reading:
- 2013 Photographer's Market: The Most Trusted Guide to Selling Your Photography
- Best Business Practices for Photographers
- The Fast Track Photographer Business Plan: Build a Successful Photography Venture from the Ground Up
- 500 Poses for Photographing Women
- Group Portrait Photography Handbook
- The Best of Family Portrait Photography: Professional Techniques and Images
- 500 Poses for Photographing Group Portraits
- Selling Your Photography: How to Make Money in New and Traditional Markets
- Starting Your Career as a Freelance Photographer
- Photographer's Survival Manual: A Legal Guide for Artists in the Digital Age
- Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images
- Taking Stock: Make money in microstock creating photos that sell
- Going Pro: How to Make the Leap from Aspiring to Professional Photographer
Written by Spencer Seastrom