The photo dictionary: a first approach to photography

Whether you are a passionate amateur or a professional photographer, it is essential to understand the vocabulary used in photography. Here is a short overview of the most commonly used terms in professional photography.

Aperture: Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening. It is measured in terms of “f/” followed by a number (for example: f/2.8). A large aperture (such as f/2.8) allows more light to enter the lens, which is ideal for low-light shooting and background blur, while a small aperture (such as f/16) limits the amount of light entering.

Bokeh: An aesthetic effect achieved by creating a blurred background in an image. Bokeh emphasises the main subject by visually separating it from the blurred background. It is usually achieved by using a large aperture.

Bracketing: Bracketing is the technique of taking multiple shots of the same scene with different exposure settings. This allows a range of exposures to be obtained, which can then be stitched together to create a balanced exposure.

Composition: Composition is the art of arranging the elements of an image in an aesthetic and balanced manner. Techniques such as the rule of thirds, the horizon line, diagonals and vanishing points can be used to create visually appealing images.

Depth of field (DOF): The area of focus in an image. The DOF can be narrow (shallow depth of field) with only a portion of the image in focus, or wide (deep depth of field) with a larger area of sharpness. It is influenced by the aperture, the focus distance and the focal length of the lens.

Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a device inside the lens that controls the aperture. It is made up of blades that open and close to regulate the amount of light that enters the camera. The more blades there are, the more finely the diaphragm is able to regulate the aperture.

DPC (Digital Camera): This is a camera that uses a digital sensor instead of film to take pictures. DPCs can be compact, SLR or hybrid. Compact cameras are the most common and easiest to use, while SLRs and hybrids offer more advanced features and better image quality.

Exposure: The measurement of the amount of light captured by the camera to create an image. Exposure is influenced by three parameters: aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Correct exposure results in a well-balanced image in terms of brightness and contrast.

Exposure time: The length of time the camera’s shutter remains open to capture an image. A short exposure time freezes motion and reduces blur, while a long exposure time allows for motion effects and captures more light in low light conditions.

Filter: Filters are accessories used on the camera lens to change the appearance of the image. There are different types of filters, such as polarising filters to reduce glare, neutral density filters to reduce the amount of incoming light, and colour filters to create specific effects.

Focal length: The focal length refers to the distance between the lens and the camera sensor. A shorter focal length (wide angle) captures a wider field of view, while a longer focal length (telephoto) brings the subject closer and creates a compression effect.

Focusing: The process of adjusting the distance of the lens to obtain a sharp image. It can be done automatically by the camera’s autofocus or manually by adjusting the lens’ focus ring.

Histogram: The histogram is a graph that represents the distribution of tones in an image. It is used to evaluate the exposure of the image and avoid overexposure or underexposure.

ISO: ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. A higher ISO allows images to be captured in low light conditions, but it can also introduce digital noise into the image. It is recommended to use a lower ISO (such as 100 or 200) when there is sufficient light.

JPEG: A commonly used file format for digital images. It uses lossy compression, which means that some information is removed to reduce the file size. JPEG files are widely compatible and suitable for viewing and sharing images in different media.

PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus): An autofocus system used in cameras to quickly and accurately detect the distance between the camera and the subject. It works by comparing the phases of light coming from different parts of the lens, allowing fast and accurate focusing.

RAW: The RAW format is a file type that records all the data captured by the camera’s sensor, without any compression or processing. It offers greater flexibility in post-production and makes it easier to correct problems such as exposure and white balance.

Shutter: This is the mechanism that controls how long the light is exposed to the camera. It opens to allow light to enter the camera and closes to stop the exposure. The exposure time determines the amount of light that enters the camera and is measured in fractions of a second or seconds.

Shutter speed: The shutter speed determines how long the camera sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in fractions of a second (e.g. 1/1000s). A faster shutter speed freezes motion, while a slower shutter speed creates a motion effect.

White balance: White balance adjusts the colours of the image according to the colour temperature of the ambient light. It ensures that whites appear truly white and other colours remain true to life. There are different white balance settings, such as daylight, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent, as well as the ability to manually adjust the colour temperature.

Wide angle: A lens with a relatively short focal length. It captures a wider field of view than the human eye, which is ideal for landscapes, architecture and shooting in tight spaces.

By understanding and mastering the photo dictionary, you will be able to improve your photography. Knowing the key terms will help you communicate better and further develop your photographic skills.