10 Photo Terms to Know as a Photography Beginner

As a photographer, there are several important terms that you should know in order to improve your craft. Here are ten photography terms that you should familiarize yourself with:

1. Aperture: This refers to the opening in the lens that allows light to enter the camera. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter, creating a shallower depth of field and a blurred background.

2. Shutter speed: This refers to the length of time that the camera's shutter remains open. A faster shutter speed allows for sharper images of moving subjects, while a slower shutter speed can create a sense of motion blur.

3. ISO: This refers to the camera's sensitivity to light. A higher ISO setting allows for better performance in low-light situations, but can also introduce noise or grain into the image.

4. Exposure: This refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor. A well-exposed image is one that has balanced highlights, shadows, and mid-tones.

5. White balance: This refers to the camera's ability to adjust for different lighting conditions. It ensures that colors appear natural and accurate in different lighting situations.

6. Composition: This refers to the arrangement of visual elements in a photograph. A well-composed image is one that is visually appealing and draws the viewer's eye to the subject.

7. Depth of field: This refers to the amount of the image that is in focus. A shallow depth of field creates a blurred background, while a deep depth of field keeps more of the image in focus.

8. RAW: This refers to a file format that captures all of the data from the camera's sensor. It allows for greater flexibility in post-processing and editing. It’s important to always shoot in RAW.

9. Image stabilization: This refers to a feature that reduces camera shake and blur in images. It can be achieved through lenses or camera bodies with built-in stabilization.

10. Focal length: This refers to the distance between the lens and the sensor. A shorter focal length (wider lens) captures more of the scene, while a longer focal length (telephoto lens) zooms in on the subject.