One of the most confusing things about photography for amateurs and beginners is the abundance of technical terms. Read on for more explanations of some of the most common and useful terms.
Aperture
All cameras have a diaphragm inside them that can change size to admit more or less light. This is very similar to how the human eye works " a circular opening that changes size depending on light levels.
The most confusing thing about aperture is the nomenclature used. It is quoted in what are called f-stops. A smaller f-stop number, for example f/1.8, actually means that the aperture will open wider, while a larger f-stop, for example f/22, means only a tiny opening.
Your camera will have a large range of f-stops unless it is an SLR camera. For example a range of f/2.8 to f/8 means the widest the aperture of the camera can open is 2.8 and the narrowest it can open is 8.
Sensor
At the moment you press the button to take a photo, a light sensitive sensor records the light present. This is the function in a digital camera which is the same in as film in an older camera. This sensor is hidden behind the shutter (see below) and records light when a photo is taken and stored on a memory card.
Shutter Speed
A shutter on a camera is located just in front of the image sensor. This piece is always closed until the button to take a photo is pressed. Once the button is pressed, the shutter opens for a specific period of time, exposing the sensor to light.
Most shutters are actually comprised of two curtains. At a fast shutter speed, the first curtain opens only a tiny gap between it and the second curtain, and travels across the sensor with the second curtain following close behind. For longer exposures the whole sensor might be exposed for a period of time before the second curtain closes it.
The shutter speed of cameras is referred to in whole and fractions of seconds. For instance a camera with a shutter speed of 1/640 means the shutter will open and the sensor be exposed to light for only one-six-hundred-and-fortieth of a second.
Exposure
The term 'exposure' refers to exposing the sensor or film to light in order to take a photograph. In addition, a photograph is referred to as an 'exposure' for this reason.
When you take a photograph, how much light the light-sensitive part of the camera is exposed to is determined by the aperture and shutter speed settings, as explained above. Darker conditions will require an exposure with a lager aperture setting, a slower shutter speed, or both.
The term 'correct exposure' refers to the approximation of what a photographer actually saw with his/her naked eye at the time the photo was taken. This is purely a matter of a taste. However, it is entirely possible to take a photo at night or in the dark with such long shutter speed that it actually appears as if it was taken in the daylight.
Aperture
All cameras have a diaphragm inside them that can change size to admit more or less light. This is very similar to how the human eye works " a circular opening that changes size depending on light levels.
The most confusing thing about aperture is the nomenclature used. It is quoted in what are called f-stops. A smaller f-stop number, for example f/1.8, actually means that the aperture will open wider, while a larger f-stop, for example f/22, means only a tiny opening.
Your camera will have a large range of f-stops unless it is an SLR camera. For example a range of f/2.8 to f/8 means the widest the aperture of the camera can open is 2.8 and the narrowest it can open is 8.
Sensor
At the moment you press the button to take a photo, a light sensitive sensor records the light present. This is the function in a digital camera which is the same in as film in an older camera. This sensor is hidden behind the shutter (see below) and records light when a photo is taken and stored on a memory card.
Shutter Speed
A shutter on a camera is located just in front of the image sensor. This piece is always closed until the button to take a photo is pressed. Once the button is pressed, the shutter opens for a specific period of time, exposing the sensor to light.
Most shutters are actually comprised of two curtains. At a fast shutter speed, the first curtain opens only a tiny gap between it and the second curtain, and travels across the sensor with the second curtain following close behind. For longer exposures the whole sensor might be exposed for a period of time before the second curtain closes it.
The shutter speed of cameras is referred to in whole and fractions of seconds. For instance a camera with a shutter speed of 1/640 means the shutter will open and the sensor be exposed to light for only one-six-hundred-and-fortieth of a second.
Exposure
The term 'exposure' refers to exposing the sensor or film to light in order to take a photograph. In addition, a photograph is referred to as an 'exposure' for this reason.
When you take a photograph, how much light the light-sensitive part of the camera is exposed to is determined by the aperture and shutter speed settings, as explained above. Darker conditions will require an exposure with a lager aperture setting, a slower shutter speed, or both.
The term 'correct exposure' refers to the approximation of what a photographer actually saw with his/her naked eye at the time the photo was taken. This is purely a matter of a taste. However, it is entirely possible to take a photo at night or in the dark with such long shutter speed that it actually appears as if it was taken in the daylight.
About the Author:
Tobias Sterling has been in love with photography for many years. He loves to write and share his knowledge with fellow enthusiast on Clivir.com where you can find his lessons including Beginners Photography Tips and Black White Photographing Tips.
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