CAMERA/PHOTOGRAPHY GLOSSARY

(March 2024)

Cameras are a popular class of property for scheduled coverage, especially as technology has made photography more accessible to the general public. The ins and outs of understanding a subject creates a need to be familiar with the “language” used in the interest/hobby. Therefore, we present this modest list of camera and photography-related terms.

- A -

aberration–Distortion in a photographic image caused by limitations of the lens used to capture the image.

abrasion marks–Scratch and wear marks on a film’s surface that is often due to dirt or grit.

absolute resolution–Image resolution expressed in horizontal versus vertical pixels.

absorption–The level of light that is incorporated while falling on a given surface or object.

abstract–A photograph that features a subjective, non-realistic image such as patterns or shapes.

accelerator–Any chemical additive to a developing solution that promotes more rapid film development.

accent light–See hair light.

acceptance angle–See angle of view.

accessory flash unit–Supplemental light flash that is separate (not built into) from a camera.

accessory shoe–A fitting located on the top of the camera that permits the attachment of flash equipment, rangefinders or other accessories.

achromatic lens–A special lens designed to eliminate chromatic aberrations.

acid rinse–A diluted acid solution that impedes further photo development so that a given image is fixed (stabilized).

acquire–The act of importing a digital image in order to edit or process that image.

acuity–A subjective measure of an image’s level of sharpness.

acutance–An objective measure of an image’s level of sharpness.

adjustable camera–A camera that requires the user to adjust the distance settings, lens openings and shutter speeds manually.

adjustable-focus lens–A lens that has adjustable distance settings.

advanced photo system–A system developed for small format cameras that includes film and film processing.

AE–Abbreviation for automatic exposure.

AE–Abbreviation of automatic exposure bracketing – see bracketing.

aerial camera–A camera either designed or used specifically for taking pictures from heights, typically mounted on aircraft (helicopters, planes, balloons, blimps), cranes or tall, permanent structures.

aerial perspective–A depth or distance effect that is caused by the level of atmospheric haze.

AF–Abbreviation for auto focus.

AF assist–See auto focus assist.

afocal lens–A lens accessory that maintains the distance between the camera and camera subject while modifying the focus distance.

agitation–Gently moving around development solution during film processing so pictures may be developed with fewer flaws.

air brushing–A photo retouching process that distributes dyes via pressurized spray.

amateur film–Refers to lower quality film developed for use in non-professional photography.

ambient light–Describes any existing indoor or outdoor light that surrounds a subject and is not supplied by the photographer.

amphibious camera–A waterproof camera designed for underwater photography.

analog image–Traditional (non-digital) photo image.

anamorphic lens–A lens that is used to compress a wide-angle image into a standard viewing frame.

angle of illumination–See flash coverage.

angle of view–The area of a scene that is captured by a lens, such as normal, telephoto or wide-angle.

anti shake–See image stabilization.

aperture–The opening in a camera lens through which light passes to expose the film, also called "f-stop" or "f-number." The size of aperture is either fixed or adjustable and may be adjusted manually or automatically depending on the camera.

aperture priority–An exposure mode on an automatic or autofocus camera which lets you set the aperture while the camera sets the shutter speed for proper exposure. The shutter speed will change automatically if you change the aperture.

APO–See apochromatic lens.

apochromatic lens–A specialty lens that focuses all light colors at the same point.

APS–See advanced photo system.

artifacts–Visual defects found in digital images.

aspect ratio–The ratio of width to height in photographic prints such as 3.5 x 5 inches or 5 x 7 inches.

autobracketing–See bracketing.

autofocus assist–System by which the camera automatically focuses on whatever is in the center of the image area.

automatic camera–A camera containing an exposure meter that automatically adjusts the lens opening, shutter speed, or both for proper exposure.

automatic exposure–See automatic camera.

averaging meter–An exposure measuring device that provides an overall or general reading of the photo area conditions.

AWB (Auto White Balance)–An internal camera feature that creates a neutral setting within an ambient light source.

- B -

B (bulb) setting–A shutter-speed setting on an adjustable camera for time exposures. On a B setting, the shutter stays open until closed by the photographer.

background–The part of the scene that appears behind the picture’s main subject.

backlighting–Light emanating from behind the subject and toward the camera lens, sometimes resulting in a silhouette, but more commonly used to emphasize the main subject.

backscatter–Small visual defects on underwater photo images caused by light reflections on water or other particles.

balance–Placement of colors, light and dark masses, or large and small objects in a picture to create a harmonious effect.

ball head–A special, sphere-shaped mount on a tripod that permits a wide variety of camera angle adjustments.

ballistic photography–Photographs of ammunition, projectiles and weapons that is used in analysis.

barn doors–Flaps mounted on accessory lights to help control and direct illumination.

barrel distortion–A photographic effect where straight lines found at the edge of a lens’ field appear to bend into a barrel-like shape.

base–Any form of support for holding photographic emulsions (liquid preparations).

batch scan–Scanning and processing multiple images (usually having similar tonal qualities) in a single action.

bayonet lens mount–A device that allows a lens to be quickly snapped onto a camera.

BCPS–See beam candlepower seconds.

beam candlepower seconds–A measure of the level of light produced by a bulb or flash unit.

bellows–Either an accordion-like folding part of a camera or a separate accessory which lengthens the distance between the camera and lens to facilitate close focusing.

between-the-lens shutter–A shutter whose blades operate between two elements of the lens.

binocular vision–The ability to discern three dimensions.

bit depth–The number or level of grades of color that can be produced by a photo scanner.

bleach-out–A process that uses outlining and elimination of photo colors to create line drawings.

bleed–Refers to a photo image that has been printed to its edges (no borders).

border–The edge of a photograph.

blocked shadows–Refers to minimal shadows appearing in a photo image, caused either by low resolution or underexposure.

blooming–A colored halo around a photo’s bright areas that is created by overexposure to light.

blotter–Absorbent sheets used to accelerate film drying.

blowup–See enlargement.

blue hour–Refers to the bluish light that appears when the sun begins to rise and as it completes a sunset.

bokeh–Refers to hazy, circular, unfocused areas in a photograph.

bounce lighting–Any light bounced off a reflector (such as the ceiling or walls) to give the effect of natural or available light.

box camera–A rudimentary camera consisting of a box, a single lens opening and a space for storing film.

bracketing–Taking a series of pictures of a subject using a range of exposures. This method usually guarantees that at least one image will be correctly exposed.

broad lighting–Filming a subject while focusing a higher level of light on the area that is closest to the camera.

buffer–Memory in the camera which stores digital photos before they are written to the memory card.

burning in–Using additional light exposure during film development in order to darken selected areas of a photo.

burst rate–The number of photographs a camera is able to take when operating in a continuous shooting mode.

butterfly lighting–Illuminating a camera subject with lighting that is placed above and directly in front of that subject.

- C -

camera angles–Various positions of the camera (high, medium, or low; and left, right, or straight on) with respect to the subject, which create a different viewpoint.

camera components–Refers to the essential camera parts consisting of a body that is secure against light (light tight), a lens, an aperture, shutter, transport (which moves film) and a viewfinder.

camera movement–Unintended motion of a camera that produces a defect (blurring) in a photo.

candid pictures–Un-posed pictures of people, often taken without the subject's knowledge. These usually appear more natural and relaxed than posed pictures.

card reader/writer–A device for directly transferring images from a camera memory card to a computer.

cartridge–A light tight, factory-loaded film container that can be placed in and removed from the camera in daylight.

CCD–See charge coupled device.

changing bag–A bag that shields a camera from light. It can be accessed through arm openings in order to handle jammed film or to load film into a development tank.

charge coupled device–An image sensor that is found in cameras (digital) or photo scanners.

chimping–Slang for that amateurish practice of a photographer checking an image’s quality after every shot taken.

chromatic aberration–Describes a lens failure to properly focus different light wavelengths that are striking the same camera subject.

clearing agent–A chemical that neutralizes fixing agents in film or paper. It reduces processing time and often results in a more stable image.

close-focus lens–See macro lens.

close-up–A picture taken with the subject being only two or three feet away from the camera.

close-up lens–A lens attachment placed in front of a camera lens to permit taking properly focused pictures at a very close distance.

CMYK Color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)–The color space used, primarily, in commercial offset printing.

coated lens–A lens covered with a very thin layer of transparent material that reduces the amount of light reflected by the lens’ surface and transmits more light than a lens that is not coated.

codec–An application in a camera or video device that encodes or decodes video, facilitating recording and playback.

color balance–Refers to how a color film reproduces a scene’s colors or to how well colors appear in print reproductions.

color calibration–Setting a same color standard among an image source, monitoring device and printer so that an image is viewed and processed using the same range of colors.

color depth–See bit depth.

color noise–A measure of how accurately the color signals are reproduced.

colorimeter–Hardware device that analyzes the characteristics of a swatch of color.

composition–The arrangement of the elements within a scene (main subject, secondary subjects, foreground and background).

compound lens system–An accessory compromised of two or more lenses that allow control of aperture size and minimizes various aberrations to enhance photos.

condenser enlarger–An enlarger with a sharp, undiffused light that produces high contrast and high definition in a print.

consumer film–See amateur film.

contact print–A print made by exposing photographic paper while it is held tightly against the negative, so that the print images are the same size as the negative images.

contact printer–A device used for contact-printing composed of a light tight box, an internal light source and a printing frame that holds the negative between the light and the photographic paper.

contrast–Describes a negative or print which has a higher range of density (dark and light areas) than the range in the original scene.

contrast grade–Numbers (usually 1-5) and names (soft, medium, hard, extra-hard, and ultrahard) of the contrast grades of photographic papers. Using a low-numbered or soft contrast paper with a high contrast negative will result in a print that most closely resembles the original scene. Using a high-numbered or an extra-hard paper with a low-contrast negative will result in a normal contrast paper.

cropping–Printing only part of the image that is in the negative or slide, usually to improve the composition.

- D -

darkroom–A light tight area used for processing films and for printing and processing papers; also, a safe place for loading and unloading film.

data exchange–Electrical coding system used in 35 mm film to communicate film speed, type and exposure length to the camera.

dedicated flash–A fully automatic flash that works only with specific cameras, using built-in sensors to regulate the flash (including flash speed) and to control the lens opening.

definition–The clarity of detail in a photograph.

densitometer–An instrument used for measuring the optical density of an area in a negative or print.

density–The darkness in a negative or print area that determines the amount of light that will pass through it or reflect from it.

depth of field–The distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear properly focused in a photograph. This depends on the lens opening, the lens type, and the distance from the lens to the subject.

depth of focus–The distance range over which the film could be shifted and still have the subject appear in sharp focus.

detective cameras–Early cameras that were made in deceptive shapes or designed to be hidden on the operator's person. Their purpose was to allow candid photography (originally used for surveillance by detectives).

developer–A solution used to turn the latent image into a visible image on exposed films or photographic papers.

developing tank–A light tight container used for processing film.

diaphragm–Lens opening. A perforated plate or adjustable opening mounted behind or between the elements of a lens used to control the amount of light that reaches the film.

diffuse lighting–Lighting with low or moderate contrast, such as on an overcast day.

diffusing–Softening detail in a print with a diffusion disk or other material that scatters light.

diffusion-condenser enlarger–An enlarger that combines diffuse light with a condenser system, producing more contrast and sharper detail than a diffusion enlarger but less contrast and blemish emphasis than a condenser enlarger.

diffusion enlarger–An enlarger that scatters and distributes light evenly on the negative in order to minimize a negative’s blemishes.

digital camera–A camera that records and stores images digitally instead of on film. The images, instead of being developed, need no processing but may be downloaded into a computer for display, storage and transmittal.

digital image file–See image file.

digital zoom–A method that simulates image enlargement by cropping a digital image’s center in increasingly lower resolution.

directional lighting–See hard lighting.

dodging–Holding back the image-forming light from a part of the image projected on an enlarger easel during part of the basic exposure time, in order to make that area of the print lighter.

DOP–See depth of field.

double exposure–Two pictures taken on one frame of film, or two images printed on one piece of photographic paper.

download, downloading–The process of transferring photos from a camera memory card to the computer.

DPI–Dots per inch, the measurement of the resolution of a digital camera or printer. The higher the number of dots per inch, the greater the resolution.

DX–See data exchange.

dye-sublimation printer–Refers to digital photo printers that uses a vaporizing cellophane ribbon to transfer images onto a printing surface.

dynamic range–The range of brightness and tonality created within a digital or photographic image.

- E -

easel–A device to hold photographic paper flat during exposure.

effective aperture–The actual diameter of light that passes through a camera lens (as opposed to the lens’ stated diameter).

electroluminescence–The conversion of electrical energy into visible light.

electronic image stabilizer–An accessory that minimizes handheld camera movement.

element–The lens-shaped component of a compound lens system.

emulsion–Micro-thin layers of gelatin on film in which light-sensitive ingredients are suspended, triggered by light to create a chemical reaction resulting in a photographic image.

emulsion side–The side of the film coated with emulsion.

endoscope–A device that facilitates photographic subjects that are difficult to access.

enlargement–A print that is larger than the negative or slide, blowup.

enlarger–A device consisting of a light source, a negative holder, and a lens, and a means of adjusting these to project an enlarged image from a negative onto a sheet of photographic paper.

etch–A process of correcting small deficiencies in a negative by scraping away excess emulsion.

ever-ready case–A case that permits a camera to be operated while still enclosed by that case.

everset shutter–A type of simple shutter that tensions and fires that shutter in a single action.

exchangeable image file–A header format for storing information such as camera, exposure, time, date, etc., within digital image files.

EXIF–See exchangeable image file.

existing Light–See ambient light.

exposure–The amount of light that acts upon photographic material and which is a function of light intensity (lens opening) and duration (shutter speed).

exposure compensator–A camera feature that permits the photographer to change the film exposure setting in order to deliberately and automatically overexpose or underexpose photos.

exposure latitude–The range from underexposure to overexposure that produces acceptable pictures.

exposure meter–An instrument that measures the light reflected from or falling on a subject; it is used for selecting the proper exposure setting.

eye cup–A rubber casing mounted on a viewfinder's eyepiece. It blocks unwanted peripheral vision and also protects eyeglass lens.

- F -

false attachment–The effect where two separate objects or images appear as a single object or image.

farmers reducer–A solution used to bleach negatives (or prints).

fast lens–See lens speed.

fiber-based paper–A highly durable form of photographic paper that suited for photos intended for archiving.

file format–Different methods for saving and storing images in the memory of a digital camera. JPEG and TIFF are examples.

fill-in light (or flash)–Additional light from a lamp, flash, or reflector; used to soften or fill in the dark picture areas caused by the brighter main light.

film–A photographic emulsion coated on a flexible, transparent base that records images or scenes.

film load indicator–A display that shows whether a camera is loaded with film.

film plane–The area in the rear of a camera across which film is supported for use.

film speed–An International Standards Organization (ISO) number on film to indicate its sensitivity to light exposure (i.e., film speed such as 100, 200, etc.) with higher speed equaling greater sensitivity.

filter–Any colored, transparent material used over a lens to emphasize, eliminate, or change the color or density of all or parts of a photographic scene.

finder –See viewfinder.

fish-eye lens–A special lens, with a convex shape that permits extreme wide-angle shots.

fixatopm–See fixing bath.

fixed-focus–Describes a non-adjustable camera lens, set for a fixed subject distance.

fixed-focus lens–A lens that has been focused in a fixed position by the manufacturer, so it is unnecessary for the photographer to adjust.

fixing bath–A solution that removes light-sensitive silver-halide crystals from a negative or print so that the image is fixed (cannot be changed by further exposure). Also referred to as hypo.

flare–A streak or flaw on a photograph resulting from an undesirable light source or reflection.

flash–A brief, intense burst of light from a flashbulb or an electronic flash unit, usually used when a scene’s lighting is inadequate.

flash adapter–A lens that allows the spread of light from a flash unit to be adjusted to match the type of lens being used for a special angle shot.

flash coverage–Describes the area that is illuminated by a flash unit's light burst.

flash synchronization–Where a flash is triggered at the same time a shutter is at its maximum opening, facilitating proper subject lighting.

flat–Too low in contrast. The range in density in a negative or print that is too short.

flat lighting–Lighting that produces very little contrast or minimizes shadows on the subject.

f-number–A number that indicates the size of the lens opening on an adjustable camera, where smaller the number (f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, f/4, etc.) the larger the lens opening.

focal length–The distance between the film and the optical center of the lens when the lens is focused on infinity.

focal-plane shutter–An opaque curtain containing a slit that moves directly across the front of the film in a camera, allowing image-forming light to strike the film.

focus–Adjustment of the distance setting on a lens to define the subject’s sharpness.

focus range–The range within which a camera is able to focus on the selected picture subject.

focusing magnifier–A device that increases a camera’s optical range.

fogging–Darkening or discoloring of a negative or print or lightening or discoloring of a slide caused by exposure to non-image-forming light, exposure to too much air, over-development, outdated film or paper, or storing film/paper in too much heat or humidity.

forced development–See push-processing.

foreground–The area between the camera and the principal subject.

FPS–Abbreviation of frames per second.

frame–One individual picture on a roll of film. Also, refers to any film element that frames a subject.

fringing–Refers to areas of contrast within a digital image where colors bleed.

front lighting–Light shining on the side of the subject facing the camera.

- G -

galvanography–A technique in which a relief image is electroplated and converted into a printing plate.

gelatin–A protein medium infused with light sensitive material that is used in film development.

ghost image–A light, secondary image caused by an error (overexposure. inadequate shutter speed) or by a faulty lens or shutter.

glaze–Refers to film that is treated to create a shiny (glossy) surface (as opposed to a matte finish).

glossy paper–Shiny-coated photographic printing paper.

Golden hour–Also called magic hour. The pre-sunrise and post-sunset periods where the sky has a red hue.

raduated filter–A filter than contains a clear portion combined with an increasingly dense or colored portion. It allows a photographer to adjust a photo area's color or exposure level.

graininess–The sand-like or granular appearance of a negative, print, or slide. Graininess becomes more pronounced with faster film and the degree of enlargement.

gray card–Gray cardboard that is used to establish the base-line exposure reading when using reflecting-light meters.

grayscale–A photo made up of varying tones of black and white. Grayscale is the same as black and white.

ground glass screen–A translucent, glass sheet for viewing camera subjects; a component of larger format and reflex cameras.

gyroscopic camera mount–A gyro-equipped device that minimizes movement with handheld cameras.

- H -

hair light–A small light used to emphasize a particular part of the subject/object being photographed.

half frame camera–A special type of 35mm camera that can take twice as many exposures as a regular 35mm because its photo frame is half the size of a traditional camera.

hard lighting–Intense levels of either natural (sun) or artificial light that is used to create sharp contrasts in a photo.

HDR–Short for high dynamic range. Creating an image that approximates “as seen by human eye,” by combining multiple photos of same image, but with varying exposures.

HDSLR–High-definition digital single lens reflex camera that’s also capable of capturing high-definition video.

high contrast–A wide range of density in a print or negative.

high resolution–Refers to digital images with a high level of detail, due to a higher number of pixels used to create that image.

highlights–The brightest areas of a subject and the corresponding areas in a negative, a print, or a slide.

hot light–Photography lighting from a continuous, artificial source (as opposed to a bulb or flash unit).

hot shoe–The fitting on a camera that holds a small portable flash. It has an electrical contact that aligns with the contact on the flash unit's "foot" and fires the flash when you press the shutter release.

hyperfocal distance–Distance of the nearest object in a scene that is acceptably sharp when the lens is focused on the far distance.

hypo–Another term for fixing bath.

- I -

image browser–An application on a computer that enables you to view digital photos.

image editor–A computer program that enables you to adjust a photo to improve its appearance. This includes darkening or lightening a photo, rotating it, adjusting its contrast, cropping out extraneous detail, removing red-eye and more.

image file–An approximation of a regular (analog) image, which is composed of data or digits (zeroes and ones) capable of being stored and manipulated electronically (i.e., via a computer).

image resolution–The number of pixels in a digital photo is generally referred to as its image resolution.

image sensor–An electronic device that uses light that flows through a digital camera lens in order to create an image. It is the digital version of traditional camera film.

image stabilization–Any method or combination of methods that reduce the effect of movement while capturing images.

infinity lock–A feature on some cameras that sets the auto focus point at "infinity" in order to prevent out-of-focus pictures.

instant return mirror–See single lens reflex camera.

internal focusing–Lenses having internal components that can be adjusted in order to focus a shot, rather than depending on adjusting the lens barrel.

internal memory–See memory buffer.

interspersed aspect ratio–A basic requirement of certified photofinishers and certified photofinishing equipment. It specifies that the three system print formats–C, H and P–must be available at photofinishing.

ISO speed–See film speed.

- J -

jaggies–Slang term for a low-resolution digital image that contains sharp (jagged) curves, caused by the use of fewer, larger pixels.

joint photographic experts group–A graphic (image) file format that allows an image to be compressed for ease of storage and file-handling/processing.

joule–An objective measurement of the power output of a flash device.

JPEG–See joint photographic experts group.

- K -

KAP–See kite aerial photography.

Kelvin–A measure of the level of color temperatures contained in different sources of light.

keystoning–A distortion, typically of a projected image, where the sides of the image appear to narrow at either its top or bottom.

key light–Studio lighting area immediately surrounding a subject which is adjusted to control tones.

kite aerial photography–Process of taking photos using remotely controlled cameras that are attached to kite lines.

knifing–See etching.

- L -

lag time–Refers to delays between pressing a shutter button and when it fires.

large format camera–A camera designed to take pictures with dimensions of 4" by 5" or larger.

latent image–The invisible image left by the action of light on photographic film or paper. The light changes the photosensitive crystals to varying degrees depending on the amount of light striking them.

LCD panel–Liquid Crystal Display on cameras which shows such information as remaining exposures, flash status and aspect ratio selected.

lens–One or more pieces of optical glass or similar material designed to collect and focus rays of light to form a sharp image on the film, paper, or projection screen.

lens reversing ring–See macro adapter ring.

lens shade–A permanent or portable collar or hood at the front of a lens that keeps unwanted light from striking the lens and causing image flare.

lens-shutter camera–A camera with the shutter built into the lens; the viewfinder and picture-taking lens are separate.

lens speed–The largest lens opening (smallest f-number) at which a lens can be set. A fast lens transmits more light and has a larger opening than a slow lens.

light meter–See exposure meter.

lossy–A method of compressing digital images by removing the level of image detail.

low-pass filter–A component with a digital sensor that suppresses defects such as ghosts and the impact of infrared light.

- M -

macro adapter ring–A ring that allows a lens' opposite end to be attached in order to change its function (i.e., a wide-angle lens is mounted in reverse for use as a close-up [telephoto] lens).

macro lens–A lens that provides continuous focusing from infinity to extreme close-ups.

magazine–A light tight metal container used for film storage.

Magic hour–See golden hour.

magnetic read/write capability–The ability to record detailed information about picture-taking conditions, such as lighting and subject distance.

manual–Cameras with feature that permits the photographer to make any exposure adjustments, resulting in more creative control.

medium format camera–Cameras that are larger than 35mm models.

memory buffer–Refers to the temporary memory function in a digital camera that captures an image and stores it until it is transfer to the camera's memory card.

mini-lab–A retail-level photofinishing operation, serving consumers directly and processing film on-site.

moiré–Patterns formed in photographic images due to confusion between pixel patterns within a sensor and those appearing in a scene that is being captured.

motor drive–A battery-powered mechanism that advances the film to the next frame and recocks the shutter. Popular for action-sequence photography and for recording images by remote control.

multimode exposure selector–A camera feature for choosing among the applicable camera's exposure options.

- N -

negative–The developed film consisting of a reversed image of the film subject.

negative carrier–See negative holder.

negative holder–A device designed to hold the negative in proper position in an enlarger.

neutral density filter–A device that sifts out intense sources of light without otherwise affecting a shot.

NiMH battery–Nickel metal hybrid, a type of rechargeable battery that is commonly used in camera accessories.

noise–Refers to visual defects that pop up in the darker areas of digital images.

normal lens–A lens that makes the image in a photograph appear in perspective similar to that of the original scene.

- O -

off-the-film metering–A meter which determines exposure by reading light reflected from the film during picture-taking.

OLED–See organic light emitting diode.

open flash–Operating a flash unit that is located in an area that is remote from the camera.

optical resolution–The true level of resolution (image detail) found in a flatbed scanner.

organic light emitting diode–A sophisticated form of LED that operates without backlighting. They offer more contrast and consume less energy.

ortho (orthochromatic)–Film sensitive to blue and green light.

OTF–Off the film.

overexposure–A condition in which too much light reaches the film, producing a dense negative or a very light print or slide.

- P -

pan (panchromatic)–Films that record all colors in tones of about the same relative brightness as the human eye sees in the original scene.

pan head- A tri-pod head that allows lateral films that record all colors in tones of about the same relative brightness as the human eye sees in the original scene.

panning–Moving the camera so that the image of a moving object remains in the same relative position in the viewfinder as you take the picture.

panorama–A broad view, usually scenic.

panoramic camera–A camera designed to take photos with views of up to 360 degrees (note: regular cameras, without a wide-angle lens, typically capture views of 60 degrees).

parallax–With a lens-shutter camera, parallax is the difference between what the viewfinder sees and what the camera records, especially at close distances. This is caused by the separation between the viewfinder and the picture-taking lens.

perforations–Regularly and accurately spaced holes punched throughout the length of 35 mm film for still cameras.

perspective correction lens–A lens designed to adjust the focus so that the details within a framed shot bear the proper (undistorted) visual relationships.

photo radar–See radar camera.

pixel–Shortening of “picture element.” It refers to the components that captures digital images.

pixelization–See jaggies.

polarizing filter–A filter that can eliminate undesirable reflections from shiny subjects such as water or glass. This filter also darkens blue sky.

portfolio–A given photographer’s collective work.

positive–The opposite of a negative, for example an image with the same tonal relationships as those in the original scene. Most prints and slides are positive.

print–A positive picture, usually on paper, and usually produced from a negative.

printing frame–A device used for contact printing that holds a negative against the photographic paper. The paper is exposed by light from an external light source.

processing–Developing, fixing, and washing exposed photographic film or paper to produce either a negative image or a positive image.

program exposure–An automatic exposure mode on a camera that sets both the aperture and the shutter speed for proper exposure.

projected frame–See viewfinder.

push processing–Increasing the development time of a film to increase its effective speed (raising the ISO number for initial exposure) for low-light situations; forced development.

- Q -

quartz date–Refers to any crystal quartz clock located in a camera that permits date-stamping of digital photos.

QD–See quartz date.

quick-release plate–A device on a camera tripod that allows rapid attachment/detachment of photography equipment.

quick return mirror–Same as "instant return mirror" which flips a framed view so a camera's single eyepiece can be used to see the image captured by the lens.

QR plate–See quick release plate.

- R -

racking focus–Changing an image viewer’s attention by shifting between footage background and foreground.

radar camera–Usually used as a traffic control device. It describes a camera that is used in conjunction with a photo radar gun. The gun issues a beam which, when broken by an object, triggers a camera.

radio slave flash–A secondary (supplemental) flash unit, typically operated by remote control.

rangefinder–A device included on many cameras as an aid in focusing.

raw files–Digital images captured and stored in an unedited file format that permits a broader range of image adjustment compared to edited formats.

reflector–Any device used to reflect light onto a subject.

resolution–Refers to the level of detail that is captured by a camera’s sensor, expressed in pixels.

retouching–Removing errors from or adding enhancements to a developed print or negative.

- S -

safelight–An enclosed lamp which is used in a darkroom.

saturation–A color attribute with higher saturation, referring to richer or more vivid color.

scale–Using comparison to establish the proportions or measurements of a subject. Ex.: Placing a person in front of a large monument to provide proportion to the viewer.

selective focus–Choosing a lens opening that isolates a particular subject.

sharpness–The clarity of detail in a photo.

shutter–A movable camera component that acts to control the length of time that light strikes the film.

shutter lag–See lag time.

sidelighting–Light striking the subject from the side relative to the position of the camera; produces shadows and highlights to create modeling on the subject.

simple camera–A camera which requires minimal or no adjustments by the user.

single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera–A camera in which a scene is viewed through the same lens that takes the picture.

slave flash–See radio slave flash.

slide–A photographic transparency (positive) mounted for projection.

soft focus–Produced using a special lens that creates soft outlines.

soft lighting–Lighting that is low or moderate in contrast, such as on an overcast day.

spotting–Retouching a processed print with a pencil or brush to eliminate spots left by dust or scratches on the negative.

stain–Discolored areas on film or paper, usually caused by contaminated developing solutions or by insufficient fixing, washing, or agitation.

stop bath–An acid rinse, usually a weak solution of acetic acid, used as a second step when developing black-and-white film or paper. It stops development and makes the hypo (fixing bath) last longer.

stopping down–Changing the lens aperture to a smaller opening; for example, from f/8 to f/11.

subtractive color synthesis–Use of light-absorbing filters on blue, green and red light rays in order to create different color tints.

- T -

telephoto lens–A lens that makes a subject appear larger on film than does a normal lens at the same camera-to-subject distance.

thin negative–A negative that is underexposed or underdeveloped (or both). A thin negative appears less dense than a normal negative.

through-the-lens focusing–See single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera.

through-the-lens metering–Meter built into the camera; it determines exposure for the scene by reading light that passes through the lens during picture-taking.

time exposure–A comparatively long exposure made in seconds or minutes.

tint–Shades of white in a finished print, controlled by the color of the paper.

tone–The level of light or dark in any area of a print image.

toning–Intensifying or changing the tone of a photographic print after processing. Solutions called toners are used to produce various shades of colors.

transparency–A positive photographic image on film, viewed or projected by transmitted light (light shining through film).

tripod–A three-legged supporting stand used to hold the camera steady. Especially useful when using slow shutter speeds and/or telephoto lenses.

tungsten light–Light from regular room lamps and ceiling fixtures, not fluorescent.

- U -

ultraviolet–An invisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which can adversely affect photographic images (either a haze or a hue, depending upon the level of exposure).

underexposure–A condition in which too little light reaches the film, producing a thin negative, a dark slide, or a muddy-looking print.

unipod–A one-legged support used to hold the camera steady.

universal developer–Any film solution that can be used to develop a broad range of films and papers.

UV–See ultraviolet.

UV filter–A filter for absorbing ultraviolet radiation.

- V -

vanishing point–In a photo, parallel lines that appear to merge at a distant point.

variable-contrast paper–Photographic paper that provides different grades of contrast when exposed through special filters.

variable-focus lens–See zoom lens.

veil–An even deposit of silver that is placed on an image to produce a haze or fog.

vibration reduction–See image stabilization.

viewfinder–A camera component which is separate from the lens. The viewfinder gives the photographer an idea of what is or will be captured by the lens.

vignetting–A fall-off in brightness at the edges of an image, slide, or print. Can be caused by poor lens design, using a lens hood not matched to the lens, or using too many lens filters.

vinyl film–Vinyl photographic stock which, compared to paper, is subject to less shrinkage and is more durable.

viscose sponge–A synthetic sponge for remove excess moisture from prints that are about to be dried.

- W -

watermark–Information embedded into a digital image to protect its copyright.

weatherproof camera–Cameras that are moisture-resistant (but not waterproof) for safe use in wet conditions.

white balance–A function on the camera that compensates for different colors of light being emitted by different light sources.

wide-angle lens–A lens that has a shorter focal length and a wider field of view (includes more subject area) than a normal lens.

- X -

xD cards–A small, narrow memory card designed for use in small digital cameras, PDAs and cell phones.

X synchronization–A feature on a flash cord/camera that allows simultaneous triggering of a shutter and a flash unit.

xenon–A rare gas used in some types of flash devices and arc lights.

xerography–A photographic process where an image is created by exposing an electrically charged metal plate to light.

- Y -

yellow–One of the three primary colors used in subtractive color synthesis.

- Z -

zoetrope–An early device that was used to display a series of still photographs in a manner that gave the illusion of motion.

zone system–A method for determining the optimal amount of exposure for individual elements in a photo or print.

zoom lens–A lens in which the focal length is adjusted over a wide range. In effect, this provides lenses of many focal lengths.