Photography Terms Made Easy
Why does it feel like all photographers are speaking a foreign language?
I remember while I was learning my camera being SO confused on what the actual crap they were actually talking about!
Why do some people say, “Aperture” while others say, “F-Stop”? Did you know they mean the EXACT same thing? Some people prefer one over the other…but when it comes down to it, they are talking about the same thing! Talk about confusing!
The Photography Glossary for Beginners
Have no fear, I’m here to break it down for you! Now, I am sure there are PLENTY of things that aren’t on here, because let’s be real, photography is like an onion, layer after layer of things to learn and remember. But here are the ones that I feel are the most common, and as I continue down this educational journey, things I will be talking about.
Stick with Me
Now, did I confuse you more? Don’t feel overwhelmed. We will break it down, one photography term at a time.
I think the BIGGEST thing to understand is the triangle of exposure. Keep in mind that all of this information is for those who want to learn how to shoot in MANUAL MODE. There are other options to shoot in, but Manual Mode {M on most cameras} gives you the most control over what your image looks like.
I went to my favorite place to look for the perfect way to explain this (Hello Pinterest!! And while I am mentioning Pinterest…are you following my Pinterest account yet? If not…head HERE) and found an example of the triangle that I think depicts this concept in the best way possible.
Image courtesy of Expert Photography
The Exposure Triangle Explained
The largest takeaway (in addition to where the heck you adjust each of these on your specific camera) is that EACH ONE of these affects the other. For example, let’s say it’s 4 PM and you are just starting your shoot. Your settings at 4 PM will be different than they will be at sunset at 5:30 PM. Maybe you start at ISO 200 because it’s a bright and sunny day, but as the sun sets, and the sun softens you will be adjusting your ISO to a little higher setting (maybe around 640). As we lose sunlight, we need to adjust our ISO to let in MORE light.
Now with that being said, if my ISO is at 200 my Shutter Speed will be different at 4 PM than it will when my ISO is at 640 at 5:30 PM.
Wanna know a secret? There’s a little way we can cheat and only remember to adjust TWO of the THREE settings! I SELDOM adjust my F-Stop. That, for me, remains the same (Especially when shooting my kids, pets or couples, etc.) So my F-Stop is always consistent. For me, I like to stay around 2.5-2.8 depending on my subject. So if I know the F-Stop (aka aperture) will ALWAYS be 2.8, to adjust the brightness of my image I only need to adjust ISO or Shutter Speed (or maybe a combo of both).
Have I confused you yet? To wrap things up, let me show you what I mean!
TIME: 5PM
ISO: 320
SS: 1/640
F-STOP: 2.8
TIME: 6:20 PM
ISO: 1000
SS: 1/200
F-STOP: 2.8
Grab Your Photography Freebie
Did you find today’s blog helpful? If so and you would like all the more information on capturing photos like a pro, be sure to download my Photography Tips & Tricks guide here!
