Photography Terms and definitions:
- Rule of 1/3s: The rule of 1/3s is used when the camera or device has a 3x3 grid overlaying the picture, and the camera is positioned in such a way that the subject of the photo aligns with the grid lines in some way, usually being right on one.
- Leading Lines: Leading lines are any lines that seem to lead your eyes straight to the subject. They draw attention to a specific area of the photograph.
- Framing: Framing is using elements in front of the camera to create a frame inside the photo.
- Wide vs. Tight Shots: Wide shots tend to have a bigger field of view, and contain more things in them. Tight shots tend to be either close up, or looking down some sort of corridor or path.
- Non-Distracting Backgrounds: A non-distracting background is a great way to ensure that the subject is the focus of the photo. It can be a blurry background with the subject in focus, or a background that is in focus but relatively still and solid.
- Viewpoint: This is the location from which the photo is taken in relation to the subject. If the subject is a big tree, and you stand underneath it and look up to take a picture, this would be a low viewpoint, or worm's eye view. If the subject is a cat and you stand on the roof above the cat and look down to take this picture, this is a high viewpoint, or bird's eye view.
The Exposure Triangle
The term "exposure triangle" refers to the three parts that make up the exposure of a photo. Photos can be overexposed (too bright), underexposed (too dark), but generally the best photos are those that are in between, with an exposure of zero. Below are the three parts of the exposure triangle, what each does on the camera, how it affects the photograph as it is taken, and some examples of each.
- Exposure: The amount of light captured in an image. This can be controlled by adjusting the following three things.
- Aperture: The aperture of the camera is how wide the camera lens is open during a photo.
- Shutter Speed: The shutter speed of the camera is how long the camera lens is open during a photo. Of all the camera settings, this is the most versatile and has many uses when adjusting for the perfect picture.
- ISO: The ISO of the camera is the level at which it picks up light. This is an important setting that needs to be adjusted for time of day and location to get the best exposure.