 | Term | Definition |
| |
Lens |
A piece of transparent substance, usually glass, having two opposite surfaces either both curved or one curved and one plane, used in an optical device in changing the convergence of light rays, as for magnification, or in correcting defects of vision. |
| |
Camera |
A boxlike device for holding a film or plate sensitive to light, having an aperture controlled by a shutter that, when opened, admits light enabling an object to be focused, usually by means of a lens, on the film or plate, thereby producing a photographic image. |
| |
Aperture |
A usually adjustable opening in an optical instrument, such as a camera or telescope, that limits the amount of light passing through a lens or onto a mirror. The diameter of such an opening, often expressed as an f-number. |
| |
Shutter |
A mechanical device for opening and closing the aperture of a camera lens to expose film or the like. |
| |
ASA |
A numerical rating that describes the sensitivity of film to light. |
| |
Bracket |
To make several exposures, some greater and some less than the exposure that is calculated to be correct. Bracketing allows for error and permits selection of the best exposure after development. |
| |
Depth of Field |
The small range of allowable focusing error which will still produce an acceptable sharp image. |
| |
Single Lens Reflex |
A camera in which the image formed by the taking lens is reflected by a mirror onto a ground-glass screen for viewing. The mirror swings out of the way just before exposure; to let the image (or light) reach the film. Abbreviated SLR. |
| |
Emulsion |
A light-sensitive coating applied to photographic films or papers. I consists of silver halide crystals and other chemicals suspended in gelatin. |
| |
Framing |
Using the viewfinder of the camera to select what part of the subject to photograph |
| |
Viewpoint/Vantagepoint |
The place where the photographer positions the camera |
| |
Exposure |
The amount of time that light-sensitive material is exposed to light |
| |
Photography |
A method of recording the image of an event, person, place, or thing by the action of light on a light-sensitive material. |
| |
Fixer |
A chemical solution that makes a photographic image insensitive to light. |
| |
F-Stop |
The common term for the aperture setting of a lens. |
| |
Safelight |
A light used in the darkroom during printing to provide general illumination without giving unwanted exposure. |
| |
Stop Bath |
An acid solution used between the developer and the fixer to stop the action of the developer and to preserve the effectiveness of the fixer. |
| |
Contrast |
The difference in darkness or density between one tone and another. |
| |
Agitate |
To move a solution over the surface of film or paper during development so that fresh liquid comes into contact with the surface. |
| |
Burn-In |
To darken a specific area of a print by giving it additional printing exposure. |
| |
Dodge |
To lighten an area of a print by shading it during part of the printing exposure. |
| |
Easel |
Darkroom accessory used to hold printing paper flat and in place under the enlarger. |
| |
Crop |
To trim the edges of an image, often to improve the composition. |
| |
Working Solution |
A chemical solution diluted to the correct strength for use. |
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace