Key Terms

Photography Terminology Guide — Understanding the language of photography

Every community has its own vocabulary. In photography, understanding these key terms allows photographers to communicate clearly, explain their artistic choices, and learn from one another.

Aperture: Aperture controls how much light enters the lens. A low f-stop (like f/1.8) creates a blurry background, while a high f-stop keeps the whole image sharp.
ISO: ISO measures the camera's sensitivity to light. Low ISO keeps images clean, while high ISO brightens dark scenes but can add grain.
Shutter Speed: Shutter speed determines how long the camera captures light. Fast shutter speeds freeze motion; slow speeds create motion blur or light trails.
Rule of Thirds: A composition guideline that divides the frame into a grid. Placing the subject along the lines or intersections creates a more balanced, appealing photo.
Post-Processing: Editing photos after taking them. Photographers adjust lighting, color, sharpness, and more to improve or stylize an image.

Why This Matters: Knowing these terms allows photographers to have meaningful conversations about technique, share feedback with precision, and understand creative choices that transform a good photo into a great one.