Photo Vocabulary V1.0

SLR = Single Lens Reflex
(What you see in the viewfinder is reflected off a mirror. So what you see is the actual picture you will get.)

DSLR = Digital Single Lens Reflex

ISO = a measurement standard for the sensitivity of the film or sensor to light. The higher the number, the more sensitive it is.
(ISO100 gives a better photo but is not very sensitive, ISO1600 may have a lot of “grain” but it is very sensitive)

Aperture = the opening where light can pass into the camera and onto the film or sensor.

Shutter Speed = the length of time that the camera shutter is open (on Canon it is the “Time Value”)
(the shutter is sort of a metal door that opens and closes, allowing or blocking light from entering the camera)

Exposure = the amount of light you have allowed to enter the camera

Overexposed = too much light (your photo is very bright/white or “blown out” )

Underexposed = not enough light (your photo is very dark)

Basic Composition

Several of my fellow photographers have recently discussed how unfair it is when people judge them based on their camera. And I agree. Here at Mannam Photography we believe it’s not the size of the camera that matters, but how you compose the shot. I often hear… “Oh, I can’t join you guys because I don’t have a DSLR.”

But that’s ok, because…

A great composition is what makes a great photo, not the camera.

The most important thing is making certain that the subject of your photo is clear and any distractions are tossed out or minimalized.

Check your background… is there a trashcan in your photo? A telephone pole that looks like it’s sticking out of your subject’s head? A water stain on the wall? Anything that might steal your viewers attention.

Recap:
What’s your subject?
Is there anything that could distract from your subject?
Can you remove the distraction or change the angle of your photo to get rid of it?

In the following photo I liked the model’s pose and the circular brick work… but not the ugly stains.
In this case, I was able to move some trash that was on the ground, move the model’s shoes out of frame, move my backpack out of frame, and finally use photoshop to clean up the waterspots.

And on that note… rules are meant to be broken… I recently stumbled upon this awesome photographer… his photos are carefully crafted distractions. Click the link below to see his books and portfolio.