Glossary of Essential Photography and Filming Terms

Want to make your photos and videos stand out in the digital world? Whether you're a marketer or a client stepping onto a set for the first time, these foundational concepts will help you navigate the process confidently. Gain insight, speak the language of the pros, and elevate your projects to the next level!

Bulb

A camera mode ideal for long exposures, where the photographer keeps the shutter open manually rather than setting a specific shutter speed. This is particularly useful for nighttime photography, such as capturing scenes with moving traffic, where only light trails are visible.

Aperture

A mechanism in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. A lower aperture lets in more light, creating a brighter image, while a higher aperture number produces a darker and sharper image.

Exposure Time

The length of time during which the camera sensor is exposed to light. A shorter exposure time captures fast-moving subjects with less blur, while a longer exposure time can capture motion and create unique effects. This time is typically measured in seconds or fractions of a second.

Depth of Field

An aesthetic effect often used to create background blur. This effect can manifest as rounded rings of light, adding pleasing depth and atmosphere to an image.

Exposure

The overall luminosity of a photograph, influenced by three factors: ISO, exposure time, and aperture size.

Full Frame

A type of camera with a larger sensor than conventional cameras, resulting in improved image quality due to its larger capture area.

ISO

The sensitivity of the camera sensor to light, affecting the quality of photos in various lighting conditions. Higher ISO values allow shooting in low light, but may introduce noise. Lower ISO values require more light, providing cleaner images. Each camera has a natural ISO level that produces the best grain-free quality.

JPEG

The final version of a photo, compressed and processed from RAW format. JPEG files retain high color quality, with the ability to display over 16 million colors, while reducing file size with minimal loss in quality.

Composition

The foundation of a photograph, referring to the arrangement of objects and elements within the frame. Different compositions can highlight the main subject, alter relationships between elements, and evoke distinct moods or atmospheres.

Lens

The 'eye' of the camera, which captures light and transmits it to the sensor or film. Lenses contain multiple elements that focus light and create sharp, high-quality images.

ND Filter

A filter that blocks excessive light in bright scenes. Typically, an ND filter is divided into two parts – a clear part and a darkened part.

RAW

An unprocessed file format that retains all information captured by the camera’s sensor. RAW files offer maximum flexibility for post-production, preserving color detail and image range for detailed editing.

Spot

A short marketing video or clip, usually lasting 20-30 seconds. The goal of a spot is to deliver a key message or promote a product or service quickly and effectively.

Vlog

A combination of the words “video” and “blog,” referring to video content often shared on platforms like YouTube. Vlogs cover various topics, though popular themes include travel, fashion, and everyday life.

Zoom

A lens feature that allows for a changing focal length, enabling close-up capture of details that might be difficult to observe with the naked eye.

Corporate videos and photos are a new trend and interest in them is growing.

Wyzowl

In the past, photography and videography were primarily for “connoisseurs,” but over time, these fields have become popular with the general public as well. Today, photography and video are global phenomena that shape culture and society. Documenting everyday moments, even with a mobile phone, has become the norm. This trend is highlighted by the fact that 'selfie' was named Word of the Year in 2013. 

For many, photography and videography have even become professions, with social networks enabling people to share and monetize their content – transforming a simple hobby into a successful career.