Photography and video glossary

1087 terms from the lessons. Each one links to the lesson that teaches it.

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180-degree shutter rule

Set shutter speed to about double the frame rate for natural motion blur.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

30-degree rule

Changing camera angle by about 30 degrees or the shot size to avoid accidental jump cuts.

Read the lesson · Composition

32-bit float recording

A format that keeps peaks above 0 dBFS in the file, but cannot fix overloaded hardware.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

500 rule and NPF rule

Estimates of the longest shutter speed for point-like stars; NPF is more accurate for high-resolution sensors.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

A

A-roll

The main footage that carries the story, usually people speaking.

Read the lesson · Video editing

ABFO No. 2 scale

A standard L-shaped forensic scale with mm markings, distortion circles and 18% gray areas.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Abstract photography

Emphasising shape, line, color, texture, pattern and light over subject identity, from semi- to fully abstract.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Accent color

A small area of strong or contrasting color that draws the eye.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Account security for creators

Strong unique passwords, two-step verification and caution with fake brand and copyright messages.

Read the lesson · Content creation

ACES

The Academy Color Encoding System, an open, very wide color-management system for consistent color.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Action mode stabilization

A strong phone stabilization mode that crops the image for smooth footage during fast movement.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Additive and subtractive color

RGB light for screens adds to white; CMYK inks for print subtract toward black.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Adjustment layers

Separate layers that apply tonal or color changes without altering original pixels.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

ADR

Automated dialogue replacement: re-recording dialogue in a studio while watching the scene.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Advancing and receding colors

Warm saturated colors tend to stand forward; cool muted colors tend to recede.

Read the lesson · Composition

AF area modes

AF area modes decide how focus points are used: spot, single, expanded, zone, wide, tracking.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Affiliate marketing

Earning a commission when people buy through a creator's personal link.

Read the lesson · Content creation

AI culling

Automatic flagging of blurred, closed-eye and duplicate frames with suggested picks, reviewed by the photographer.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

AI denoise

Machine-learning noise reduction, often applied to RAW data early, checked at 100% for artifacts.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

AI voice cloning

Copying a person's voice with AI, which requires clear consent.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

AI-assisted workflow

Using AI for culling, keywording, face grouping, search, editing and delivery under human review.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Alt text

A short written description of an image for screen readers and search engines, written for meaning.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Ambience (atmos)

The general background sound of a place, used under scenes to create a sense of place.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Ambient light

The existing continuous light in a scene, as opposed to flash.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Anamorphic lens

A lens that squeezes a wide view onto the sensor for widescreen images with oval bokeh and horizontal flares.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Angle of view

Angle of view is how wide a slice of the scene is recorded; it narrows as focal length grows.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Animatic

A storyboard timed and played as a video, often with rough sound, to test rhythm.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Anti-flicker

A camera setting that times exposures to the peak of flickering artificial light for consistent frames.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Aperture

Aperture is the lens opening; a small f-number means a big opening and more light.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Aperture Priority

In Aperture Priority (A/Av) you set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Apparent size of a light source

How large the source looks from the subject; bigger and closer is softer.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Appearance release

A signed permission to use a person's image, voice and performance in a video.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Architecture photography

Showing buildings and interiors accurately: straight verticals, planned light, balanced exposures, careful lenses and tidy spaces.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Archiving

Preserving finished work long term: multiple copies, open-format finals, checksums, regular checks and migration.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Artistic context

How history, movements, culture and the artist's background shape an image's meaning.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

As Shot white balance

The camera-recorded white balance used as the starting point for a RAW file.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Aspect adjustment

Restoring natural proportions after strong perspective correction.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is the shape of a photo, width to height, such as 3:2 or 4:3.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Assembly edit

All usable shots placed roughly in story order to see the material together.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Assignment management

Planning booking, preparation, shoot day, post-production and delivery with one calendar, buffers and editing time.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Assistive vs generative AI editing

Assistive AI speeds edits to existing pixels; generative AI creates new content and often needs disclosure.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Astro stacking

Aligning and averaging many sky frames, with dark frames, then blending a separate foreground.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Astrophotography

Photographing the night sky: dark locations, moon phase planning, wide fast lenses, long exposures, high ISO, manual star focus.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Atmospheric perspective

Distant elements look lighter, softer, lower in contrast and bluer because of air and haze.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Audience retention

How much of a video viewers watch; higher retention usually brings wider reach.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Audio clipping

Harsh distortion when a recording goes above 0 dBFS.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio compression

Reducing the difference between loud and quiet parts of a sound.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio drift

Picture and sound slowly moving out of sync because device clocks run at slightly different speeds.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio gain

How much the signal from a microphone is boosted before recording.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio mixing

Balancing the levels and tone of all sounds into one finished track.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio noise reduction

Removing steady noise using a sample of it, applied gently to keep voices natural.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio sample rate and bit depth

How often sound is measured (48 kHz for video) and how precisely (24-bit).

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Audio stems

Separate mixed groups of dialogue, music and effects.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Authorship

The creator of a work; distinct from the copyright owner, which may change by assignment or employment.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Auto ISO

Auto ISO lets the camera raise ISO only when needed, within limits you set.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Auto reframing

AI that follows the subject when changing a video's aspect ratio.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Autofocus

Autofocus measures the scene and moves the lens to make the chosen area sharp.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Automated enhancement

Software adjusting exposure, color, contrast or style automatically in cameras, phones, editors and platforms.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Automatic content matching

Platform systems that detect copyrighted music and may block, mute or monetize videos.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Automatic gain control

A camera feature that changes level automatically, often pumping background noise.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Automotive photography

Showing a car's design: careful preparation, three-quarter and low angles, reflection control, flattering light and safe motion techniques.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Average shot length

The mean duration of shots in a film, a measure of editing pace.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Axis of action

The imaginary line between people or along movement; keeping the camera on one side is the 180-degree rule in film.

Read the lesson · Composition

B

B-roll

Supporting footage shown over or between the main footage to illustrate a story.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Back-button focus

Back-button focus moves focusing to a rear button, so focus and shutter release are separate.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Background lighting

Light the subject and background separately; distance controls spill; white needs extra background light, black needs none.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Background removal

Separating a subject with AI, paths, refined selections or masks, handling edges, fringes and shadows.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Backlight exposure

With backlight, expose for the subject, for the background, or add light to the subject.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Backup strategy

The 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two storage types, one offsite; versioned, automatic, with tested restores.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Banding

Visible steps in smooth gradients, often from stretching low bit-depth or heavily compressed files.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Base ISO

Base ISO is the camera's lowest normal ISO, giving the cleanest images.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Basic tone controls

Exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites and blacks, set with clipping previews.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Batching

Doing the same production task for several posts in one session to save time.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Battery safety

Using reputable lithium batteries and chargers, avoiding damaged cells, and following airline rules.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Bayer filter

A Bayer filter puts red, green or blue over each photosite so the sensor can record color.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Bi-color and RGB LEDs

LED lights with adjustable color temperature (bi-color) or any color (RGB, RGBWW).

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Bins

Folders inside editing software that organize clips, audio, graphics and timelines.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Bird photography

Photographing small, fast birds with long lenses, fast settings and eye-detection AF, with strict ethics.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Birds in flight

About 1/2000+, tracking AF, bursts, early tracking and positioning with sun behind and birds flying into the wind toward you.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Bit depth

Tonal levels per channel: 8-bit 256, 12-bit 4,096, 14-bit 16,384, 16-bit 65,536; matters most when editing.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Blend modes

Rules for how a layer combines with those below: darken, lighten, contrast, comparative and component groups.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Blocking

The planned positions and movements of performers and the camera in a scene.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Blue hour

Twilight with the sun a few degrees below the horizon: cool, even, blue light; short, so arrive early.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Body of work

A group of photographs sharing subject, theme, approach or style, such as a project, series, exhibition or book.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Bokeh

Bokeh is the look and quality of the out-of-focus areas, shaped mostly by the lens.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Book dummy

A mock-up of a photo book made with small prints to test sequence and pacing.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Boom microphone

A directional microphone on a pole held close to speakers just outside the frame.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Bortle scale

A 1–9 rating of night-sky darkness from darkest (1) to inner city (9); aim for 4 or darker for the Milky Way.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Bounce flash

Pointing the flash at a ceiling or wall so it becomes a larger, softer, directional source; surface color tints the light.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Bracket planning

Choosing frame count and spacing from the measured scene range; change only shutter speed, keep aperture, ISO and focus fixed.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Brand voice

The consistent tone used in all written communication.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Breaking composition rules

Break a guideline deliberately when another arrangement serves the intent; do it boldly and keep the rest strong.

Read the lesson · Composition

Bright field and dark field

Glass on a lit white background with black side cards (bright field), or rim-lit on black (dark field).

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Broad and short lighting

Broad lights the side facing the camera (wider face); short lights the side turned away (slimmer face).

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

BSI and stacked sensors

BSI moves wiring behind the light layer; stacked sensors add fast circuitry underneath.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Budget one-light setup

One diffused LED key at 45 degrees, a white reflector fill and a small background light.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Bulb mode

Bulb keeps the shutter open as long as the button is held.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Burst shooting

Continuous drive capturing several frames per second around the peak; timing still matters and buffers fill.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Business partnerships

Mutually beneficial relationships with related businesses that recommend each other.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Business setup checklist

Name and brand, registration, tax records, separate account, insurance, contracts and a website.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Business systems

Written templates and processes for booking, workflow, finance and client records.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

C

Call sheet

A document with date, location, times, contacts, crew, schedule and logistics for a shoot.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Camera angles

Eye level neutral, low angle powerful, high angle smaller, bird's-eye graphic, worm's-eye towering, Dutch angle uneasy.

Read the lesson · Composition

Camera customization

Customization assigns settings to buttons, menus and custom modes to work faster.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Camera handling technique

Hold the grip with your right hand, support the lens from below with your left, elbows tucked in.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Camera height and angle

Low angles make subjects look powerful; high angles make them smaller; eye level is neutral.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Camera image pipeline

A camera turns light into a photo through lens, aperture, shutter, sensor, processor and memory card.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Camera lens

A lens bends light by refraction so each point of the scene meets as a sharp point on the sensor.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Camera obscura

A dark room or box where light through a small hole projects an inverted image; studied by Ibn al-Haytham.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Camera shake

Camera shake is blur from the camera moving during the exposure; everything in the photo is smeared.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Camera slider

A rail on which the camera glides for short, smooth cinematic moves.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Caption structure

A first-line hook, added value, a call to action, then keywords and a few relevant hashtags.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Captions

Accurate text answering who, what, where, when and why, stored in metadata.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Card log

A record of each memory card, what was filmed on it and where its copies are stored.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Career specialization

Becoming known for one strength, such as lighting, color, sound or production management.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Carousel cover slide

The first slide of a carousel, designed to make people stop and swipe.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Carousel post

A post of several swipeable images or slides used to teach, tell stories or show before and after.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Cash reserve

Savings covering several months of expenses to handle quiet seasons.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Catchlight

A small bright reflection of the light source in the eyes that makes them look alive.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Centered composition

Centering suits symmetry, direct eye contact and formal, bold images.

Read the lesson · Composition

Certificate of authenticity

A document recording a print's title, artist, edition, size, materials and signature.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Chain of custody

Documenting who handled image files, when and how, with secure originals and checksums, so integrity can be proven.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Channel levels

Adjusting red, green and blue channels separately, or with eyedroppers, to neutralise color casts.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Character, goal and conflict

Someone the audience cares about, what they want, and what stands in the way.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Checksums

Digital fingerprints that detect silent file corruption.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Chroma subsampling

Saving less color detail than brightness detail, written as 4:4:4, 4:2:2 or 4:2:0.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Chromatic aberration

Chromatic aberration is color fringing: lateral at the edges (fixed in editing), longitudinal near focus (reduced by stopping down).

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Cine lens

A lens designed for filmmaking with T-stops, clickless aperture, long geared focus ring, low breathing and matched sets.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Cinematic look

A combination of lighting, lenses, composition, motion and grading choices that makes footage feel like film.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Circle of confusion

Out-of-focus points spread into tiny blur circles; while they are too small to see, the area looks sharp.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Clamshell lighting

Key light above and fill below the face, for soft beauty and headshot light.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Clean dialogue

Clear, close, consistent voices with low, steady background sound and little echo.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Click-through rate (CTR)

The share of people who click a video after seeing its thumbnail.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Client communication plan

Clear, timely communication at each stage, with decisions confirmed in writing.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Client delivery

Delivering organised high-resolution and web versions through reliable methods, with notes, usage terms and tested links.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Client galleries

Private online galleries for proofing, favourites, downloads and print orders.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Client retention

Memorable experiences, thoughtful follow-up, ongoing services and records that turn clients into long-term relationships.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Client sources

Networks, referrals, search, social media, partnerships, outreach and platforms.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Climax

The highest point of tension, where the goal is won or lost.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Clipping

Clipping turns areas pure white or pure black with no detail; clipped highlights cannot be recovered.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Clipping path

A precise vector outline drawn around hard-edged subjects for clean cut-outs.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Clone stamp

A tool that copies pixels exactly from a chosen source, best near edges and lines.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Close-up filters

Front-mounted magnifying lenses in diopters; magnification ≈ focal length × diopters ÷ 1000; achromatic types are best.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Close-up photography

Photographing small subjects closely; true macro reaches life-size (1:1) magnification or more; depth of field becomes extremely thin.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Closed and open captions

On-screen text of speech: closed captions can be turned on or off; open captions are burned into the picture.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Collections and smart collections

Groups of photos without duplicating files; smart collections update automatically from rules.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Color chart

A chart of known color and gray patches filmed as an objective reference for correction and matching.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Color consistency in a series

Consistent palette, white balance and editing make images feel connected.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color constancy

The brain keeps colors looking normal under different light; cameras do not.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color contrast types

Hue, warm–cool, saturation, light–dark and proportion contrast.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color correction

Making color accurate, natural and consistent: exposure, white balance, removing casts, matching photos.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color gamut

The range of colors a color space, screen or printer can reproduce.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color grading

Creatively changing color for mood and style with HSL, color wheels, split toning, profiles, presets and LUTs.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color harmony

A pleasing, organised relationship between colors; one dominant, supporting colors and a small accent.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color schemes

Complementary, analogous, monochromatic, split-complementary and triadic combinations.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color space

A standard that defines which real colors a file's numbers represent: sRGB, Display P3, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color storytelling

Choosing and controlling color to support mood and message; meanings vary by culture.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color tags (metadata)

Information in a video file that tells players which color standard to use.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Color temperature

How warm or cool light looks, in Kelvin: warm is low (candle ~1900K), cool is high (shade 7000K+).

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color wheel

A circle of hues showing related and opposite colors; RGB (digital) and RYB (painter's) wheels differ.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Color-managed workflow

A workflow where software converts every clip into a working space and outputs to each delivery standard.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Color-space transform

A precise mathematical conversion of footage from one color space and gamma to another.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Colorimeter

A device that measures a screen's colors and brightness during calibration.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Colorist

The specialist who corrects and grades the color of films, series, adverts and music videos.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Combination printing

A nineteenth-century technique combining several negatives into one print, an early form of compositing.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Complementary colors

Opposites on the wheel; strongest color contrast. In RGB: red-cyan, green-magenta, blue-yellow.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Compositing

Technically combining elements with masks, clipped adjustments and blend modes, matching perspective, light, contrast, color, sharpness and grain.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Composition

Composition is the deliberate arrangement of everything in the frame to guide the viewer and express an idea.

Read the lesson · Composition

Compression artifacts

Blocking, banding, ringing, smearing and color blotches from heavy lossy compression.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Computational features

Multi-frame HDR, night mode, portrait mode and scene processing that combine frames and software.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Computational photography

Using algorithms and machine learning to capture, combine and process image data beyond a single exposure.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Computational RAW

Phone RAW formats such as ProRAW or Expert RAW that combine multi-frame processing with RAW flexibility.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Concept statement

A short, clear text explaining what the work is about, why it matters and how it is approached.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Conform (online edit)

Reconnecting an edit made with proxies to full-quality media for finishing.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Confounding factor

Something other than the tested variable that could explain a result.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Constant and variable aperture

Variable aperture zooms lose light as you zoom in; constant aperture zooms keep the same maximum aperture.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Content creator

Someone who regularly publishes content for an audience that chooses to follow, often earning from several sources.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Content Credentials (C2PA)

An open standard attaching cryptographically signed capture and editing history to media.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Content niche

A clear focus combining a topic, an audience and the value they get.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Content package

A monthly bundle of a set number of photos and videos for a client, giving repeat income.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Content pillars

Three to five recurring themes a channel covers, giving variety within a clear niche.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Content promise

One sentence telling people what they get if they follow you.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Content series

A repeated, recognizable format that gives viewers a reason to follow for the next episode.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Content-aware and AI removal

Tools that rebuild areas from surroundings or generate new content; check closely and disclose where needed.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Context of display

Captions, placement, sequence, text and time that shape an image's meaning.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Contingency

A margin, often around 10–15%, added to complex estimates for overruns.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Contingency planning

Prepared backup responses for weather, equipment, illness, locations, data and medical emergencies.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Continuity

Making edited shots feel like one smooth, believable flow of time and space.

Read the lesson · Composition

Continuity editing

An editing style that keeps time, space and action clear so cuts feel invisible.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Continuous lighting

Light that stays on for every video frame, mostly LED today.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Contrast and emphasis

Contrast is visual difference (tone, color, sharpness, texture, size); the strongest contrast becomes the focal point.

Read the lesson · Composition

Contrast pivot

The brightness point around which contrast increases or decreases.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Controlled vocabulary

One agreed form for each keyword, often in a hierarchy, to keep searches reliable.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Converging verticals

Tilting the camera makes vertical lines lean together; keep level, correct or use deliberately.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Copy stand

A rig holding the camera pointing down at a fixed height with lights at fixed angles.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Copyright

Legal rights protecting original creative works, usually automatic, giving control over copying, distribution, display and adaptation.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Copyright assignment

Transfer of copyright ownership, usually in writing and priced higher than a licence.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Copyright duration

Berne minimum of 25 years for photographs; many countries give life plus 70 or life plus 50 years.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Copyright infringement

Using a protected work without permission or a legal exception.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Core Web Vitals

Google's page experience measures; Largest Contentful Paint (good: 2.5 s or less) often depends on the hero image.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Cost of doing business

Annual expenses plus needed income divided by realistic billable shoot days: the minimum per shoot day.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Coverage

The set of shots filmed for a scene so it can be edited smoothly in different ways.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Creative career paths

Freelancing, running your own business and employment, often combined as hybrid careers.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Creative collaboration

Shared projects with agreed goals, roles, image use, releases, credits and fair exchange.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Creative Commons

Standard public licences permitting certain uses with conditions such as credit or non-commercial use.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Creative constraints

Self-imposed limits such as one lens, one place or one theme that spark new solutions.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Creative critique

Judging creative work by intention, execution, impact, originality, coherence and context.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Creative CV

A one-page summary of contact details, profile, credits, skills, training and references for creative jobs.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Creative employers

Studios, agencies, production companies, post houses, media organizations, in-house brand teams and rental houses.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Creative fee

The part of a price covering time, skill and business costs, based on CODB.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Creative job ladder

The path from entry roles to skilled and senior roles in photography, camera, post-production, production and creative departments.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Creative manipulation

Deliberately combining or transforming photographs to express ideas or impossible scenes, presented honestly.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Creative money system

Separate accounts, tax savings, a regular self-paid amount and an emergency fund for uneven income.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Creative presentation

Choosing format, size, finish, order and spacing so presentation strengthens a series' meaning.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Creative shadow photography

Using shadows as subjects: long shadows, shadow-only frames, patterns and shadow stories in hard, low light.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Creator analytics

Metrics such as CTR, retention, watch time, saves, shares, comments and follows that explain why content works.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Creator burnout

Exhaustion from constant posting and pressure, prevented with realistic schedules, batching, limits and breaks.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Creator collaboration

Two or more creators making content together for related audiences, with agreed roles and credits.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Creator economy

The wider system of creators, platforms, brands and tools around online content.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Creator income streams

Revenue sharing, sponsorships, affiliate links, digital products, services, memberships and licensing.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Creator privacy protection

Hiding addresses, schools, routines and locations, checking backgrounds and keeping personal contact details private.

Read the lesson · Content creation

CRI

Color rendering index: how accurately a light shows colors; higher is usually better.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Critique method

Describe, analyse, interpret and evaluate, separating observation from opinion and judging by purpose.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Crop factor

Sensor size compared with full frame; equivalent focal length = focal length × crop factor; exposure does not change.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Cropping

Cropping refines framing and balance after capture, but costs resolution and cannot change perspective.

Read the lesson · Composition

Cropping people

Avoid cropping at joints, fingers, chin or exactly at the hairline; crop mid-limb instead.

Read the lesson · Composition

Cross-cutting

Switching between two events happening at the same time to connect, contrast or build suspense.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Cross-polarization

Polarizers on lights and lens at right angles to remove surface glare and reveal true color.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Crowd safety

Recognising crowd pressure warning signs, choosing edge positions, keeping exits clear and leaving dense areas early.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Culling

Selecting the photos worth keeping in passes: technical rejects, best of each moment, ranking and a final story check.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Curves

A map from input to output tones; steeper sections add contrast; S-curves, fades and anchor points give precise control.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Custom white balance

Photograph a gray or white card under the light to set an exact white balance.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Cut-down

A shorter version of a video, edited as a new piece around its key message.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Cutaway

A short shot that cuts away from the main action and then returns.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Cutting to music

Placing cuts on beats and musical accents and following the music's structure.

Read the lesson · Video editing

D

Dark current

Signal that builds up in a sensor without light, mainly from heat, growing with exposure time.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Dark-frame subtraction

Subtracting a no-light frame with matching settings to remove hot pixels and amp glow.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Dark-sky etiquette

Use red light, avoid white lights and light painting where asked, and respect others enjoying the dark.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Data migration

Copying archives to new storage and updating outdated formats every few years.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Data wrangler

The crew member responsible for offloading, verifying and backing up footage on set.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Daylight ND techniques

Using ND filters for daytime long exposures, wide-aperture portraits, flash at sync speed and video in bright light.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

dBFS

Digital level scale where 0 dBFS is the maximum before clipping.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Decibel

The step-based unit for sound level; a 10 dB rise sounds about twice as loud.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Denotation and connotation

Literal meaning of what an image shows and the associations it suggests.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Deposit

An upfront payment to reserve a booking, with refund terms agreed in the contract.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Depth cues

Relative size, overlap, atmospheric haze and lines make a flat photo feel deep.

Read the lesson · Composition

Depth of field

Depth of field is the zone from near to far that looks acceptably sharp, controlled by aperture, distance, focal length and sensor size.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Dew control

Lens hoods and dew heater straps prevent condensation forming on lenses as air cools.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Diegetic and non-diegetic sound

Sound inside the story world versus sound added only for the audience, such as score or narration.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Difficult light strategy

Read the light, identify the problem, then move the subject, move yourself, modify the light or change the time.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Diffraction

Diffraction softens the whole image at very small apertures like f/16–f/22.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Diffuser

A diffuser between light and subject spreads and softens light; closer is softer.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Diffusion filter

Diffusion filters scatter some light: softer highlights, lower contrast, glow; strengths like 1/8 are subtle.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Digital asset management

Managing photos as valuable files with consistent names, information and backups.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Digital color delivery

Export sRGB JPEGs with embedded profiles, at platform sizes, edited on a calibrated screen and checked on real devices.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Digital noise

Noise is random speckle in brightness or color, mainly from too little light; high ISO makes it visible.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Digital presence

Everything people find about you online, with the website as home and social media for discovery.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Digital stabilization

Cropping and shifting the frame in camera or editing to cancel shake, with possible warping.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Diopter adjustment

The diopter wheel makes the viewfinder sharp for your eyesight.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Direct flash

Flash pointed straight at the subject from the camera: hard, flat light with dark backgrounds.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Direct sunlight

Hard, contrasty light from a small bright source; strongest drama and color.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Directing non-actors

Guiding ordinary people on camera with real tasks and conversation rather than scripts.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Director of photography

The cinematographer who designs lighting, lenses, framing and movement with the director.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Director's vision

A clear idea of how a film should feel and what it should mean, guiding all decisions.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Display LUT

A look-up table that shows log footage normally on screen without changing the recorded file.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Dissolve

A gradual blend from one shot to the next, often showing time passing or memory.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Distraction handling

Finding elements that pull attention and choosing the least invasive fix: crop, darken, desaturate, soften or remove.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Documentary ethics

Respecting dignity, minimising harm, seeking consent, truthfulness, fair representation and accountability.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Documentary filming

Recording real people and events to tell a true story through interviews, observation and real sound.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Documentary photography

Telling real stories truthfully over time through access, trust, honest images and accurate captions.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Dodging and burning

Locally brightening and darkening to guide attention, add depth and balance exposure, built up gently.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Dolly shot

Moving the camera toward, away from or alongside a subject, changing perspective.

Read the lesson · Composition

Dolly zoom

Moving the camera while zooming the opposite way so the background warps; the Vertigo effect.

Read the lesson · Composition

Double-exposure portrait

A bright-background silhouette combined with a texture so the texture fills the silhouette.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Dragging the shutter

A slower shutter with flash records more ambient light so backgrounds are not black.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Drive mode

Drive mode sets single shot, burst or self-timer.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Drone regulations

National and local rules for flying drones, including registration, no-fly zones and limits over people.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

DSLR and mirrorless

A DSLR shows the scene through a mirror and optical viewfinder; a mirrorless camera shows a live image from the sensor.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Dual card recording

Writing every image to two memory cards at once as an instant backup.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Dual conversion gain

A sensor mode switch (often called dual native ISO) that reduces noise and dynamic-range loss at higher ISOs.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Dual-system sound

Recording audio on a separate recorder and syncing it with the picture in editing.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Ducking

Lowering music or background sound when someone speaks.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Durable skills

Light, composition, storytelling, people skills, ethics and critical thinking that remain valuable as tools change.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Dutch angle

A tilted camera angle that suggests unease, confusion or danger.

Read the lesson · Composition

Dynamic and condenser microphones

Tough, less sensitive coil-based microphones versus sensitive, powered plate-based microphones.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Dynamic range

Dynamic range is the span from brightest to darkest tones a scene has or a camera can record, in stops.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

E

E-commerce image standards

Marketplace rules such as pure white main-image backgrounds, about 85% product fill and minimum sizes for zoom.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Editing a body of work

Selecting and sequencing in rounds with clear criteria and honest feedback so every image earns its place.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Editing blur tools

Gaussian, lens/depth, tilt-shift, motion, radial blur and soft glow used to guide attention, reduce distractions or create mood.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Editing defects

Halos, banding, clipping, fringes, clone repeats, plastic skin, oversaturation, dust and AI artifacts.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Editing philosophy

Editing with clear purpose and restraint, matching the level of change to the image's purpose and genre.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Editing presets

Saved development settings used as starting points for speed and consistency.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Editing project setup

Creating the project with matching settings, cache locations and organized imported media.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Editing ratio

The number of editing days needed for each shooting day, learned by tracking real projects.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Editing rhythm

The timing pattern of cuts and moments in an edit, like the beat in music.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Editing timeline

The area where clips are arranged left to right in time on stacked video and audio tracks.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Editorial pitching

Researching publications, following guidelines and pitching clear stories with strong images and captions.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Editorial vs commercial use

Editorial informs or comments; commercial promotes products, services or brands and often needs releases.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Educational content

Client guides, stories, case studies, location guides, behind the scenes and FAQs that build trust and visibility.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Effective aperture (macro)

Approximately set aperture × (1 + magnification); about two stops of light lost at 1:1.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Electronic shutter

A shutter that starts and ends exposure electronically on the sensor, allowing silent shooting and high burst rates.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Elements and principles of design

Elements: line, shape, texture, pattern, color, space. Principles: balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm, unity, movement.

Read the lesson · Composition

Environmental portrait

An environmental portrait shows a person in their surroundings, often with a moderate wide lens.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

EQ (equalization)

Raising or lowering chosen frequencies to shape tone or remove rumble.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Equipment testing

Tests of lighting, ISO noise, handheld speeds, dynamic range, ND color and autofocus tracking.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Equivalent aperture

f-number × crop factor, used to compare depth of field and total light at the same framing, not exposure.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Equivalent exposure

Different settings that give the same brightness, such as f/4 at 1/500 and f/8 at 1/125.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Establishing shot

A wide shot at the start of a scene showing where it takes place.

Read the lesson · Composition

Event photography

Reliably capturing unrepeatable events: planning, timelines, shot lists, redundant gear, varied coverage, discretion and timely delivery.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Event videography

Filming real, unrepeatable events with continuous coverage, clear sound and enough shots to edit a story.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Exhibition planning

Venue, written terms, selection, wall plan, prints and frames, texts, promotion, installation and documentation.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Expectation management

Showing representative work and stating deliverables, timelines and exclusions clearly from the start.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Experimental variables

Independent (changed), dependent (observed) and controlled (kept constant) variables.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Exploitative imagery

Images reducing people to suffering for effect, harming dignity and reinforcing stereotypes.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Export presets

Saved export settings for each destination so every export is consistent.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Export settings for print

Enough pixels for size × ppi, exact print proportions, lab color space, highest quality, print sharpening, test prints.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Export settings for screens

JPEG, sRGB, sized close to display (often 1600–2500 px long edge), quality about 70–85, light sharpening, sensible metadata.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Expose to the right

Exposing RAW as bright as possible without clipping important highlights, then darkening in editing for cleaner shadows.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Exposing log footage

Using the log ISO range, avoiding underexposure, protecting highlights and monitoring through a display LUT.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure

Exposure is the amount of light recorded by the sensor; it decides how bright the photo is.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure blending

Combining bracketed exposures by RAW merge, fusion or manual masks into a natural high-range image.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Exposure bracketing

Bracketing takes the same photo at several exposures; AEB does it automatically.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure compensation

Exposure compensation makes the photo brighter (+) or darker (−) than the meter suggests, in EV steps.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure decision method

Ask: what is it about, movement or depth, enough light, will the meter be fooled, did it work?

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure lock (AE-L)

AE-L locks the measured exposure so you can reframe.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure modes

Exposure modes decide which exposure controls you set and which the camera sets: Auto, P, A/Av, S/Tv, M.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure triangle

Aperture, shutter speed and ISO all change brightness; changing one usually means adjusting another.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Exposure value (EV)

In compensation, 1 EV equals one stop of light.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Extension distortion

Standing very close exaggerates near-far size differences, making space look stretched.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Extension tubes

Hollow spacers that allow closer focus; added magnification ≈ extension ÷ focal length; no infinity focus.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Eye attractors

Eyes go first to faces, brightness, contrast, sharpness, strong color, text and anything different.

Read the lesson · Composition

Eye trace

Placing the important part of the next shot where the viewer is already looking.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Eyeline match

Matching where a character looks with what the next shot shows.

Read the lesson · Composition

F

F-number

The f-number is a fraction of focal length: f/2 is a bigger opening than f/16.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Fade

A gradual change to or from black or white, marking beginnings, endings or pauses.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Fair test

A test where only one factor changes, with repeats, control images and identical processing.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Fair use and fair dealing

National exceptions allowing limited use without permission in specific situations, judged case by case.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

False color

A screen mode that maps brightness levels to colors; each device uses its own color key.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Feedback habit

Listening fully, clarifying, thanking and showing improvement after feedback.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Fieldcraft

Knowledge and behavior that let you approach wildlife without disturbing it: timing, stillness, cover, patience.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

File naming convention

A consistent, unique pattern such as date + shoot + number, with suffixes for edits and exports, without spaces or symbols.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Fill flash

Low-power flash that lightens shadows while the sun stays the key light; start about 1–2 stops below ambient.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Fill light

Light that brightens shadows, from reflectors, walls, sky or flash.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Filler word removal

Cutting 'um', 'uh' and hesitations while keeping speech natural and meaning intact.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Film director

The person responsible for the creative vision of a film or video who guides performers and crew to realize it.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Film emulation

Imitating film's color, contrast, grain, halation and diffusion in the grade.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Film festival submission

Entering a film into festivals after checking rules on length, premiere status, format and fees.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Film grain (added)

Fine, even grain added deliberately to look natural, hide banding or create a film-like character.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Film score

Music composed specially for a film.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Film self-review

Watching your film against your intentions with a checklist for story, performance, picture, sound, editing and color.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Film sound

Every audio element in a video: dialogue, ambience, sound effects and music.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Filming permit

Permission from an authority to film in a public place, often needed for crews, equipment or commercial work.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Filter systems

Screw-in filters attach to the lens thread; square systems use a holder; step-up rings fit larger filters to smaller lenses.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Final framing

Aspect ratio is a composition choice: square calm, wide spacious, tall upward; match subject, movement and destination.

Read the lesson · Composition

Final project package

Sequenced images, title, statement, captions, credits, metadata and permissions record prepared before launch.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Fine cut

The refined edit after the rough cut, with polished timing, B-roll, titles and music.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Fine-art printing

Producing archival prints with print masters, test strips, reference prints and consistent settings.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Fine-art series

A group of images around one concept with consistent visual rules, developed over time and edited tightly.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Fireworks photography

ISO 100–200, f/8–f/11, about 2–8 seconds in Bulb, manual focus, upwind position.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Fisheye lens

A fisheye sees about 180° and deliberately curves straight lines; circular or diagonal types.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Five-shot sequence

Filming an activity as hands, face, wide, over the shoulder and a creative shot, popularised by Michael Rosenblum.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Flambient

Blending an ambient-light exposure with a flash exposure for natural mood and clean color.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Flash

A brief, bright burst of light during the exposure; a small, close source that freezes motion.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Flash and ambient balance

Shutter speed (within sync) sets ambient; flash power and distance set flash; aperture and ISO change both.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Flash diffuser

Translucent material over a flash; helps mainly when light also bounces off nearby surfaces.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Flash exposure compensation

FEC makes the flash brighter or weaker without changing the ambient exposure.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Flash sync speed

The fastest normal shutter speed with flash (often 1/200–1/250), when the whole sensor is uncovered.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Flash triggers

Cable, optical or radio; radio is most common; channels prevent interference, groups control several flashes.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Floor plan (overhead shot plan)

A map of a location from above showing people, movement, camera and light positions.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Fluid head

A tripod head with fluid damping for smooth video pans and tilts.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focal length

Focal length (mm) decides angle of view and magnification; short is wide, long is narrow and magnified.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Focal length categories

Ultra-wide below ~24mm, wide ~24–35mm, standard ~35–70mm, telephoto above, on full frame.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Focus

Focus sets the lens so light from the subject meets as a sharp point on the sensor.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus and recompose

Focus with the centre point, hold the half-press, recompose, then shoot.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus and release priority

Focus priority waits for focus; release priority fires immediately.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus bracketing

Taking a series of frames while shifting focus by the ring, a rail or an automatic in-camera function.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Focus breathing

A small change in frame size when focus changes, very visible in video rack focus.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Focus magnification

Focus magnification enlarges part of the screen to judge sharpness precisely.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus peaking

Focus peaking outlines the sharpest edges in a bright color.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus point

A focus point is a small area where the camera measures focus; you can choose and move it.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus pulling

Turning the focus ring during a video shot to keep a subject sharp or change focus, using measured marks and rehearsal.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Focus stacking

Focus bracketing then merging the sharpest areas of each frame; overlapping steps, stable light, suitable stacking method.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Folder structure

A date-based structure such as Year / YYYY-MM-DD_Shoot keeps photos findable and sorted.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Foley

Everyday sounds performed in a studio to match the picture.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Follow focus

A geared device on the lens focus ring for smooth, repeatable focus changes.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Food photography

Showing food fresh and appetising: angle by dish, soft side or back light, simple styling, fast hero shots and honesty.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Forced perspective

Using distance, alignment and deep focus to make objects look larger, smaller or connected in ways they are not.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Foreground interest

An interesting near object, often shot close and low, that draws the viewer in.

Read the lesson · Composition

Foreground, middle ground and background

The near, middle and far planes of a scene; showing them creates depth.

Read the lesson · Composition

Form and cast shadows

Form shadows show shape; cast shadows show direction and add depth.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Frame interpolation

Software-created in-between frames used for artificial slow motion, often with warping artifacts.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Frame line

The edge of the picture, found before each take so the boom stays just out of shot.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Frame rate

The number of frames recorded or shown each second, which shapes how motion feels.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Frame within a frame

An element in the scene that surrounds the subject, directing attention and adding depth and context.

Read the lesson · Composition

Freedom of panorama

An exception in some countries allowing photos of buildings and public artworks, with varying scope.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Freelance marketplace

An online platform connecting freelancers and clients through proposals or packaged services, handling payment for a fee.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Freelance proposal

A personal reply to a job post focused on the client's goal, with examples, a question, price and timeline.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Freezing movement

Freezing movement uses a short enough exposure that the subject barely moves across the sensor.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Frequency separation

Splitting an image into tone (low frequency) and texture (high frequency) layers to retouch each separately.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Front and back focus

Front or back focus is a consistent miss in front of or behind the target, mainly on DSLRs, corrected with AF Microadjustment or Fine-Tune.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Front, side, back, top and under light

Front: clear but flat. Side: shape and texture. Back: outline and glow. Top: dark eye sockets. Under: eerie.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Full-sentence answers

Answers that include the question so they make sense without the interviewer's voice.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Future-facing workflow

Combining durable skills with hybrid capture, responsible AI, provenance, durable storage, flexible delivery and continuous learning.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

G

Gain staging

Setting gain at each stage of the audio chain so the signal is strong but never overloaded.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Gels

Colored sheets over lights: corrective (CTO, CTB, green) to match light, creative to add color.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Generation loss

Quality lost each time a lossy file is edited and saved again.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Generative AI video

Creating new video clips from text or images with AI, with limits in length, consistency and detail.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Generative expand

AI that creates new content beyond the original frame; check carefully and disclose where reality is expected.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Gestalt principles

How the mind groups what it sees: figure-ground, proximity, similarity, continuity and closure.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Ghosting (HDR)

Ghosting is the see-through doubling caused by movement between bracketed frames.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Giclée

A marketing term for fine-art inkjet prints, usually pigment on archival paper, not a technical standard.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Gimbal

A motorized stabilizer that keeps the camera level and steady on three axes for smooth movement.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Glazing

Glass or acrylic in frames; UV-filtering and anti-reflective options protect and improve viewing.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Global shutter

A sensor readout that captures all photosites at the same instant, avoiding rolling-shutter distortion.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Golden hour

Sun low near the horizon (often within about 6°): warm, soft, directional light; length varies with latitude and season.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Golden ratio grid

The phi grid divides the frame at about 38% and 62%, slightly closer to the centre than thirds.

Read the lesson · Composition

Grade stills gallery

Saved reference frames used to compare scenes and keep a look consistent.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Grading round trip

Moving an edit to grading software with XML or EDL and returning graded media or a finished file.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Graduated ND filter

A grad darkens part of the frame; soft for uneven horizons, hard for straight ones, reverse for sunsets.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Graphic match

A match cut linking shots through similar shape, color or composition.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Gray card

A neutral reference card used to set white balance and check color.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Grid and snoot

Grids narrow a beam to reduce spill; snoots make a small concentrated spot; neither softens light.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Group critique

A structured peer review session with ground rules, a critique method, rotation, notes and takeaways.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Guide number

Guide number = distance × f-number at a stated ISO.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

H

Hand test

Turn your hand in the light to preview direction and quality before placing a subject.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Hanging height

Centring works around average eye level, often about 145–155 cm, with consistent alignment and spacing.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Hard cut

An instant change from one shot to the next.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Hard light

Hard light comes from a small or distant source: sharp shadow edges and high contrast.

Read the lesson · Natural light

HDR

HDR merges bracketed exposures into one image with detail in highlights and shadows.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

HDR display output

Photos edited and exported to show brighter highlights on HDR screens, often with gain maps (ISO 21496-1).

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

HDR mastering

Grading HDR on a true HDR monitor, using extra brightness mainly for highlights and depth.

Read the lesson · Color grading

HDR video (HLG and PQ)

High dynamic range video systems: HLG for broadcast and quick delivery, PQ for carefully graded HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Headroom and look room

Space above the head and in the direction a person looks, for comfortable framing.

Read the lesson · Composition

Healing tools

Spot healing and healing brushes that blend sampled texture with surrounding color and brightness.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Heat safety

Shooting at cooler times, hydration, shade and recognising heat illness.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

HEIF

A modern, efficient format, often 10-bit, giving smaller files than JPEG with more tonal room.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Hero shot

A reference shot for a scene, corrected first and used to match the others.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Hierarchy of controls

Eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative controls and protective equipment, from most to least effective.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

High-key

High-key photos use mostly light tones and brighter exposure for a clean, airy look.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

High-speed sync

HSS pulses the flash to allow shutter speeds above sync speed, with much less power.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Highlight roll-off

Highlights fading smoothly to white rather than clipping sharply.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Highlight warning

The highlight warning (blinkies) flashes pure-white areas in playback.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Highlights and shadows

Highlights are the brightest tones, shadows the darkest, midtones in between.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Hinge mounting

Reversible archival hinges at the top edge that let a print hang naturally and be removed safely.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Histogram

A histogram shows pixel brightness from black (left) to white (right); edges pressed show clipping.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Hook, promise and payoff

A short-video structure: stop the scroll, tell viewers what they will get, then deliver it.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Hot pixels

Bright dots in long exposures from photosites leaking extra charge, worse with heat.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

HSL adjustments

Hue, saturation and luminance controls that change one color range at a time.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Hue curves

Curves that shift hue, saturation or brightness of a chosen color range.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Hue, saturation and brightness

The three properties that describe a color.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Hum removal

Filtering narrow frequencies at 50 or 60 Hz and multiples to remove electrical hum.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Human authorship

The general requirement that a human created the expressive elements for copyright protection.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Hybrid creator

A creator who records both photos and video, planning separate settings and time for each.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Hybrid package

A tiered offer combining photo and video deliverables, team and price.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Hybrid service

Delivering both photographs and video for the same client and project.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Hyperfocal distance

Focusing at the hyperfocal distance makes everything from half that distance to infinity acceptably sharp.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Hyperlapse

A timelapse in which the camera moves a small, equal distance between frames.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

I

ICC profile

A data file describing a color space or device; embed it so software reads colors correctly.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Ideal client profile

A description of who you serve, their needs, values, budget and where they look for photographers.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Image averaging

Combining many shorter frames in software to simulate a long exposure, often with less noise.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Image circle

A lens projects a round image circle; the sensor must sit inside it.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Image compression

Storing images with less data: lossless keeps everything, lossy discards detail.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Image dimensions

Image dimensions are pixels across × pixels down, e.g. 6000 × 4000.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Image integrity

An image and its caption giving an honest impression in context; editing limits depend on viewer expectations.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Image orientation

Horizontal photos are wider than tall; vertical photos are taller than wide.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Image pairing

Showing two images together (a diptych) so their similarity, contrast or story creates a new meaning.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Image playback

Playback shows your photos; zoom in to check sharpness.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Image processor

The image processor turns raw sensor data into a finished photo.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Image provenance

The documented history of an image: who made it, when, with what, and how it was edited.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Image quality chain

Light, exposure, lens, focus, sensor, resolution, format, processing and output together decide quality; the weakest link limits it.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Image resolution

Resolution usually means the total number of pixels, counted in megapixels.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Image sensor

A grid of photosites that converts light into electrical charge and then into digital numbers.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Image stabilization

Image stabilization counters camera movement, often by 2–5 stops, but not subject movement.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Image verification

Combining source contact, reverse search, originals, provenance, analysis and corroboration.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Images as personal data

Under data protection laws such as the GDPR, identifiable images may be personal data needing lawful, secure handling.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Importing photos

Copying photos from the card into organised storage, renaming and adding metadata, then backing up before formatting.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

In and out points

Marks at the start and end of the part of a clip to use.

Read the lesson · Video editing

In-camera transition

A cut hidden inside a matching movement, object or focus change filmed in two shots.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Incident light meter

A meter that measures light falling on the subject, not fooled by subject tone.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Inciting incident

The event that starts the story and sets the character's goal.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Inclusive skin grading

Lighting and grading every skin tone with equal care, exposing for each face and preserving detail.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Informed consent

Permission given freely after clearly understanding how images will be used.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Insert and overwrite edits

Adding a clip by pushing later clips along, or by replacing what is already there.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Insert shot

A close detail of an object that shows important information.

Read the lesson · Composition

Intentional camera movement

Moving the camera or zoom deliberately during a slow exposure (often 1/8–1/2 s) to create abstract, painterly images.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Intentional experimentation

Deliberately changing one variable at a time, making variations, reviewing honestly and refining.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Intervalometer

A timer that triggers a sequence of exposures at set intervals; set about one second longer than the exposure for trails.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Interview eyeline

Where an interviewee looks: at the interviewer beside the camera, or directly into the lens.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Interview lighting

Lighting a seated speaker for video with a soft short-side key, fill, back light and lit background.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Inverse square law

Double the distance from a small source and the light drops to about a quarter (about 2 stops).

Read the lesson · Natural light

Invisible watermark

Provenance or AI-origin information embedded in pixel values, surviving some metadata removal.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Invoice

A formal payment request listing work, licence, itemised amounts, taxes, total, due date and payment methods.

Read the lesson · Photography business

IRE

The 0 to 100 scale used to measure video brightness levels.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

ISO

ISO controls how much the recorded signal is brightened; higher ISO is brighter but shows more noise.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

ISO invariance

On some sensors, low-ISO RAW files brightened later look about as clean as higher-ISO files with the same exposure.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

J

J-cut

A split edit where the next shot's sound begins before its picture.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Job estimating

Estimating time for every stage, job expenses, licensing, value factors and contingency for a specific job.

Read the lesson · Photography business

JPEG

A finished 8-bit image with lossy compression; ready to use but limited for editing.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Jump cut

A cut between very similar shots of the same subject that looks like a sudden jump.

Read the lesson · Composition

Juxtaposition

Placing elements together so their contrast or connection creates meaning.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

K

Key light

The main, brightest light that defines shape and exposure.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Keywords

Descriptive words stored in metadata that make photos searchable across all shoots.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Kinetic typography

Animated text that follows the rhythm of spoken words.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Kuleshov effect

Viewers create meaning from the relationship between shots placed together.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

L

L-cut

A split edit where the current shot's sound continues after the picture changes.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Laboratory photography

Recording specimens, samples, instruments and setups with suitable lighting, recorded magnification and strict safety and confidentiality.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Landscape photography

Showing the character of places: planned light, tripod, base ISO, f/8–f/11, deep focus, strong foregrounds, responsible behavior.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Lav placement

About a hand's width below the chin, secured against rustle and away from jewelry and thick fabric.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Lavalier microphone

A tiny microphone worn on or under clothing close to the mouth.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Layered reflections

Window, puddle and glass reflections combining scenes; brighter side dominates, controlled by angle, focus and polarizer.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Layering

Arranging elements at different distances so they overlap and build depth; keep layers separate.

Read the lesson · Composition

Lazy loading

Loading images only when they come into view; never apply it to the main hero image.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Lead room

Leave more space in the direction a subject looks or moves.

Read the lesson · Composition

Leading lines

Leading lines start near the frame edge and guide the eye to the subject or into the scene.

Read the lesson · Composition

Leave-behind

A printed card or small booklet with work and contact details left after a meeting.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

LED flicker

Pulsing or banding on video caused by PWM dimming or the electricity supply.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Lens compression

Compression (near and far looking close together) is caused by camera distance; a long lens frames it with full detail.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens distortion

Lens distortion curves straight lines: barrel (outward), pincushion (inward), mustache (mixed); fix with lens profiles.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens elements and groups

Lenses use many glass elements in groups to form and correct the image.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens flare

Flare and ghosting come from bright light bouncing inside the lens; use a hood and change angle.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens kit building

Start with the kit zoom, add a fast prime, then add lenses based on what you actually shoot.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens mount

The lens mount is the system-specific connection between lens and camera.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens selection method

Choose by where you can stand, desired perspective, available light, depth of field and subject movement.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens sweet spot

Many lenses are sharpest about two stops down or around f/5.6–f/8; it varies by lens.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Lens testing

Practical tests of sharpness across apertures, focus accuracy, distortion, vignetting, blur and flare.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Levels

Remapping tones with black point, midtone (gamma) and white point inputs plus output limits, shown over the histogram.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Levels of editing

Correction, enhancement, retouching and manipulation, with ethical questions growing at each level.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Liar's dividend

The way real evidence can be dismissed as fake because convincing fakes exist.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Lifestyle photography

Capturing real family interactions in natural settings with play, prompts and gentle guidance.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Lift, gamma and gain

Grading controls for shadows, midtones and highlights, often shown as color wheels.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Light direction

Light direction decides where shadows fall: front flattens, side reveals form and texture, back outlines.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Light modifier

Anything that changes a light's quality, shape or direction: softbox, umbrella, beauty dish, grid, snoot, barn doors.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Light painting

Moving a light during a long tripod exposure in the dark to draw or light parts of the scene.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Light pollution

Artificial light at night; skyglow reduces contrast, hides stars and adds colored gradients.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Light tent

A white diffusion box that surrounds small objects with soft reflections; can look flat.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Light trails

Streaks from moving lights in long exposures: base ISO, f/8–f/16, about 10–30 seconds, often at blue hour.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Light wrap

A subtle glow of background light around element edges that helps composites blend.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Light wrap and flare

An overlit white background spills around subject edges and lowers contrast.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Lighting consistency

Same look across a series: manual power, fixed distances, notes, controlled ambient and white balance.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Lighting contrast

The brightness difference between lit areas, shadows and background; control it with quality, fill, negative fill and background.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Lighting diagram

A drawing of subject, background, camera and light positions used to plan and repeat setups.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Lighting ratio

The lit side compared with the shadow side: 1 stop = 2:1, 2 stops = 4:1, 3 stops = 8:1.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Lighting roles

Key shapes, fill softens shadows, rim separates, background light controls the backdrop.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Lighting workflow

Plan, prepare, build (ambient, key, fill, rim, background), test and lock, shoot, wrap and record.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Limited edition

A fixed, stated number of prints, numbered and signed, with artist's proofs clearly marked.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Line types and mood

Horizontal calm, vertical strong, diagonal energetic, curves graceful, converging lines add depth.

Read the lesson · Composition

Live view

Live view shows the sensor's live picture on the rear screen.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Local adjustments

Edits applied to selected areas through brushes, gradients, AI masks and range masks.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Local SEO

Improving local and map visibility with complete business profiles, consistent details and genuine reviews.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Location hazards

Cliffs, coasts, heights, unstable ground, railways, roads and abandoned buildings.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Location permit

Permission from authorities or owners to shoot at a location, often with fees and insurance.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Locked-off camera

A camera on a tripod recording continuously to safely cover key moments.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Log profile

A log or flat profile looks dull on purpose to keep detail for later color grading.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Logging footage

Watching footage and adding markers, notes, ratings and transcripts to find moments quickly.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Logline

A one-sentence summary of a story: who wants what, and what stands in the way.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Long exposure noise reduction

Long exposure NR takes an extra dark frame to remove hot spots, doubling the time per photo.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Long take (oner)

A scene filmed as one continuous shot without coverage.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Long-exposure photography

Slow shutter speeds (seconds to minutes) that blur moving elements while still ones stay sharp, using tripods and ND filters.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Long-exposure planning

Choosing the effect and shutter time, checking clouds, wind, tides and light, calculating ND strength and preparing equipment.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Long-GOP and intraframe

Codec types that save only changes between frames (long-GOP) or every frame completely (intraframe).

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Look development

Designing and building a film's creative grade in layers over corrected footage.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Loudness (LUFS)

Program loudness measured in LUFS or LKFS, with targets such as −14 online and −23 for EBU R128 broadcast.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Low-cut filter

A filter that reduces low-frequency rumble such as wind and traffic.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Low-key

Low-key photos use mostly dark tones and darker exposure for a dramatic look.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Low-light exposure strategy

Protect the key setting, collect light, set a shutter floor, open the aperture, let ISO rise last, then use support or multiple frames.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Low-light photography

Getting sharp, well-exposed images in little light: tripod for still scenes, fast lenses and higher ISO handheld, careful focus.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Low-light video technique

Filming in the dark with fast lenses, sensible ISO, motivated and added light, careful focus and gentle noise reduction.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Low-pass filter

An anti-aliasing filter that slightly blurs fine detail to reduce moire; often omitted on modern high-resolution cameras.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Lower third

A graphic in the lower part of the frame showing a person's name and role.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Luminance and color noise

Luminance noise is gray grain; color noise is red, green and blue speckles.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Luminosity blend mode

Applies only brightness changes, so contrast edits do not shift color.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Luminosity masks

Masks built from image brightness for smooth, tone-based adjustments.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

LUT

A look-up table that changes input colors into specific output colors; technical LUTs convert, creative LUTs add looks.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

LUT placement

The order of LUTs in a grade: corrections, conversion, primaries and matching, then the creative look.

Read the lesson · Color grading

LUT strength

Blending a creative LUT at reduced intensity so looks stay natural.

Read the lesson · Color grading

M

Macro depth of field

At high magnification, DOF ≈ 2Nc(1+m)/m², depending mainly on magnification and aperture, not focal length; about 1 mm at 1:1 and f/8 on full frame.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Macro ethics

Never chill, glue, pin or harm creatures; restore habitats; caption captive subjects honestly.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Macro lens

A macro lens focuses close enough for 1:1 (life-size) or 1:2 magnification.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Macro lighting

Adding and softening light for tiny subjects with diffused, ring or twin flash, continuous light, reflectors and backlight.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Magnification

Image size on the sensor divided by real subject size; field of view equals sensor size divided by magnification.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Main subject

The main subject is the one thing the photo is about and the viewer should notice first.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Manipulation spectrum

Correction, enhancement, content alteration, staging and fabrication, with rising risk of misleading.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Manual exposure

In Manual (M) you set aperture and shutter speed; the meter scale shows if it is brighter or darker than the meter suggests.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Manual flash

You set flash power as fractions; each halving is one stop; consistent results.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Manual focus

Manual focus means turning the focus ring yourself to set the plane of focus.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Marks

Tape or chalk on the floor showing where performers stop.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Mask tracking

Moving a grading mask automatically with a subject on every frame.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Masks

Grayscale maps controlling where adjustments apply: white reveals, black conceals, gray partially reveals.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Master shot

A wide shot of a whole scene from start to end, showing where everyone is.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Master use licence

Permission to use a specific sound recording in a video.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Match cut

A cut joining two shots with similar shape, movement or composition.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Match on action

Cutting during a movement from one angle to another so the edit feels invisible.

Read the lesson · Composition

Matting and framing

Window mats, backing, glazing and frames that present and protect prints.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Maximum aperture

A lens's maximum aperture is its widest opening, such as f/1.8.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Meaningful consent

Consent that is informed, voluntary, specific, documented when needed and respected over time.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Media kit

A short document showing a creator's niche, audience, best work, services and contact details.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Megapixel

One megapixel is one million pixels; width × height gives the total.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Memory card formatting

Format the card in the camera after copying photos; it erases everything.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Mergers

Tonal or color blending between subject and background that weakens separation.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Metadata

Information stored with a photo: EXIF (camera settings), IPTC (copyright, captions, keywords), XMP (metadata and edits).

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Metering

Metering is how the camera measures light; matrix reads the whole frame, center-weighted the middle, spot a small area.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Microphone wind protection

Foam windscreens, windshields and furry covers that reduce wind and breath noise.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Middle gray

The meter aims to make what it measures look middle gray, often called 18% gray.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Milky Way photography

Planning season, moon, darkness and core position, composing with foregrounds and editing naturally.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Milky Way season

The galactic core is visible at night roughly February/March–October, peaking mid-year; position varies by hemisphere.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Minimum focusing distance

The minimum focusing distance is the closest a lens can focus; closer than that, it cannot make the subject sharp.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Mixed lighting

Light sources of different colors in one scene; white balance can fix only one, so remove, dominate, match or replace.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Mobile photography

Using phone cameras well: real lenses, focus and exposure control, steady technique, good light, gentle editing.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Model release

Written permission from an identifiable person, or guardian, allowing use of their image for agreed purposes; does not transfer copyright.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Modeling lamp

A continuous lamp in a strobe that previews where light and shadows will fall.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Moire

False wavy patterns or colors when fine repeating detail interferes with the photosite grid.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Monitor calibration

Adjusting a screen to standard white point, gamma and brightness and creating an accurate monitor profile.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Montage

Joining shots in a deliberate order to build meaning or show time passing.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Mood board

A collection of images, colors, textures and light references that express the intended feeling.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Moral rights

Rights in many countries to attribution and to object to harmful distortion of a work.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Motion blur

Motion blur appears when a subject moves during the exposure; it depends on speed, direction, distance and focal length.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Motion graphics

Moving text and shapes in video, best kept simple and readable.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Motivated camera movement

Camera movement with a clear reason in the scene, such as following, revealing or emphasizing.

Read the lesson · Composition

Motivated movement (performers)

Performer movement with a clear reason in the story or character.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Multi-layer composition

Building several clearly separated planes, each with a role, separated by light, tone, gaps or focus.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Multiple exposure

Combining two or more exposures into one image using additive, average, lighten or darken blends, in-camera or in editing.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Music licensing

Getting permission to use music in a video under specific terms.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

N

Natural skin tones

Skin varies in lightness, but healthy hues sit in a narrow warm (orange) range; correct first, then fine-tune orange.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Nature macro photography

Close-up and macro of small living subjects and natural details, with fieldcraft, flash, short stacks and strong ethics.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Needs-first technology choice

Defining real limitations, checking skill-based solutions, testing, and weighing total cost before buying.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Negative fill

A dark surface on the shadow side that removes light and deepens shadows.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Negative space

Negative space is calm, empty area around the subject that gives it room and creates mood.

Read the lesson · Composition

Networking

Building genuine professional relationships by being curious, offering value, following up and recommending others.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Neutral-density filter

An ND filter reduces light evenly; ND2=1 stop, ND8=3, ND64=6, ND1000=10; each 0.3 density is one stop.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Newborn safety

Never leave babies unattended, use spotters, never force poses, create unsupported-looking poses as composites, keep warm and clean.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Night landscapes

Combining land and night sky by blending foreground and sky frames, using blue hour, moonlight or subtle low-level light.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Night stability

Sturdy, weighted tripod, remote release, electronic shutter, wind shielding and regular sharpness checks.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Ninja walk

Walking with bent knees, heel to toe, to reduce bounce while filming handheld.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Nits

A unit of display brightness (candelas per square meter); SDR reference white is about 100 nits.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Noise averaging

Averaging several identical frames to reduce random noise; four frames roughly halve visible noise.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Noise reduction controls

Luminance, detail, contrast and color controls that remove noise while protecting detail.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Non-destructive editing

Editing that never changes the original; edits stored as instructions, layers or separate files and always adjustable.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Non-linear editor (NLE)

Editing software that works non-destructively and lets you edit any part in any order.

Read the lesson · Video editing

O

Object color

Objects absorb some wavelengths and reflect others; we see the reflected light.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Observational filming

Filming people doing what they normally do without directing them (fly-on-the-wall).

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Off-camera flash

A flash placed away from the camera and fired by cable or wireless trigger, giving control of direction and size.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Offloading

Copying camera cards to storage, verifying the copies and backing up before cards are reused.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

One-, two- and three-point perspective

One-point is formal and deep; two-point shows volume from a corner; three-point adds converging verticals for drama.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Online community

An engaged audience that comments, shares and supports a creator through ongoing conversation.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Online printing services

Consumer and professional labs; choose by quality, color handling, papers, products, packaging and privacy.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Online publishing responsibilities

Understanding platform terms, protecting images realistically, consent and privacy, honest captions and credits.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Open interview questions

Questions that invite stories and detail rather than yes-or-no answers.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Open shade

Shade from direct sun but open to bright sky: soft, directional, flattering light.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Optical and digital zoom on phones

Switching to a real lens keeps full quality; pinch-zooming beyond it crops and enlarges, losing detail.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Optical brightening agents

Additives that make paper look whiter; their effect can fade over time, so many fine-art papers are OBA-free.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Originality

A personal angle, access or interpretation bringing fresh insight within a genre, distinct from mere novelty.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Out-of-gamut colors

Colors in an image that a printer or display cannot reproduce.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Output sharpening

Sharpening at export tuned to final size and medium, usually stronger for print, especially matte paper.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Over-the-shoulder shot

A shot past one person's shoulder toward another, usually filmed in pairs for conversations.

Read the lesson · Composition

Overcast light

A cloud layer acts like a giant softbox: very soft, even light with low contrast.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Overlapping action

Repeating action before and after the needed moment in each angle so editors can cut on movement.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

P

Pacing

Alternating intensity, scale and distance and using visual links to control rhythm in a sequence.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Paid photo and video services

Events, portraits, products, real estate, corporate video, social content, creative film and post-production services.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Pan and tilt

Turning the camera left or right (pan) or up or down (tilt) on a fixed point.

Read the lesson · Composition

Panning

Panning follows a moving subject with the camera at a slower shutter speed: sharp subject, streaked background.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Panorama

A very wide frame (2:1, 3:1 or more), often made by joining overlapping photos.

Read the lesson · Composition

Paper edit

A written plan of the edit built from transcript quotes or the script.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Paper sweep

A sheet of paper curved from wall to table to create a seamless background with no horizon line.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Parfocal lens

A zoom lens that keeps focus while the focal length changes.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Partial perspective correction

Leaving slight convergence on very tall buildings so they look natural; avoid small accidental tilts.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Patterns and breaking the pattern

Patterns create rhythm; something that breaks the pattern becomes a strong focal point.

Read the lesson · Composition

Pay yourself a salary

Transferring a regular amount from business to personal accounts even when income varies.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Payment terms

Agreed schedules such as prepayment, deposit plus balance, staged payments or payment within a set period.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Periscope telephoto

A phone telephoto using a prism or mirror to fold a long focal length inside a thin body.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Personal brand

The consistent impression of a photographer: work, name, logo, colors, fonts, voice, values and client experience.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Personal learning plan

Focused goals and practice projects for one or two skills at a time.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Perspective

Perspective depends on camera position (distance, height, angle), not focal length.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Perspective correction

Fixing converging lines with automatic, guided and manual transforms after lens corrections, then adjusting aspect and cropping.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Perspective distortion

Perspective distortion comes from camera position, not the lens: big noses up close, leaning walls when tilted.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Phantom power

A small power supply, usually 48 volts, sent through the cable to power condenser microphones.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Phase and contrast detection AF

Contrast detection hunts for maximum contrast; phase detection knows direction and distance, so it is faster.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Phase problems (audio)

Thin, hollow sound when two microphones record the same source at different distances.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Phone accessory kit

A small kit of lens cloth, clamp and tripod, microphone, LED light, power bank and storage.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone camera angles

Using a phone's small size for very low, overhead, through-object and reflection angles.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone camera strengths and limits

Phones excel in good light, speed and discretion but struggle with low light, fast action, long zoom and built-in sound.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone creator services

Paid services suited to phone creators, such as product photos, social content packages, short vertical videos and event highlights.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone editing order

Crop, exposure, highlights and shadows, white balance, color, selective edits, healing, then export.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone lens cleaning

Wiping the phone lens before shooting to prevent soft, hazy, low-contrast images.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone log video

Flat, gradable video recorded by some recent phones and pro apps; it needs careful exposure and grading.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone microphone options

Wireless or wired lavaliers, plug-in mics and separate recorders used with phones for clear sound.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone night mode

Combining several frames over a few seconds to brighten dark scenes; requires stillness.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone portrait mode

Software background blur using a depth estimate; best at moderate distance with a far background and moderate strength.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone pro mode

A phone camera mode that gives manual control of ISO, shutter speed, white balance and focus.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone product setup

A window-light table setup with a paper sweep, white card fill and a fixed phone for consistent product photos.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone short film

A small, complete film made with a phone and simple support, sound and light, planned to suit the phone's strengths.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone video editing workflow

Collect, select, build the story, trim, add B-roll, balance sound, caption, color and export.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Phone video settings

Choosing resolution and one frame rate per project, and locking exposure and focus before recording.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Photo assistant

An entry role supporting a photographer with lights, equipment, tethering and files.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Photo essay

A deliberately ordered set of images, narrative or thematic, with varied image types, pacing and accurate text.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Photo paper types

Glossy, lustre, matte, baryta, metallic and canvas papers, differing in finish, base, color range and black depth.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Photo pit etiquette

Venue rules for concert photographers on time limits, walkways, gear and safety.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Photo sequence

Images arranged deliberately with a strong opener, varied middle and clear ending.

Read the lesson · Composition

Photo story shot types

Establishing, medium/action, portrait, detail, interaction, signature and closing shots.

Read the lesson · Composition

Photo-elicitation

Using photographs in interviews to prompt discussion and memories, described by Collier in 1957.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Photographic concept

A specific central idea with a point of view that guides every visual choice in an image or series.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Photographic experiment

A planned test changing one factor under controlled conditions to observe its effect.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Photographic frame

The frame is the edge of the photo; it decides what is included and what is left out.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Photographic movements

Major approaches such as pictorialism, straight photography, New Vision, documentary, humanist street, New Topographics and color photography.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Photography (definition)

Photography means making a picture by recording light.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Photography as research

Using photography systematically to answer questions, with clear methods, ethics and honest reporting.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Photography business foundations

Readiness, legal structure and registration, separate finances, records, contracts, insurance and a simple plan.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Photography career paths

Freelance, employed, hybrid, technical and fine-art paths, plus related roles such as assistant, retoucher and digital technician.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Photography case study

A project presented with client, brief, challenge, approach, results and testimonial.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Photography contract

A written agreement covering scope, fees, cancellation, delivery, revisions, copyright and usage, portfolio use, privacy and liability.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Photography filter

A filter changes light before the sensor; the most useful ones do what editing cannot.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Photography history

Development from the camera obscura through daguerreotypes, film, color, instant, digital and computational imaging.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Photography insurance

Equipment, public liability and professional indemnity cover, depending on work and location.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Photography marketing

Clear message, focused portfolio and consistent channels chosen for the ideal client, with results tracked.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Photography niche

A focused area of specialisation within services, aimed at a defined market.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Photography project

A planned body of work with defined purpose, scope and outcome produced over time.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Photography SEO

Helping search engines understand and show your services through keywords, on-page structure, local profiles, image SEO, trust and technical basics.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Photography website structure

Essential pages, short navigation, a suitable platform and domain, easy contact, accessibility, privacy and analytics.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Photography workflow

The repeatable route from capture to delivery and archive: import, back up, organise, cull, edit, export, deliver, archive.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Photojournalism ethics

Accuracy, context, no staging, no influencing events, honest editing and respect for subjects.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Photomicrography

Photography through a microscope for very small subjects such as cells and crystals.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Photosite

A single light-measuring site on the sensor, with a full capacity and a noise floor.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Photovoice

A participatory method, described by Wang and Burris in 1997, where community members photograph and discuss their concerns.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Pickup pattern

The directions a microphone hears best: omni, cardioid, supercardioid, shotgun or figure-8.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Picture lock

The point when the picture edit is final, before sound mixing and color grading.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Picture style

A picture style controls how the camera processes color, contrast and sharpness; it is fixed into JPEGs but not RAW data.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Pigment vs dye ink

Pigment particles generally last longer; dissolved dyes are vivid but fade sooner.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Pixel

A pixel is one tiny square of color in a digital image.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Pixel calibration

Calculating pixels per millimetre from magnification or a calibration image to draw accurate scale bars.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Pixel mapping

A camera function that finds stuck and dead pixels and hides them using neighbouring pixels.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Pixel shift

Moving the sensor slightly between exposures and combining them for more detail and color accuracy.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Plane of focus

The plane of focus is a flat surface parallel to the sensor at the focused distance; things on it are sharpest.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Platform licence

Rights users grant platforms to display and use uploaded images, described in terms of service.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Platform revenue sharing

A platform paying creators a share of advertising or other revenue once they meet its requirements.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Playable direction

Direction about what the character is trying to do, often with action verbs or 'as if' adjustments.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Plosives and sibilance

Popping 'p' and 'b' sounds and sharp 's' sounds, reduced with pop filters, angles and de-essers.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Point of view shot

Showing the scene from someone's eyes puts the viewer inside the moment.

Read the lesson · Composition

Polarizing filter

A CPL blocks polarized light: removes reflections from water and glass, cuts glare, deepens skies; strongest at 90° to the sun; costs 1–2 stops.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Portfolio curation

Selecting with clients' eyes: work you want to be hired for, excellent, consistent, recent, permitted and non-repetitive.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Portfolio page design

Choosing gallery layouts, spacing, backgrounds, lightboxes, captions and calls to action for fast, attractive pages.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Portfolio review

A meeting where professionals give feedback or consider opportunities; prepare focused work, questions and a leave-behind.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Portfolio structure

A few clear galleries, strong opening and closing images, rhythm and easy contact.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Portrait lighting patterns

Butterfly, loop, Rembrandt and split, recognised by the nose shadow.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Portrait photography

Photographing people to show appearance, personality or story: eye focus, flattering lens and light, rapport and direction.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Posing basics

Simple guidance such as angling the body, chin slightly forward and down, relaxed hands and prompts for natural expressions.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Positioning

How you want clients to see you compared with others; avoid competing only on price.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Power window

A shape mask such as a circle, rectangle or drawn shape used to grade one area.

Read the lesson · Color grading

PPI vs DPI

PPI is image pixels per inch on the print; DPI is the printer's ink dots per inch.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Practical lights

Light sources visible in the frame, such as lamps or signs, that add atmosphere.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Practice project

A self-initiated project treated like a real job to build portfolio proof before paid work.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Practice-based research

Exploring questions through making, reflecting on and contextualising photographic work.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Pre-capture

Buffering images while half-pressed and saving frames from before the full shutter press.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Pre-focusing

Pre-focusing sets focus on a known spot in advance for predictable action.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Pre-interview

A short conversation before filming to learn a person's story and put them at ease.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Preproduction

Planning budget, permissions, people, equipment, travel, schedule, shot list and risks before shooting.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Pricing models

Packages, session plus products, day rate plus licensing, per image and retainers.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Primary correction

Grading adjustments that affect the whole image: black and white points, contrast, white balance and saturation.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Prime lens

A prime lens has one fixed focal length, often with a wide maximum aperture.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Print as supplied

Ordering with lab correction off so calibrated, soft-proofed files print exactly.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Print evaluation

Checking proofs in neutral light for brightness, shadows, highlights, contrast, color, skin, sharpness and defects.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Print version

A separate edit adjusted for paper: slightly brighter midtones, opened shadows, contrast and gamut adjustments.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Print workflow

Purpose and size, paper and method, print version, soft proof, size and sharpen, test print, final print.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Printing methods

Pigment inkjet, dye inkjet, chromogenic (C-type) lab prints and dye-sublimation.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Prism and glass-ball photography

Objects near or in front of the lens that refract light for flares, layers or inverted worlds; glass balls can start fires in sun.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Privacy

A person's right to control intrusion into their life and the use of their image and personal data, varying by country.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Problem-solving method

Define, set priorities, list options, decide and act, then review.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Product lighting by material

Matte: directional soft light. Shiny: large sources plus white/black cards. Glass: edge lighting. Translucent: backlight.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Product macro photography

Close-up and macro of small products and details with strict cleanliness, controlled reflections, fixed setups and stacking.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Product photography

Showing products clearly, consistently and truthfully with planned shot lists, fixed lighting and accurate color.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Product video

Video that shows a product from all sides, in detail, in use and at real size.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Production plan

A document translating a project brief into practical tasks, resources and dates.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Professional conduct

Reliable, respectful, honest and fair behaviour, including consent before touching, confidentiality and handling mistakes openly.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Professional portfolio

A curated, audience-focused collection proving you can deliver specific work, in web, PDF, print or tablet formats.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Professional responsibility

Duties of care, competence, honesty, rights, data protection, safeguarding, accountability and learning.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Program shift

In Program mode, turning the dial shifts between equivalent aperture and shutter combinations.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Project brief

A document stating purpose, concept, audience, scope, deliverables, constraints, timeline and success criteria.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Project edit

Selecting a project's final set against its brief, with story, consistency, caption accuracy, consent and ethics checks.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Project execution

Following the plan with flexibility, checking coverage, reviewing after sessions and recording a project journal.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Project reflection

Reviewing a finished project against its brief to learn for future work.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Project story

A short account of a project's challenge, your actions and the result, used in interviews.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Proofing

Showing clients lightly edited, numbered previews to choose images before final editing, with agreed numbers and deadlines.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Property release

Written permission from an owner to use images of identifiable property, often needed for commercial use.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Proportional enforcement

Matching responses to the seriousness of misuse, starting politely and escalating only when needed.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Protection filter

UV, clear and skylight filters mainly protect the lens on digital cameras; quality matters more than the choice.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Proxy workflow

Editing with small, light copies of clips and exporting from the original files.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Q

Qualifier (HSL key)

A selection of pixels by hue, saturation and brightness that creates a matte.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Qualities of light

Direction, intensity, quality (hard/soft), size and color.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Quality control

A systematic final check for editing defects, consistency, output settings and metadata before delivery.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Quick menu

The quick menu (Q, i or Fn) shows the most-used settings on one screen.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Quote and proposal

Client-facing documents defining scope, deliverables, usage, prices, timeline, payment terms, exclusions and validity.

Read the lesson · Photography business

R

Rack focus

A deliberate change of focus from one subject to another during a shot.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

RAID is not backup

RAID protects against one drive failing, not deletion, corruption, ransomware, theft or fire.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Rapport

Building trust and comfort so the subject relaxes and genuine expressions appear.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Rate increase

Raising prices for new clients first, then existing clients with notice, as demand and quality grow.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Rating system

Flags for fast yes/no decisions, stars for ranking, color labels for actions or categories.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

RAW development

Turning RAW sensor data into a finished image in a logical order: global corrections, then color and detail, then local edits, then style.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

RAW file

RAW stores sensor data (usually 12–14 bit) and settings as metadata for flexible processing; each brand has its own format.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

RAW video

Video recorded with minimal processing of sensor data for maximum grading flexibility.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

RAW white balance flexibility

In RAW, white balance is metadata and can be changed later without loss; in JPEG it is baked in.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Re-hook

A short preview or question during a longer video that renews viewers' reason to keep watching.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Reaction shot

A shot showing how a character responds, telling viewers how to feel.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Reading light

Find the source, read shadows, check contrast, notice color, then decide: use, move, modify or wait.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Reading path

The route the eye follows through a photo, guided by lines, gazes and similarities back to the main subject.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Real-estate photography

Photographing properties attractively and honestly: preparation, level camera at chest height, moderate wide lenses, balanced windows.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Real-world detail

Actual detail depends on lens, focus, shake, motion, diffraction, noise and compression, not megapixels alone.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Rear curtain sync

The flash fires at the end of the exposure so motion trails fall behind the subject.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Rec.2020

A wide color standard used for Ultra HD and HDR video.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Rec.709

The international color standard for high-definition, standard dynamic range video.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Reciprocal rule

Handheld shutter speed should be at least 1/(effective focal length); go faster on high-resolution sensors.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Red-eye

Flash close to the lens reflects off the back of the eye in dim light; bounce or brighten the room.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Referral system

Excellent experiences, gentle requests, thanks and lawful rewards that encourage recommendations.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Reflection photography

Reflections in water, puddles and glass double the subject; calm water, low angles, no polarizer.

Read the lesson · Composition

Reflector

A reflector bounces light into shadows: white natural, silver strong and cool, gold warm, black removes light.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Reframing

Repositioning each shot to fit a new aspect ratio while keeping the subject well framed.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Rembrandt lighting

Nose and cheek shadows meet, leaving a triangle of light under the shadow-side eye.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Remote post-production

Editing, retouching, color, sound and culling services delivered online for clients elsewhere.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Remote-location safety

Shared plans, navigation, satellite communication, ample water, layers, first aid and vehicle preparation.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Rendering intent

How unprintable colors are converted: perceptual keeps relationships; relative colorimetric keeps printable colors exact.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Repeat work

Regular jobs from the same client, such as monthly content, that bring stable income.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Reproducible conditions

A controlled, documented setup of camera, lens, position, lighting, exposure and processing that can be recreated.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Repurposing content

Turning one piece of content into several platform-specific versions.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Research report structure

Question, method, results, discussion with limitations, and conclusion.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Responsible nature photography

Stay on paths, leave no trace, keep distance from wildlife, follow rules and stay safe.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Restricted locations

Military, government, security and infrastructure sites where photography may be prohibited.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Result direction

Telling performers the effect you want, such as 'be sadder', which is hard to play truthfully.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Retainer

A regular, often monthly, fee for ongoing photography work.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Retention graph

A chart showing how many viewers are still watching at each moment of a video.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Retouching disclosure laws

Rules in places such as France (2017) and Norway (2021 amendment) requiring labels on certain retouched commercial images.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Retouching levels

Natural, standard/beauty and high-end retouching, agreed with clients in advance.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Reversed lens and bellows

Traditional high-magnification methods: reversing a lens or using adjustable extension.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Revision policy

Included revision rounds, what counts as extra, extra pricing and time limits, agreed in advance.

Read the lesson · Photography business

RGB channel curves

Adjusting red, green and blue curves separately to correct casts or create grades such as split toning.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

RGB histogram

An RGB histogram shows separate red, green and blue graphs to catch single-color clipping.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

RGB neutral check

Reading RGB values on neutral areas; roughly equal values mean no color cast.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

RGB parade

Three side-by-side waveforms for red, green and blue used to check color balance.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Rhythm and repetition

Similar elements repeated at regular intervals create rhythm; a break creates a focal point.

Read the lesson · Composition

Right of publicity

Rights in many countries giving people control over commercial use of their identity.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Rights-managed and royalty-free

Stock licence models: priced by specific use, or a one-time fee for broad use within terms.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Rim light

A bright outline from light behind the subject; best with low sun to one side and a dark background.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Ring flash

A circular flash around the lens giving even, almost shadowless light.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Ring light

A circular light around the lens giving even, shadowless front light and ring-shaped catchlights.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Ripple, roll, slip and slide edits

Trimming tools that change clip length, cut points, clip content or clip position.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Risk assessment

Identifying hazards, who could be harmed, likelihood and severity, controls, recording, sharing and review.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Rolling shots

Car-to-car photos at about 1/30–1/125 for background blur, only on safe, permitted roads.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Rolling shutter

Rolling shutter bends fast-moving subjects when an electronic shutter reads the sensor line by line.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Room tone

The quiet background sound of a location, recorded for 30 to 60 seconds with no one speaking or moving.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Rough cut

The first full version of an edit that tells the whole story, used to test structure.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Rule of six

Walter Murch's criteria for a cut: emotion, story, rhythm, eye trace, screen plane and 3D space, in that priority.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Rule of thirds

A 3×3 grid guideline (named by J. T. Smith, 1797): place key elements on lines or crossings; a guideline, not a law.

Read the lesson · Composition

Runner (production assistant)

An entry-level role supporting a production with errands, logistics and set help.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

S

Safe zones

Areas of vertical stories and reels free from interface overlays, where important content should sit.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Safeguarding

Practices protecting children and vulnerable people during shoots and in image storage and sharing.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Safety track

A second recording of the same microphone at a lower level to protect against clipping.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Saturation

The intensity of colors; the global slider changes all colors equally and is useful for reducing color.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Scale reference

A physical scale placed in the measurement plane with the camera perpendicular, or a calculated scale bar.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Scene brightness range

The stops between the brightest and darkest areas that must keep detail, measured with spot metering.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Scene optimiser

Automatic scene recognition that applies adjustments for detected subjects; can be switched off for control.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Scheimpflug principle

Tilting the lens relative to the sensor tilts the plane of focus.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Scientific documentation

Recording subjects accurately with standard views, references, consistent conditions and records, for study and comparison.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Scientific image integrity

Adjustments applied evenly to whole images and documented; no local enhancement, adding or removing features; originals kept.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Scratch audio

Guide audio recorded on the camera for syncing, not for the final mix.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Screen direction

The direction people and objects move or face on screen, kept consistent between shots.

Read the lesson · Composition

Scrim

A large diffusion panel on a frame or stand used to soften daylight.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Script (screenplay)

A written document describing everything seen and heard, scene by scene; about one page per minute in standard format.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

SDR trim pass

Adjusting an HDR grade so the converted SDR version looks as intended.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Second shooter

A photographer or videographer who works alongside a lead professional on a job.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Second-phone recorder

Recording audio on a second phone near the speaker and syncing it in editing.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Secondary grading

Grading adjustments limited to selected colors or areas, made after primary correction.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Selections

Temporary outlines made with shape, lasso, range, AI, brush and gradient tools.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Selects and string-outs

Timelines of only the best moments, or of all usable takes placed in a row for comparison.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Self-assessment rubric

A scoring guide rating a project on key criteria with evidence for each score.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Sensor dynamic range

The range from full capacity to the noise floor, in stops; highest at base ISO and falling as ISO rises.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Sensor format

Standard sensor sizes: medium format, full frame (36 × 24 mm), APS-C, Micro Four Thirds, 1-inch, phone.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Sensor-crop zoom

Using the centre of a high-resolution sensor to provide an intermediate zoom level.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Service package

A defined bundle of time, deliverables, revisions, usage and delivery at a set price.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Set calls

Standard spoken calls such as quiet please, rolling, action and cut.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Set etiquette

Shared behavior on set: punctuality, quiet during takes, respect for people, equipment and locations.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Set safety

Sandbagged stands, taped cables, managed hot lights and electricity, and secured overhead equipment.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Shallow and deep depth of field

Shallow DoF isolates the subject; deep DoF shows the setting; choose by whether the background adds meaning.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Shapes in composition

Triangles, circles and other shapes organise the frame; groups of three often form an implied triangle.

Read the lesson · Composition

Sharpening

Increasing edge contrast with amount, radius, detail and masking; applied in capture, creative and output stages.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Shock mount

An elastic microphone holder that blocks handling noise.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Shoot schedule

A plan grouping shots by location and setup with time for setups and buffers.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Shoot-check-improve routine

Look, frame, hold steady and focus, check, then change one thing and shoot again.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Shooting positions

Kneeling, sitting, lying and leaning give more stability than standing.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Short film

A complete story told in a short running time, often a few minutes to about 20 minutes.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Short film pipeline

Idea, development, pre-production, shoot, post-production and sharing.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Short-form discovery

Platforms showing short videos to small groups first, then widely if viewers engage.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Short-form vertical video

Short videos in a 9:16 frame made to be watched full-screen on phones.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Shot distance and story

Wide shows context, medium is natural, close shows emotion, extreme close-up shows detail.

Read the lesson · Composition

Shot list

A prioritised list of every image or scene required.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Shot matching

Making brightness, contrast, color and saturation consistent across shots in a scene and film.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Shot noise and read noise

Shot noise comes from the random arrival of light and shrinks with more light; read noise comes from the electronics.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Shot sizes

Standard framing sizes from extreme wide to extreme close-up, named by how much of a person is visible.

Read the lesson · Composition

Shot, scene and sequence

The building blocks of a film: one continuous shot, shots in one place and time, and groups of scenes.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Show LUT

A look exported from grading and used as a display LUT on set so the crew sees the intended style.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Show, don't tell

Revealing feelings and facts through images rather than explaining them in text.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Showreel

A short edited video of a creator's best work showing skills, style and range, also called a demo reel.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Shutter angle

The part of each frame time the shutter is open, in degrees; 180 degrees equals a shutter speed of double the frame rate.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Shutter button half-press

Half-pressing the shutter focuses and measures light; a full press takes the photo.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Shutter Priority

In Shutter Priority (S/Tv) you set the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Shutter speed

Shutter speed is how long the sensor is exposed to light; fast freezes motion, slow shows blur.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Silhouette

A silhouette is a deliberately dark subject shape against a bright background, exposed for the background.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Simplicity

Simplicity means including only what helps the photo.

Read the lesson · Composition

Single-shot and continuous AF

Single-shot AF focuses once and locks; continuous AF keeps adjusting for moving subjects.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Skills test

A practical task such as a test shoot or edit used by employers to check skills, workflow and brief-following.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Skin isolation

Selecting skin with masks and qualifiers so scopes and adjustments affect only faces.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Skin smoothing (video beauty work)

Softening skin texture in video, used lightly to keep faces natural.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Skin tone line

A vectorscope guide between red and yellow near which human skin of all tones tends to fall.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Slate (clapperboard)

A board showing shot information whose clap gives a visible and audible sync point.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Slow motion

Recording at a high frame rate and playing back at a lower project frame rate; slow-down equals recording ÷ playback rate.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Small crew roles

Essential roles on a small shoot and how to combine them safely.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Smartphone multi-camera system

Ultrawide, main and telephoto modules with different sensors, combined by software to act like a zoom.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Smash cut

A sudden cut to a very different scene or sound for shock or comedy.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Social media image sizes

Platform-specific shapes such as Instagram 4:5 or 3:4 feed posts and 9:16 stories, checked regularly.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Social media SEO

Using the words your audience searches for in captions, on-screen text and speech so platforms show your content to them.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Social media strategy

Choosing suitable platforms, consistent profiles, a balanced content mix, genuine engagement and measuring enquiries.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Soft glow (Orton effect)

A blurred copy blended over the sharp image at low opacity for a dreamy look.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Soft light

Soft light comes from a large or close source: gradual shadows and lower contrast.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Soft proofing

Simulating on screen how an image will print on a specific printer and paper using its ICC profile.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Sound bridge

A sound from the next scene that begins before the picture cut.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Sound design

Shaping a video's sound world by creating, choosing and layering sounds.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Sound frequency

How many times a sound wave vibrates each second, in hertz; heard as pitch.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Sound team roles

Production sound mixer, boom operator, sound designer, editors, Foley artist and re-recording mixer.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Soundtrack

The complete sound of a video: dialogue, ambience, sound effects and music.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Source verification

Checking an image's original source, date, prior appearances and provenance before trusting or sharing it.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Specialist services

Services solving specific client problems with particular expertise, equipment or processes, built and tested responsibly.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Speed ramp

A smooth change in clip speed during playback, usually from normal speed into slow motion.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Speedlight

A battery-powered hot-shoe flash with an adjustable head, usable on or off camera.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Split edit

An edit where picture and sound change at different moments.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Sponsored content disclosure

Clearly labeling paid or gifted content, as required by many advertising rules and platforms.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Sports photography

Capturing fast action: about 1/1000+, continuous tracking AF, short bursts at the peak, anticipation and good positions.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Staged photography

Deliberately building a scene with location, props, styling, casting, direction and light to realise an idea.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Stages of an edit

Organizing, assembly, rough cut, fine cut, picture lock and finishing.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Staging in depth

Placing people and objects at different distances from the camera to create depth.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Standard lens

Standard lenses (~35–70mm, often 50mm) give a natural-looking view.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Standard viewing light

Neutral evaluation light around D50 (about 5000K), as described in ISO 3664.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Star filter

Star filters turn points of light into rays; small apertures create natural sunstars.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Star tracker

A motorised mount aligned to the celestial pole that follows the stars for minute-long exposures.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Star trails

Arcs or circles from the Earth's rotation, usually made by stacking many 20–30 s frames with lighten blending.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Still-life photography

Arranging and lighting non-moving objects for mood, beauty or story, with careful styling and composition.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Stop (exposure)

One stop means double or half the light.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Stop motion

Photographing objects moved slightly between frames so they seem to move on their own.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Story arc

A three-part shape: setup, development and resolution.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Storyboard

A sequence of simple drawings of planned shots with notes on framing, movement and sound.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Straightening

Rotating an image along a true horizontal or vertical reference using level-line, angle or auto tools.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Street photography

Capturing unposed public life through observation, anticipation and simple fast settings, with respect for law and dignity.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Studio backdrops

Seamless paper, vinyl, fabric and cycloramas; neutral gray is very flexible.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Studio photography

Photography in a controlled indoor space: depth, ceiling height, neutral surfaces, backdrops, workflow and safety.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Studio strobe

A powerful studio flash (monolight or pack-and-head), usually with a modeling lamp to preview the light.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Studium and punctum

Barthes's terms for general interest and a personal, piercing detail in a photograph.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Studying photographers

Examining whole bodies of work, context, recurring choices and photographers' own words, then applying principles.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Style guide

Written examples of a business's look, framing and editing so others can deliver consistent work.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Style test

A short sample edit on a few files to confirm a client's look before the full job.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Styling and props

Choosing surfaces, textures and objects that support the image's mood and story.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Subcontractor

A freelancer paid to do part of a job, such as editing, under the main business's agreement with the client.

Read the lesson · Freelancing and careers

Subject detection AF

Subject detection recognises faces, eyes, animals, birds and vehicles and focuses on them.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Subject isolation

Separating the subject by combining depth of field, light, tone, color, background choice, lens and position, and timing.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Subject research

Learning background, people, sensitivities and key moments from reliable sources before shooting.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Subject separation

Subject separation makes the subject stand out, often with shallow depth of field and distance from the background.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Super-resolution

Recovering extra detail from small shifts between multiple frames.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Sustainable photography business

Financial health, diversified income, protected workload and health, and regular review and adaptation.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Symmetry

Symmetry mirrors one half in the other (vertical, horizontal or radial); be exactly centred and level.

Read the lesson · Composition

Sync licence

Permission to use a musical composition together with moving pictures.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Synthetic media

Content wholly or partly created or altered by AI to look realistic, including generated images and deepfakes.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

T

T-stop

An aperture value measuring the light actually transmitted by a lens, used on cine lenses.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Tableau

A single, carefully staged scene composed like a painting or film still.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Tailored portfolio

A selection customised for a specific client or pitch.

Read the lesson · Portfolio and career

Takedown notice

A formal request to a platform or host to remove infringing content, such as under the US DMCA.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Tangents

Lines or edges that just touch, creating tension; separate or overlap them clearly.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Tap to focus and expose

Tapping the screen to set focus and exposure, and holding to lock them.

Read the lesson · Smartphone photo and film

Taste gap

Early on, taste is often ahead of skill; steady work closes the gap.

Read the lesson · Composition

Technical critique

Systematic evaluation of exposure, focus, depth of field, motion, color, noise, lens issues, editing and output, distinguishing errors from intent.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Technical metadata

Information on how an image was captured and processed, beyond automatic EXIF: magnification, lighting, scale, combining and processing.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Teleconverter

A teleconverter multiplies focal length; 1.4× costs 1 stop of light, 2× costs 2 stops.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Telephoto lens

Telephoto lenses have long focal lengths: short tele ~70–135mm, tele ~135–300mm, super-tele 300mm+ on full frame.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Test log

A record of question, equipment, fixed settings, variables, file names, observations and problems.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Test screening

Showing a film to a small audience before release to observe reactions and gather feedback.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Test strip

A small print of key image areas used to check tone and color cheaply.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Testimonials

Client reviews displayed with permission; never fake or misleading.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Tethered shooting

Connecting the camera to a computer or tablet to view photos large while shooting.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Text-based video editing

Editing a video by changing its AI-generated transcript.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Three-act structure

A story structure of setup, confrontation and resolution.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Three-point lighting

Key, fill and rim lights together; add a background light for four-point.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Tiered options

Two or three clearly different packages that help clients match needs to budget.

Read the lesson · Photography business

TIFF and DNG

TIFF for lossless, high-bit edited masters; DNG as an open RAW format.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Tilt-shift lens

Shift keeps lines straight with a level camera; tilt rotates the plane of focus.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Timecode

A running clock in hours:minutes:seconds:frames recorded on picture and sound for automatic syncing.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Timelapse

A video made from frames captured at regular intervals and played back fast to compress time.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Timelapse interval

The time between frames; frames needed = clip length × frame rate, recording time = frames × interval.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Tint

The green-to-magenta axis of color correction, separate from temperature.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Title-safe area

The inner part of the frame where text will not be cropped on different screens.

Read the lesson · Video editing

TLCI

Television Lighting Consistency Index: how a camera reproduces colors under a light; 90 or higher is good.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Total cost of ownership

Accessories, computing, learning, insurance and ecosystem lock-in beyond the purchase price.

Read the lesson · AI and new technology

Tracking shot

A shot in which the camera follows a moving subject.

Read the lesson · Composition

Trademarks in photographs

Visible brand names and logos that can imply endorsement in commercial use.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Transillumination

Lighting a sample from behind or below so light passes through it, revealing internal structure.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Translucency

Backlight passing through thin materials makes them glow with inner color.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Travel photography

Telling the story of a place: research, light kit, varied subjects, respect for local laws and customs, daily backup.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Treatment

A prose telling of a film's story, tone and key scenes before the full script.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Tripod technique

On a tripod, use a timer or remote, set it up firmly, and check the stabilization setting.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

True macro

Photography at 1:1 (life-size) magnification or greater; close-up is below that, photomicrography uses microscopes.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

TTL flash

TTL fires a pre-flash, measures it through the lens and sets power automatically; adjust with FEC.

Read the lesson · Flash and studio lighting

Turntable shot

Filming a product on a slowly rotating platform to show every side.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Two-column script

A script with pictures on the left and audio on the right, used for documentaries and adverts.

Read the lesson · Directing and filmmaking

Typology

A series showing many examples of one subject type photographed identically so differences stand out.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

U

UGC content

Photos or videos made for a brand to use in its own marketing, often in advertising.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Underexposure and overexposure

Underexposed photos are too dark; overexposed photos are too bright.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Upscaling

Enlarging pixel dimensions with resampling or AI; cannot add real detail and must be checked.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Usage licence

Permission defining media, territory, duration, exclusivity, purpose, quantity, modifications, credit and payment conditions.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

V

Vanishing point

The point where parallel lines appear to meet as they recede.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Variable bitrate (VBR)

An encoding mode that uses more data for complex shots and less for simple ones.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Variable ND filter

A VND rotates two polarizing layers for adjustable darkness; avoid the maximum to prevent the X pattern.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Vectorscope

A scope showing hue as direction and saturation as distance from the center.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Vernacular photography

Everyday images by ordinary people, now valued as social history.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Versioning

Keeping older versions of files so deleted or damaged files can be restored.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Vibrance

A control that mainly boosts less-saturated colors and usually protects skin tones.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Video autofocus settings

Continuous AF, subject detection, transition speed and tracking sensitivity for smooth focus in video.

Read the lesson · Focus and depth of field

Video bit depth

The number of tones per color channel in video: 8-bit 256, 10-bit 1,024, 12-bit 4,096.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Video bitrate

The amount of video data used each second, in Mbps; higher bitrate keeps more detail and makes bigger files.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Video codec

The method used to compress and decompress video, such as H.264, H.265, ProRes or DNxHR.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Video container

The file type, such as MP4 or MOV, that holds video, audio and metadata.

Read the lesson · Sensors and RAW

Video deliverables

Files made from the master for each platform or use, such as web MP4s, social versions and captions.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Video editing

Selecting, arranging and timing shots and sounds to tell a story or communicate a message.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Video export (render)

Processing the timeline into a finished file with chosen resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate and audio settings.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Video grading workflow

Convert, correct, match, secondary adjustments, look, then check and deliver.

Read the lesson · Color grading

Video hook

The opening seconds of a video that show why it is worth watching.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Video loop

Ending a short video on a frame that flows back to the start so viewers rewatch.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Video master file

The highest-quality version of a finished video kept for archive and future versions.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Video mode

The camera mode that records moving images with its own resolution, frame rate, sound and format settings.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Video packaging

The title and thumbnail working together to show the value of a video before it is clicked.

Read the lesson · Content creation

Video practice exercises

Short, focused tasks that train steady shots, pans, following, sound and shot sequences.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Video production budget

An estimate covering pre-production, shooting, post-production, revisions, delivery, crew, equipment, music, usage and contingency.

Read the lesson · Photography business

Video production stages

Pre-production, production and post-production.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Video quality control

A final check of picture, sound, text, rights and deliverables before delivery.

Read the lesson · Video editing

Video SEO

Helping videos be found with clear titles, descriptions, captions, chapters, thumbnails and structured data.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Video Speed Class

SD card ratings (V10, V30, V60, V90) for the minimum sustained write speed needed for video.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Video thumbnail

The still image shown before a video plays; it must be clear at small sizes and honest.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Videography

Recording moving images, usually with sound, as many frames per second played back to show movement.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Viewfinder

The viewfinder is the eye-level window: optical on DSLRs, electronic (EVF) on most mirrorless cameras.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Viewing-distance resolution

Larger prints viewed from further away need fewer pixels per inch.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Vignetting

Vignetting darkens corners, strongest wide open and with wide lenses; stop down or correct in editing.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Virtual copies

Multiple edited versions of one photo without duplicating the original file.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Virtual scouting

Using maps, street imagery, sun apps, forecasts and calendars to plan locations.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Visible spectrum

Light from about 380 to 700 nm; white light contains all colors.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

Visual ambiguity

Images that can be read in more than one way or delay understanding, balanced with a clear anchor.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Visual balance

Balance spreads visual weight: symmetrical (calm), asymmetrical (dynamic), or deliberately unbalanced (tension).

Read the lesson · Composition

Visual clutter

Elements that compete or add nothing; the goal is organised complexity, not always simplicity.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Visual critique

Analysing hierarchy, balance, lines, depth, light, color, moment and distractions, and their emotional effects.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Visual culture

All the images people make, share and see, and the meanings, habits and power relationships around them.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Visual hierarchy

Arranging elements as primary, secondary and supporting so they are noticed in a deliberate order.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Visual intent

Visual intent is the purpose of a photo: what the viewer should see, understand or feel.

Read the lesson · Photography foundations

Visual judgment

The ability to see why an image works and decide quickly; it combines shared visual language with personal taste.

Read the lesson · Composition

Visual literacy

The ability to interpret, evaluate and create images thoughtfully, understanding how they are made, what they mean and how they affect viewers.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Visual metaphor

Showing one thing to suggest another through juxtaposition, visual rhyme, substitution, scale, light or layering.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Visual motif

A repeated image, color or object that gains meaning through a film.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Visual narrative

A story told through images with characters, stakes, change and a beginning, development and ending.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Visual references

Images and works from many arts used privately to define look, light and mood, without copying.

Read the lesson · Projects and critique

Visual storytelling

Using images to communicate who, where, what and how it felt.

Read the lesson · Composition

Visual style

The recognisable character of a photographer's work from repeated choices about subject, light, composition, color, mood and processing.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

Visual symbolism

Objects, colors or gestures standing for ideas; meanings may be shared, cultural, personal or built within a series.

Read the lesson · Creative and fine art

Visual weight

Visual weight is how strongly an area attracts attention: size, brightness, color, sharpness, faces, isolation.

Read the lesson · Composition

Voice recording consent

Agreement from people before their conversations are recorded, required in many countries.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

W

Water and cloud motion techniques

Choosing freeze, partial or full blur; timing waves to their rhythm; using cloud direction and long times.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Wave trails

Foam lines created by about 1/4–1 second exposures timed as waves retreat.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Waveform monitor

A graph of brightness across the frame from 0 (black) to 100 (white), used to set precise video exposure.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Weather safety

Forecast checks, turn-back rules, lightning shelter, flash flood awareness, heat and cold precautions.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Web image sizing

Exporting to the largest displayed width, up to about twice for high-density screens, with responsive versions.

Read the lesson · Printing and publishing

Wedding highlight film

A short film of the day's story with music and key moments, usually 3 to 10 minutes.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

White balance

White balance compensates for the color of light so neutrals look neutral; Auto, presets, Kelvin or custom.

Read the lesson · Color and white balance

White balance picker

An eyedropper that sets white balance by clicking a neutral area; check several neutrals.

Read the lesson · Editing and retouching

Wide-angle lens

Wide lenses (below ~35mm full frame) fit more in and exaggerate depth when used close.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters

Wild lines

Dialogue recorded again without the camera to replace a take spoiled by noise.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Wild sound

Specific sounds recorded without picture, such as effects or repeated lines.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Wildlife ethics

Animal welfare first: keep distance, no baiting or chasing, follow rules, caption captive subjects honestly.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Wildlife photography

Photographing wild animals naturally with fieldcraft, long lenses, fast settings and eye focus.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Wildlife safety

Keeping distance, never feeding or cornering animals, knowing dangerous species, and caution with snakes, scorpions and insects.

Read the lesson · Copyright, ethics and safety

Window light

A large, soft, directional source; start around 45°, control distance, diffuse direct sun, add fill.

Read the lesson · Natural light

Wireless microphone system

A transmitter and receiver that send microphone sound without cables, on frequencies regulated by country.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

Working distance

Space between the lens front and the subject; longer macro lenses give more at the same magnification.

Read the lesson · Macro and technical

Working the scene

Taking many frames while refining position, focal length and timing.

Read the lesson · Advanced composition

X

XLR connector

A professional locking three-pin audio connector used with balanced cables.

Read the lesson · Sound for video

XMP sidecar

A small file beside a RAW file storing ratings, keywords and edits; keep it with the RAW file.

Read the lesson · Workflow and delivery

Z

Zebras

Stripes on the camera screen showing areas brighter than a chosen level; often set near 95 to 100 to warn of clipping.

Read the lesson · Exposure and metering

Zone focusing

Pre-setting manual focus at a distance with enough depth of field to shoot instantly as subjects enter the zone.

Read the lesson · Types of photography

Zone System

A tonal scale from 0 (black) to X (white), about a stop apart, used to place metered areas at chosen brightness; Zone V is middle gray.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Zoom burst

Zooming during a slow exposure to create lines radiating from the centre.

Read the lesson · Long exposure and night

Zoom lens

A zoom lens covers a range of focal lengths for flexible framing.

Read the lesson · Lenses and filters