Exposure in Photography

Exposure

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Exposure refers to the light that reaches the camera’s sensor to create an image. It is controlled by three fundamental settings known as the Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO.


Aperture

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The aperture (f-stop) is the opening in the camera lens that controls how much light enters. A wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8) allows more light to pass through, brightening the image and creating a shallow depth of field, which results in a blurry background. In contrast, a smaller aperture (e.g., f/16) allows less light to enter, darkening the image and producing a greater depth of field, where both the foreground and background appear sharp and in focus. Aperture Illustration Depth of Field (DOF) is the zone of an image that appears sharp and in focus. It is the distance between the nearest and the fartest objects in a scene that are acceptably sharp in an image. DOF Comparison Aperture Chart


Shutter Speed

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Shutter Speed determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open to allow light to hit the sensor. A slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/10 s) allows more light in, brighting the image and creating motion blur. In contrast, a faster shutter (e.g., 1/8000s) speed allows less light in, darkening the image and speeding freeze motion.

Shutter Speed

Camera shake happens when hand movements while holding the camera cause the image to appear blurry. To reduce shake, use a shutter speed of at least 1/80 or 1/100. A tripod can also help stabilize the camera, particularly when using slower shutter speeds.


ISO

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ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. A higher ISO (e.g., 1600) increses sensitivity, brighting the image but potentially introducing noise or grain. Conversely, a lower ISO (e.g., 100) reduces sensitivity, darkening the image while producing more cleaner and shaper images. ISO


Composition in Photography

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Composition refers to the arrangement of elements within a photograph. It involves placing subjects, backgrounds, and other visual elements in a way that creates balance, focus, and visual interest. Strong composition enhances the storytelling and aesthetic appeal of an image.


The Rule of Thirds

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The Rule of Thirds divides the frame into a 3x3 grid—two vertical and two horizontal lines. Placing key subjects along these lines or at their intersections often creates a more balanced and interesting photo than centering everything. It guides the viewer’s eye naturally and adds tension or movement. The Rule of Thirds The Rule of Thirds The Rule of Thirds The Rule of Thirds The Rule of Thirds


Golden Ratio

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Golden Ratio: The golden ratio is a naturally pleasing proportion found in nature and art. In photography, it’s used to place subjects in a spiral (the Fibonacci spiral) or along lines that follow this ratio, creating a more dynamic and harmonious image than the rule of thirds in some cases. Golden Ratio Golden Ratio Golden Ratio Golden Ratio Golden Ratio


Negative Space

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Negative Space: Negative space is the empty or open space around the main subject. It provides breathing room and can highlight the subject by contrast or minimalism. It helps create simplicity, focus, and emotional impact. Negative Space Negative Space Negative Space


Leading Lines

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Leading Lines: Leading lines are visual lines in a photo that guide the viewer’s eye toward a specific point—usually the subject. They can be straight or curved and are often formed by roads, rivers, fences, shadows, or architectural elements. Leading Lines Leading Lines Leading Lines Leading Lines


Balance & Symmatry

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Balance in photography refers to how visual elements are distributed within the frame to create a sense of stability or harmony. A well-balanced photo feels neither too “heavy” on one side nor too cluttered or empty on the other. Symmetry is a type of balance where elements on both sides of an axis (vertical, horizontal, or radial) are the same or very similar. It creates a strong visual impact and often evokes a feeling of order, stability, or beauty. Balance & Symmatry Balance & Symmatry Balance & Symmatry


Perspective & Angle

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Focal length is the distance (measured in millimeters) between the lens and the camera’s sensor when the subject is in focus. It significantly affects how much of the scene is captured and how subjects appear.

  • A shorter focal length provides a wide field of view, showing more of the scene but with less magnification.
  • A longer focal length results in a narrower field of view, allowing photographers to zoom in on distant subjects and often producing a shallower depth of field with more background blur. Focal Length

Perspective refers to the spatial relationship between objects in a photo and how depth and distance are perceived. It plays a crucial role in creating a sense of three-dimensionality within a two-dimensional image.

  • Linear perspective occurs when parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance, such as a road narrowing toward the horizon.
  • Overlapping perspective happens when closer objects partially cover those farther away, helping to establish depth.
  • Forced perspective uses visual distortion to make objects appear larger, smaller, closer, or farther than they actually are, often for dramatic or creative effect.

Angle refers to the position of the camera relative to the subject — whether you shoot from above, below, or at eye level, the angle impacts the photo’s emotional and visual effect. Common camera angles include:

  • Eye-level: Neutral and natural; feels relatable and balanced.
  • High angle: The camera looks down on the subject, making it appear smaller or more vulnerable.
  • Low angle: The camera looks up at the subject, giving it a sense of power or dominance.
  • Bird’s-eye view: Shot from directly overhead, often creating a dramatic or abstract impression.
  • Worm’s-eye view: Taken from ground level looking up, exaggerating height and scale.
  • Tilted (Dutch) angle: The camera is slanted, adding a sense of unease, tension, or dynamic energy.


Backgrounds

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In photography, the background is the part of the scene that appears behind the main subject. There are six common types of backgrounds:

  1. Natural Backgrounds include elements like trees, skies, mountains, water, and grass. These are often found in landscape, portrait, and outdoor photography. Depending on the depth of field, they can appear soft and blurred or sharp and detailed.
  2. Artificial or Studio Backgrounds typically consist of backdrops made from paper, fabric, or seamless materials. These are widely used in portrait, product, and fashion photography, offering controlled and consistent backgrounds. They can be neutral or color-themed to match the desired style.
  3. Textured Backgrounds feature surfaces like brick walls, wooden panels, concrete, or folded fabrics. These add visual interest and can create contrast or mood, making them effective in both indoor and urban-style shoots.
  4. Bokeh Backgrounds are created by using a shallow depth of field with a wide aperture. This technique turns background lights and shapes into soft, glowing orbs, producing a dreamy, aesthetic look commonly used in portrait and night photography.
  5. Minimalist Backgrounds are plain or solid-colored, such as white, black, or gray. They help isolate and emphasize the subject by eliminating distractions, making them ideal for product photography or conceptual portraiture.
  6. Environmental Backgrounds show the subject within their natural setting—such as a chef in a kitchen or an artist in their studio. These backgrounds provide context and support visual storytelling by revealing more about the subject’s environment or profession.


Focus & Depth of Field