Photography is a complex domain that incorporates terminology from other related fields such as physics, electronics and the art world. While this terminology may seem overly technical and can discourage you at first, this list will help you in understanding concepts and terms commonly used in the photography world.
Many terms specifically apply to digital photography, however several terms can be used for film photography as well. For example, unless otherwise specified, sensor refers to both digital sensors and analog film. This is a very extensive list, you should use the table of contents to navigate to specific sections that might be of interest or use the search function of your browser (Ctrl+F on desktop or Find in Page on mobile) to search for specific terms.
While this list began as a collection of over 100 terms, we recognize that many important ones may be missing and that is why we will update this list regularly.
Table of contents
Equipment
Full frame, APS-C, medium format
Digital cameras with a sensor size equivalent to the dimensions of 35mm film (36x24mm) are referred to as full-frame cameras. APS-C (Advanced Photo System type-C) sensors are smaller than full-frame, typically around 25x16mm. They offer a crop factor, meaning that lenses appear more zoomed in compared to their use on a full-frame camera (usually a 1.5x or 1.6x crop). Medium format digital cameras feature sensors that are larger than full-frame sensors, typically ranging from 44x33mm to even larger.
CCD (Charge-coupled device)
A type of image sensor, known for its high image quality and accurate color reproduction, primarily used in scientific, medical and industrial applications, and early digital cameras. Features an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) for the whole sensor array, which translates to lower noise values. Due to high production costs and low power efficiency, it has been replaced by CMOS sensor technology in most consumer devices.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)
Sensor type which is faster in processing signals than CCD, due to each pixel having an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter). Even if this translates to increased noise levels, new developments in CMOS technology will enable better noise management and low light sensitivity, as sensor manufacturers are moving away from developing new CCD sensors for consumer use.
Backside illuminated sensor (BSI)
An improved CMOS sensor design, it is able to increase the amount of light captured due to the architecture of the imaging elements, which results in less noise. Resulting images will not be brighter than from other sensor types, as the exposure calculations remain the same.
Noise
Caused by the electronic noise of the image sensor. Its intensity is inversely proportional to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), meaning that lower SNR results in more noise. The amount of noise in an image is influenced by the available light and the sensitivity of the sensor (ISO setting). In low-light conditions or at higher ISO settings, noise becomes more noticeable as the sensor amplifies the signal to capture the image.
ISO Invariance
Describes the property of a digital sensor that is able to produce the same amount of noise between images taken at high ISO values and images taken with lower ISO settings and then brightened in post-processing. This property varies between camera models, as newer sensors tend to be more ISO-invariant.
Hot/dead/stuck pixel
Types of pixel defects commonly found on camera sensors. Hot pixels are a result of sensor heat (when using high ISO values or during long exposures) and are unusually bright compared to the surrounding pixels. Dead pixels do not output any information, appearing as a black dot. Stuck pixels continuously display a single color, most often red, green or blue and persist across different exposures. These defects can be usually corrected through sensor mapping or software correction.
Dynamic range
Interval between the darkest and brightest parts of a scene that can be detected by a sensor.
Aliasing
An artifact caused by insufficient sampling resolution, resulting in jagged edges or stair-stepping effects in digital images, particularly along diagonal lines or fine details.
Moiré
Aliasing on fine, repetitive surfaces will create distracting patterns when the details of the surface intersect with the pixel grid structure of the sensor.
Dust spots
Small, dark spots that appear in photos due to dust particles on the sensor or lens. Can be removed by cleaning the affected parts or in post-processing.
Lens mount
Used in interchangeable lens cameras, it is a mechanical interface between the lens and the camera body. Through electronic contacts, information such as optical parameters and focus data can be transmitted to the camera. Depending on the flange focal distance of the mount, adapters can be used to attach lenses from different manufacturers to the camera.
Autofocus
Camera function that uses sensors calibrated for contrast and edge detection (passive systems) or soundwaves and infrared light (active systems). It operates a motor in the lens to bring a preselected area or detected subject into focus.
Focus modes
In the single autofocus mode, the camera locks focus on the subject when the shutter button is half-pressed. The focus remains fixed at that point, even if the subject moves or the camera shifts. In the continuous autofocus mode the camera will track moving subjects as long as the shutter button is half-pressed.
Light meter
In cameras it measures exposure parameters based on reflection using TTL (through-the-lens) metering, while dedicated light meters are able to measure values of incident light (light that reaches the surface before it is transformed by reflection, absorption or refraction) in a scene, which provide a more accurate reading.
Aperture/Shutter priority
Camera modes in which, by setting the aperture/shutter value, the camera will automatically adjust the other value based on the selected ISO setting. It only adjusts settings based on exposure calculations, which means it will not recognize creative choices or scene interpretations.
White balance
Camera setting that adjusts colors in an image to ensure that they are accurately represented under different lighting conditions by compensating for color temperature. Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), describes the warmth or coolness of a light source: lower values indicate warmer, yellowish light, while higher values represent cooler, bluish light.
Optical/Electronic viewfinder (OVF/EVF)
Optical viewfinders are eyepieces in a single lens reflex camera that allow through-the-lens framing using a mirror or prism system. They provide an approximate field of view of the sensor and include information for focus alignment or selection. In contrast, mirrorless cameras, as the name suggests, do not have a mirror in their shutter mechanism and replace the optical viewfinder with a small electronic display. This electronic viewfinder offers immediate feedback on exposure changes and white balance and is able to display more information than its optical counterpart, at the cost of a slight delay between the real-world scene and the displayed image.
Rangefinder
Rangefinders do not offer through-the-lens framing or focus control. Instead, they rely on a separate viewfinder for composition and a split-image mechanism for focusing.
Release modes
Cameras offer different release modes to control how the shutter operates. In single frame mode, the camera captures one image per press of the shutter. Burst mode allows continuous image capture as long as the shutter button remains pressed. Self-timer mode introduces a delay between pressing the shutter and capturing the image. Remote mode enables the use of a wired or wireless remote to activate the shutter. Mirror lockup mode raises the mirror before capturing the image, reducing vibration and improving sharpness. Interval timer mode automatically takes a series of images at specified intervals.
Bulb
Camera release mode and function which allows the shutter to remain open for as long as the shutter button is pressed. Can also be controlled using remote trigger devices.
Tethering
Connecting a camera to a workstation through editing software, either wired or wirelessly, allows for direct control of exposure and focus settings, image preview on a larger screen, remote trigger and immediate image import for quality assurance and culling.
Firmware
Software that is installed on an electronic device to control its functions and operation, similar to an operating system. Can be upgraded for bug fixes, optimization or adding new functionalities to the device. On a camera it displays the user interface, controls the capture parameters and handles file management.
Memory card
External storage media which can be inserted into a digital camera to store images. Different cameras may require specific memory card types, such as SD or CFExpress. Many newer cameras feature a dual memory card slot, which enables automatic backup or ensures overflow once a card is full. The write speed determines how fast the images are transferred from the image buffer.
Buffer
In a camera, it is part of the volatile memory that temporarily stores images before they are written to the memory card. Its size determines how many images can be taken in rapid succession before the camera needs to pause to process and save the data.
Filters
Accessories typically made from glass or resin that can be placed in front of the lens to modify the light entering the camera. Screw-on filters attach to the lens directly, while square or rectangular filters require a filter holder. UV filters reduce the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the sensor and can act as additional protection for the front lens element. Neutral density (ND) filters evenly reduce light intensity and can be used for long exposure photography. Graduated neutral density (GND) filters are useful for equalizing the variation in brightness across the frame and come with either a soft, medium, hard or reverse edge. Polarizing filters can help minimize reflections and darken skies. Linear and circular polarizers work similarly, but circular polarizers include an extra element to prevent cross-polarization, which can affect metering or viewfinder visibility. Overlapping two polarizing filters will result in a variable neutral density (VND) filter, allowing variable light intensity reduction but losing the polarization effect. Infrared (IR) filters can be used to filter out the visible wavelength spectrum on special cameras or those modified by removing their infrared cut-off filter. Color filters enhance their color in an image and can be used in black and white photography to block specific wavelengths of light to modify contrast.
Tripod
Used to prevent or control camera movement through its three points of support. Tripods are useful in situations where image blurring might occur, such as during long exposures or when using a telephoto lens, as well as when precise control over the camera is required.
Monopod
Only has one point of support and is ideal when holding heavy equipment for extended periods of time or when quick movement is necessary in dynamic environments. It offers extra stability while maintaining mobility, making it useful for events where speed and flexibility are crucial.
Hot/Cold shoe
Hot shoes are connecting slots for attaching flash units, flash transmitters or other accessories. They are called hot because they offer an active electronic connection which enables the control and synchronization of any connected device. Cold shoes are similar in form, but lack any electronic connection and are used only for mounting accessories without providing power or communication.
Gear acquisition syndrome (GAS)
The misguided belief that continuously purchasing equipment and software solutions will improve creative output. It is characterized by superficial online research, impulsive buying, and the assumption that acquisition will automatically lead to better results or success. This can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction, as tools alone do not guarantee improvement.
Light
Ambient light
Also known as available light, this refers to the natural or artificial light already present in a scene, such as sunlight or existing streetlights, as opposed to light specifically added by the photographer.
Key light
Primary light source for a scene, provides the main source of contrast and definition.
Fill light
Secondary light source for a scene, used to soften or reduce shadows produced by the key light, balancing the overall exposure and maintaining detail in darker areas.
Back/Rim light
Tertiary light source for a scene when using a three light setup, situated behind the subject to add separation, emphasis or depth. Used on its own will create a silhouette or glowing edge effect.
Direct/Diffuse light
Light that illuminates a subject directly, without being scattered or diffused is called direct light. This type of light produces sharp shadows with high contrast. Light that has been scattered, either by passing through a medium (clouds, diffusion panels) or reflected from large, matte surfaces is called diffuse light. This scattering reduces the intensity of the light and creates an even, less directional illumination. These properties refer to the path the light takes and its distribution.
Hard/Soft light
Properties that are defined by their shadow quality. Hard lights create sharp, clearly defined shadows, while soft lights produce minimal shadows and smooth transitions.
Flat light
Scenes with very little depth and contrast are described as having flat light. This occurs when there are equal amounts of light illuminating both the subject and the background, resulting in a small degree of separation between shadows and highlights.
Golden hour
The period of time shortly after sunrise and before sunset, which depending on latitude, time of year and atmospheric conditions will typically last one hour. Its ambient direct light is characterized by warm, soft and golden tones.
Blue hour
A short period of time that occurs just before sunrise and after sunset, that is often characterized by soft, diffuse and blue light. An overcast sky at the horizon might change the light into warmer tones. Typically lasts for 10-20 minutes, depending on latitude, time of year and atmospheric conditions.
Optics
Diaphragm
A lens component made up of multiple blades, with an opening (aperture) at its center. Controls the amount of light entering the lens.
√2 ratio for aperture values
To double the amount of light reaching the sensor, the area of the aperture circle needs to be doubled. Since the area of a circle is calculated by the formula π × r², increasing the aperture diameter by a factor of √2 (approximately 1.41) will double its area. This leads to the common aperture values, which cover one stop of light between them: f/1.0, f/1.4, f/2.0, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8.0, f/11, f/16 and f/22. Intermediate values like f/3.5 and f/7.1 are 1/3-stop increments, allowing for more precise adjustments in exposure.
Focal length
Measured in mm, it is the distance between the nodal point (the point where all light rays converge in a lens) and the sensor. Smaller values will result in a larger field of view, while larger values will narrow and magnify parts of a scene.
Prime lens
Lens with a fixed focal length.
Zoom lens
Lens with a variable focal length.
Macro lens
A type of lens which is designed to capture small subjects in close-up photography. They typically are able to focus from a very close distance and offer a 1:1 or greater magnification, which means that sizes of subjects in the focus plane can be equal or smaller than the sensor size.
Sharpness
Factor which determines how clear and well-defined the details appear in an image.
Nodal point
The specific point in a lens where light rays converge before reaching the sensor. Important in general panoramic photography, as aligning the camera rotation around it is crucial to prevent parallax errors.
Depth of field (DOF)
Measures the interval between the limit points in a scene that appear acceptably sharp. Factors that influence it are the sensor size, focal length, aperture of the lens and the distance to the subject.
Focal plane
Usually aligned with the midpoint of the depth of field, the focal plane describes the specific area at which the subject is in sharp focus.
Hyperfocal distance
Measures the focusing distance that gives an image the greatest depth of field from a subject to the furthest edge of the background.
Bokeh
Describes the out-of-focus areas of a photograph, particularly its aesthetic qualities. The aperture blades or any cut-out shape in front of a lens will influence its shape, while the lens design and number of aperture blades will determine its other visual characteristics.
Background compression
A visual effect in which the background appears closer and larger in relation to the subject when using a longer focal length.
Barrel/Pincushion distortion
Optical distortion in which lines in an image bend in relation to the image center. Barrel distortion will cause lines to curve outward from the center, while pincushion distortion will cause lines to curve inward toward the center.
Fisheye
A lens with a very large field of view that features pronounced barrel distortion.
Shifting
Lens movement that allows changing the image framing parallel to the image plane.
Tilting
Lens movement that allows changing the perspective by tilting the lens relative to the image plane.
Scheimpflug principle
Describes the relation between the image plane, lens plane and focal plane when performing tilt and shift movements for perspective and depth of field control.
Image stabilization
Mechanism found in select lenses and cameras that counteracts involuntary vibration introduced during image capture. It is often marketed by its stop power, indicating the ability to capture sharp images in much darker conditions and with longer exposure times, significantly reducing or eliminating blur caused by camera shake. Usually, lenses and cameras with image stabilization work together, providing an additive effect for image stability and clarity.
Polarization
Light polarization describes the orientation of light waves in a particular direction. As light waves vibrate in various directions, polarized light vibrates primarily in a single direction. This can occur naturally, for example when light scatters across the atmosphere or when it reflects off a non-metallic surface. By using a polarizing filter in front of the lens, unwanted glares and reflections can be reduced.
Chromatic aberration
Optical distortion that occurs when a lens fails to focus all colors to the same point. It appears as an unwanted color fringe along the edges of an object in an image, particularly when photographing subjects against bright light. This distortion is primarily influenced by the lens design and the quality of the lens elements, and can typically be corrected in most post-processing software.
Lens flare
Light distortion in the form of spots or streaks of light that appear in an image when a strong light source directly hits the lens. Using lens hoods or shading the lens, adjusting the angle and position of the camera can help prevent lens flares from appearing.
Vignetting
Effect where the corners of the image are darker than its center. Caused by either light falloff (light may not reach the edges of the image sensor) or elements obstructing a lens (such as lens hoods or filter edges).
Diffraction
When using a small enough aperture relative to the sensor size, diffraction will occur, resulting in blurry halos along edges and a loss of sharpness in the image. This phenomenon happens because the small aperture causes light to interfere with itself inside the lens. Rather than bringing more of the scene into focus by using a small aperture value, diffraction softens the overall image. Each lens has a specific aperture value at which diffraction becomes noticeable, and this value varies depending on the lens design and sensor size.
Exposure
ISO
Measures the sensitivity to light of a sensor. Low values indicate low sensitivity and are ideal for bright environments, while high values allow better performance in low-light scenes but may introduce noise, which will reduce the details in an image.
Aperture
The opening in a camera lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. Usually measured in f-stops, a larger aperture will have a smaller f-stop number and will create a narrow depth of field (more foreground and background blur), while a smaller aperture will have a larger f-stop number and will bring more of a scene in focus, through a wider depth of field.
Shutter speed
The length of time a camera shutter remains open to allow light to reach the sensor. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second. Fast shutter speeds help capture quick movements, while slow shutter speeds create motion blur.
Exposure triangle
Describes the relationship between shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO. Increasing one element would require decreasing another or both other elements to achieve the same exposure level. For example, increasing the ISO from 100 to 200 would require halving the shutter speed to achieve a consistent exposure.
EV compensation
Exposure value compensation is a setting which allows the override of the exposure level set by the camera, without needing to readjust other exposure parameters. Positive EV compensation increases the exposure, resulting in a brighter image. Negative EV compensation decreases the exposure, producing a darker image.
Highlights
Part of the tonal spectrum of an image that contains all bright areas. Details may be clipped if overexposed.
Shadows
Part of the tonal spectrum of an image that contains all dark areas. Details may be clipped if underexposed.
Midtones
Part of the tonal spectrum of an image that functions as the transitional area between highlights and shadows. Midtones usually contain most of the detail and color information in an image.
Histogram
Graphical representation of the tonal distribution in an image, displaying the relative frequency of brightness levels across the spectrum from shadows (on the left) to highlights (on the right). It serves as an important tool for evaluating exposure balance, contrast, and dynamic range in digital photography.
Over/Underexposure
When too much light reaches the sensor it will result in an overexposed image, which presents very bright areas with loss of detail, usually called blown highlights. When too little light reaches the sensor it will result in an underexposed image, which presents very dark areas with loss of detail, usually called crushed shadows. Blown highlights and crushed shadows are considered clipped information.
Stop
Refers to a doubling or halving of the amount of light that reaches the sensor.
Contrast
The difference in brightness and color between areas of an image. Tonal contrast is the difference between light and dark areas in terms of brightness. High contrast images will feature deep shadows and bright highlights, while low contrast images will emphasize midtones. Color contrast describes the difference in color intensity and hue between different elements in the image.
High/Low key
Images taken in the high key style feature bright lighting and low contrast, resulting in little to no detail in the shadow areas. Low key images are characterized by deep shadows and limited, selective areas of brightness.
Zone system
A technique developed and popularized by Ansel Adams in the 1930s, derived from the study of sensitometry. It proposes a method to control black-and-white image tones during exposure and printing by assigning numbers from 0 to 10 to different brightness values. The difference between one tone and the next would be one stop of exposure. Even though it was created during the era of black-and-white photography, its principles can be applied to color and digital photography as well.
Metering modes
Settings which determine how the light meter of the camera will calculate the exposure values. Spot metering modes will measure the brightness across a small area of the scene, usually around the selected focus points. Average metering modes will measure the brightness of the entire scene, average it out and set the exposure based on this value.
AE Lock
Camera function which locks exposure parameters between image captures.
Bracketing
A camera function that allows a series of automatic image captures, with a parameter (such as exposure, focus, or white balance) incrementally adjusted for each shot.
High dynamic range (HDR)
Technique that combines multiple bracketed images of a scene to capture a higher dynamic range.
Time lapse
A technique in which a sequence of images is captured at regular intervals over a period of time and then edited to be played back at a faster speed, revealing motion or changes that occur slowly.
Holy grail
Refers to capturing a seamless transition between daylight and nighttime (or vice versa) in a time lapse sequence. Considered challenging because of the significant changes in light levels during sunrise or sunset.
Sunny 16 rule
A guideline for estimating correct exposure settings in bright daylight conditions. By choosing an aperture value of f/16, the shutter speed must match the reciprocal of the ISO value (for example, at ISO 200, a shutter speed of 1/200 seconds must be selected). On overcast days, it is recommended to lower the aperture value to f/8, and in shady conditions, select f/4. An equivalent rule in astrophotography for taking pictures of the moon, known as the Looney 11 rule, states that by selecting an aperture of f/11, the shutter speed must also match the reciprocal of the ISO value.
500/600 rule
A simplified but outdated guideline used in astrophotography to determine the maximum exposure time for capturing stars without noticeable movement trailing. By dividing 500 (or sometimes 600) by the focal length of the camera, the result would have indicated the maximum exposure time in seconds before star trailing becomes apparent. However, this method does not consider the angle of celestial objects in relation to Polaris, the latitude at which the observer is located, or the sensor resolution.
NPF rule
An updated, still simplified guideline used in astrophotography, meant to replace the 500/600 rule. It takes sensor resolution and pixel pitch into account and presents the following formula:
Maximum shutter speed = [(35 x aperture) + (30 x pixel pitch)] ÷ focal length
Aperture is the f-stop of the lens, the pixel pitch of the camera can be calculated by dividing the value of the sensor width in millimeters with the number of pixels in the sensor width and multiplying by 1000, and the focal length is measured in millimeters. While the results can be close, this formula still does not account for the angle of celestial objects in relation to Polaris or the location of the observer. For a comprehensive calculation, using an external app is recommended.
Composition
Framing
Can mean both the actual process of composing an image (deciding what to include or exclude), as well as the technique in image composition, through which elements in a scene surround and highlight a subject.
Focal point
The main subject or area of interest in an image.
Field of view (FOV)
Determined by the focal length of the lens and the sensor size, a wider field of view will capture more of a scene, while a narrow field of view will focus on a smaller part of the scene.
Aspect ratio
Refers to the proportion between the width and height of an image.
Panorama
Image created by either stitching multiple images together or using a specialized camera to expand the field of view, resulting in a wide perspective of a scene.
Rule of thirds
Guideline which suggests dividing an image by two equally spaced horizontal and vertical lines. Placing key elements along those lines or at their intersection will create a more visually appealing composition, by drawing attention to them.
Leading lines
Compositional elements of an image that guide the attention toward the subject or through the image, from one part of the composition to the other.
Editing
Non-destructive workflow
Digital editing approach that ensures any changes are made without permanently altering the original image.
Resolution
The dimension of an image as expressed in terms of pixel dimensions (width x height).
RAW
File format that captures all information from a digital sensor with minimal processing and no compression.
Bit depth
The amount of information stored for each pixel, determining the number of distinct colors that can be represented. Higher bit images are able to hold more color information, but may lose quality and color accuracy when reproduced on a lower bit device.
Color space
Defines the range of colors (gamut) that can be captured, displayed, or printed.
RGB
Color space that is primarily used in camera sensors and displays, that adds red, green, and blue values to produce a wide range of colors. The RGBA color space includes an additional channel (alpha), which introduces transparency, allowing for varying levels of opacity in color representation.
CMYK
Color space that is primarily used in printing, that subtracts varying percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow and black from white luminance values, allowing for a wide range of colors to be produced on printed media.
L*a*b* (CIELAB)
Color space model developed to provide a more uniform representation of colors, aiming to describe colors as they are perceived by the human eye. Its components include L* (lightness) – ranging from 0 (black) to 100 (white), a* – the position of the color along the green to red axis, and b* – the position of the color along the blue to yellow axis.
Calibration
The process of adjusting equipment to ensure accurate color reproduction and tonal fidelity.
Gamma
Refers to the relationship between the luminance value of a pixel and its perceived brightness on a particular device. It affects how tonal ranges are represented in an image. Higher gamma values will make images appear darker and will increase contrast.
Saturation
Describes the intensity of a color. High saturation colors are more intense, while low saturation colors appear more muted. Often illustrated on a scale from -100 to 100, where 0 is the color as the camera captured it, -100 is the greyscale equivalent of that color and 100 is indicating its most vivid color tone possible.
DPI (dots per inch)
Unit of measurement for the detail level of an image in printing. It measures how many individual dots of ink are printed in a linear inch on a physical medium. Higher values indicate more detail, while lower values can result in detail loss. An important factor to consider when printing is how far the viewer will be from the print. The greater the distance, the less important fine detail is, as the eye perceives less detail from farther away.
Metadata
Can be embedded into an image file or delivered as a sidecar file along the image. It contains detailed information about the image, including data related to its creation, the author, the software used for editing, and any adjustments made to the image. Often automatically generated and updated throughout the various stages of the editing process.
EXIF
Type of metadata automatically generated by the camera, which includes technical information such as exposure parameters, date and time and camera model.
Digital tech
An on-set technical assistant responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of a photography session. Their duties include maintaining the working condition of cameras and equipment, managing tethered shooting, and reviewing captured images in real-time to ensure quality and consistency throughout the shoot.
Culling
The process of reviewing and selecting images from a set by rating and assigning color tags.
Proofing
The process of providing a preliminary selection of images to clients for review and selection. Print proofing refers to the process of creating test prints to evaluate how images will look on paper. Most editing software will provide tools that allow the previsualization of images in custom color spaces to check for color accuracy before sending them to print.
Layers
Structures used to organize editing steps that enable a non-destructive workflow. They allow for individual adjustments to be made to specific elements of an image without altering the original content.
Opacity
The property of an object that describes its degree of visibility. Low-opacity objects are more transparent and less visible than high-opacity objects.
Blending
The process of mixing color information between two image elements.
Masking
The process of revealing or hiding image elements within a layer structure.
Feathering
The property of an edge that controls its falloff (how it blends into surrounding areas).
Frequency separation
Technique that separates the color information (low frequency) from the texture (high frequency) in layer structures and enables a flexible workflow for color repair, texture replacement and aliasing correction.
Focus stacking
Process in which multiple images with different focal planes are blended into a single image resulting in a greater depth of field.
Artifacts
Unintended visual anomalies or distortions that occur in an image, such as abrupt changes in color (banding) or blockiness in areas of detail (compression).
Thumbnail
Small size preview of a larger image.
Watermark
Distinct graphical element overlaid on an image, typically used for identification and to prevent unauthorized use or reappropriation of the image.
Legal
Copyright
An exclusive legal right granted to the creator of original works, including photographs, that provides ownership and control over how the work is used.
Contract
A legal document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by parties involved in a commissioned work or service. Contracts specify details such as deliverables, deadlines, payment terms, usage rights, and responsibilities, providing legal protection and clarity for both the client and the creator.
License
A contractual agreement that grants permission to use copyrighted material under defined conditions. It specifies terms such as duration, usage rights, exclusivity and geographic scope.
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
A contractual agreement that requires parties to keep specified information confidential.
Model/Property release
A legal document that grants the photographer permission to use images of identifiable people or private property for explicitly specified purposes.
Freedom of panorama
A provision in copyright law that permits the creation and use of visual reproductions of buildings, sculptures and other artworks located in public spaces. The extent of this freedom varies by country, and some jurisdictions restrict its application, particularly for commercial use.
Editorial content
Media used in journalistic or informative publications that are intended to educate, explain, or provide insight into a topic of public interest. Such content must not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or association.
Commercial content
Media created specifically for advertising or promoting products, services and brands. Its primary purpose is to generate revenue or support marketing and sales efforts.