scene metering A metering mode that takes the
whole scene into account. Each camera manufac-
turer has a different method for metering. Check
your manual for the method used in your camera.
See also center-weighted metering, metering modes,
and spot metering.
self-timer A camera feature that allows it to
take an exposure after a predetermined amount
of time when you have pressed the shutter release
button.
sharp A term to describe a well-focused image.
shutter A movable cover that controls the
amount of light that is allowed to reach the
camera sensor, by opening for a specific length
of time designated by the shutter speed.
shutter release button The button that is used
to move the shutter out of the way so a photo-
graph can be taken.
shutter speed The amount of time that the
shutter is open and letting light reach the image
sensor in a camera.
shutter speed priority mode A mode where
the photographer sets the shutter speed and the
camera sets the aperture.
side lighting A method of lighting where the
main light source is to the side of the subject.
silhouette An image or scene where the subject
appears as a solid black object against a lighter
background. See also backlighting.
slow A description referring to the maximum
aperture of a lens. Lenses with a maximum aper-
ture of f/8 are considered very slow. See also fast.
spot metering A metering mode where the only
area that the camera uses to meter the light is a
small area in the center of the scene.prime lens A lens with a single focal length,
which is incapable of zooming to different
lengths.
program auto mode A mode in which the cam-
era sets the shutter speed and aperture to achieve
the correct exposure. You can adjust these set-
tings to give you a higher level of control over
the exposure.
proper exposure Using a combination of shut-
ter speed, aperture, and ISO that allows enough
light to reach a sensor so that the image recorded
is not too bright or too dark.
RAW A file type that stores the image data
without any in-camera processing. Every camera
manufacturer has a different RAW file format.
RAW files need to be processed before they can
be used.
rear-curtain sync The ability to fire the flash at
the end of the exposure instead of at the begin-
ning. This freezes the action at the end of the
exposure.
red eye A condition that occurs when photo-
graphing people with a flash that is too close to
the lens (the built-in flash). The light is reflected
from the person’s retina (which is covered with
tiny blood vessels, thus the red) back toward the
camera’s lens.
red-eye reduction A flash mode that fires a
short burst of light right before the photograph is
taken, in hopes of causing the subject’s pupils to
contract, lessening the amount of light that can
be reflected back.
reflector Any surface that can be used to redi-
rect light. Specialty reflectors for photography
come in different sizes, shapes, and colors and are
designed to reflect light onto the subject.