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Glossary Of Photography Terms [49]

C Camera A camera is an optical instrument used to capture and record images, either electronically or on photographic film. Modern cameras come in various types and formats, including digital cameras, film cameras, DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex), mirrorless cameras, and compact cameras. Cameras consist of several essential components, including a lens, image sensor (or film), viewfinder (or digital display), shutter mechanism, and control interface. They function by focusing light through the lens onto the sensor or film, where the image is recorded. Digital cameras convert light into electrical signals, which are then processed and stored digitally, while film cameras expose light-sensitive film to capture images chemically. Cameras play a fundamental role in photography, enabling photographers to capture moments, express creativity, and document the world around them.
Camera Calibration Camera calibration is the process of adjusting and fine-tuning a camera's settings and parameters to ensure accurate and consistent reproduction of colors, tones, and perspectives in photographs. Calibration involves measuring and correcting for distortions, aberrations, and inconsistencies inherent in the camera's optics, sensor, and image processing algorithms. This process helps ensure that images captured by the camera faithfully represent the colors and details of the original scene. Camera calibration is particularly important in professional photography and scientific imaging applications, where precise color accuracy and image fidelity are essential for accurate analysis, measurement, and reproduction.
Camera-ready Copy Any digital or digitized artwork that is ready for print as per the specifics of the process being used for reproduction. These files may also be called "finished art" or "reproduction copy".
Candid In photography, "candid" refers to a style of photography characterized by capturing subjects in spontaneous, unposed moments, often without their awareness or direct interaction with the camera. Candid photography aims to capture authentic emotions, expressions, and interactions in a natural and unscripted manner. Unlike posed portraits or staged scenes, candid photographs reveal genuine moments of human connection, emotion, and storytelling. Candid photography is commonly used in street photography, photojournalism, documentary photography, and event photography, where the photographer seeks to capture the essence and authenticity of a moment as it unfolds.
Canvas A heavy-duty, tightly woven fabric; rolls of specialty canvas are used in inkjet prints to produce Giclée canvas prints. After they are printed, the canvas is treated with a protective coating that guards against scratching, and dust and water damage. Order online: Mounted Artist Canvas Rolled Artist Canvas
Capture One Capture One is a professional-grade photo editing and raw image processing software developed by Phase One. It is widely used by professional photographers, digital artists, and imaging professionals for its powerful tools, advanced color processing capabilities, and robust tethered shooting features. Capture One offers comprehensive tools for image cataloging, organization, and editing, including precise color correction, exposure adjustments, localized retouching, and high-quality output processing. Known for its exceptional image quality and workflow efficiency, Capture One provides photographers with a versatile platform for optimizing, enhancing, and refining their photographic images to the highest standards.
CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) A CCD, or Charge-Coupled Device, is a type of image sensor commonly used in digital cameras and other imaging devices to capture photographs. It consists of an array of light-sensitive pixels that convert photons (light particles) into electrical signals, which are then processed to create digital images. In a CCD sensor, each pixel collects and stores electric charge proportional to the intensity of light it receives. The accumulated charge is then sequentially read out and converted into digital data for image processing. CCD sensors are known for their high-quality image output, low noise characteristics, and excellent color accuracy. While they have been widely used in the past, they have largely been replaced by CMOS sensors in modern digital cameras due to CMOS sensors' lower power consumption and better performance in low-light conditions.
Chalking This deterioration occurs in printed images when the ink has been absorbed by the paper too quickly, or has been exposed to the sun or wind for long periods of time. The result is a "dusty", faded appearance.
Chroma Noise Chroma noise, also known as color noise, is a type of digital image noise characterized by random variations in color or hue, typically seen as speckles or splotches in areas of uniform color in an image. Chroma noise is caused by various factors during image capture and processing, including sensor limitations, high ISO settings, and compression algorithms. It is most noticeable in areas of shadow or low-light, where the signal-to-noise ratio is low. Chroma noise can degrade image quality and reduce color fidelity, leading to a loss of detail and overall clarity. To reduce chroma noise, photographers can use lower ISO settings, employ noise reduction algorithms during post-processing, or utilize noise reduction features available in camera settings or software.
ChromaLuxe ChromaLuxe is the world’s leading manufacturer of high definition sublimatable photo panels. Through dye sublimation, images are infused directly into specially coated sheets of metal, wood, and table top panels to create the most vibrant, durable, and longest lasting photo medium in the world.
Chromatic Aberration Chromatic aberration is an optical phenomenon that causes different wavelengths of light to focus at slightly different points, resulting in color fringing or distortion around the edges of objects in an image. It occurs when light passes through a lens and is refracted unequally, causing colors to separate into their spectral components. Chromatic aberration is most noticeable in high-contrast areas of an image, such as the edges of objects against a bright background, where it appears as colored fringes, typically purple or green in color. It can occur in both lenses and digital sensors and is more pronounced in lower-quality lenses or when shooting at wider apertures. Correcting chromatic aberration often involves using lens corrections in post-processing software or employing specialized lenses designed to minimize aberrations.
Chrome Chrome refers to the strength of a color when compared to neutral gray. Another word for "saturation".
Chromogenic color print A traditional photo printing technique in which color dyes are created by chemical reactions. Three main dye layers are used: magenta, cyan, and yellow. The prints are produced from color negatives or slides.
Cibachrome A photographic process that reproduces film images on photographic paper using multiple layers of dyes in a polyester base. As a result, the print is very resistant to fading and other damage over time.
Clarity Clarity in photography refers to the degree of sharpness and detail present in an image, particularly in the midtone areas. It represents the contrast and definition of edges and textures within the photograph, enhancing the perception of sharpness and depth. Increasing clarity can make an image appear more crisp and defined, bringing out finer details and enhancing overall visual impact. However, excessive clarity adjustments can lead to artifacts and unnatural-looking images. Clarity adjustments are commonly available in photo editing software and can be applied globally or selectively to specific areas of an image to enhance its overall sharpness and visual clarity.
Clipping Clipping in photography refers to the loss of detail in the highlights or shadows of an image due to overexposure or underexposure, respectively. When a portion of an image is clipped, the image data reaches the maximum (in the case of highlights) or minimum (in the case of shadows) values that can be recorded by the camera sensor or displayed on a monitor. Clipping results in areas of pure white (highlight clipping) or pure black (shadow clipping) with no visible detail or texture. While some degree of clipping may be acceptable depending on the creative intent of the photograph, excessive clipping can lead to loss of image information and reduced dynamic range. Photographers often use exposure compensation, histogram analysis, and graduated filters to minimize clipping and preserve detail in both highlights and shadows.
Clone Stamp The Clone Stamp tool is a popular feature in image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. It allows users to clone or replicate pixels from one part of an image to another, effectively copying texture, patterns, and details from one area and applying them elsewhere. The Clone Stamp tool is useful for retouching imperfections, removing unwanted elements, and seamlessly blending areas of an image. Photographers commonly use the Clone Stamp tool to remove blemishes, wrinkles, or distractions from portraits, clean up backgrounds, and perform advanced photo manipulation techniques.
Cloning Photos Cloning photos refers to the process of creating exact duplicates or copies of digital images. This technique is commonly used for various purposes, including backup, organization, sharing, and editing. By cloning photos, photographers ensure the preservation and protection of their original image files against loss, corruption, or accidental deletion. Additionally, cloning facilitates efficient organization of image libraries by allowing photographers to categorize and manage their photos in a structured manner. It also enables photographers to share copies of their images while retaining the integrity of the original files. In editing workflows, cloning is often employed for making non-destructive edits, where alterations are applied to duplicate copies of images to preserve the original data. Overall, cloning photos is a fundamental practice in digital photography that enhances data management, workflow efficiency, and collaborative processes.
Close-Up Filter A close-up filter, also known as a macro filter or close-up lens, is an optical accessory used to enable closer focusing distances and magnification capabilities with standard camera lenses. Close-up filters are typically screw-on attachments that mount onto the front of a camera lens, effectively decreasing the minimum focusing distance and allowing photographers to capture detailed close-up images of small subjects such as flowers, insects, or jewelry. Close-up filters come in different diopter strengths, which determine the level of magnification and close-focusing ability they provide. They offer a cost-effective alternative to dedicated macro lenses and are popular among hobbyist photographers and enthusiasts interested in exploring macro photography without investing in specialized equipment.
Cloud Storage Cloud storage refers to the online storage and backup of digital data, including photographs, documents, videos, and other files, on remote servers accessed via the internet. Cloud storage services provide users with secure and scalable storage solutions, allowing them to upload, store, and access their files from any internet-enabled device. Cloud storage offers several advantages for photographers, including data redundancy, accessibility, and convenience. It enables photographers to safeguard their valuable image libraries against loss, theft, or hardware failure, while also facilitating seamless collaboration, sharing, and synchronization across multiple devices and platforms.
CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) CMOS, or Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor, is a type of image sensor technology commonly used in digital cameras and other imaging devices. CMOS sensors consist of an array of pixel sensors that convert light into electrical signals, which are then processed to create digital images. CMOS sensors offer several advantages over traditional CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors, including lower power consumption, faster readout speeds, and better performance in low-light conditions. CMOS sensors are widely used in modern digital cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphone cameras, due to their high image quality, versatility, and efficiency.
CMYK (Cyan CMYK is a color model used in color printing and reproduction processes. It stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, representing the four primary colors used in subtractive color mixing. In CMYK printing, each color is represented by a separate ink or toner, and varying combinations of these four colors can produce a wide range of colors and tones. Cyan, magenta, and yellow are subtractive primary colors, meaning they subtract or absorb specific wavelengths of light, while black (K) is added to improve color depth and contrast. CMYK is commonly used in commercial printing processes, such as magazines, newspapers, and packaging, where precise color reproduction and consistency are essential.
Coated paper Refers to any paper that has been treated on the surface to achieve a specific quality: a shine or gloss finish, extra stiffness, texture or altered ink absorbency. Commonly used for photographic printing, these papers have a coating of clay or another thin compound, and will be classed as "dull, matte, gloss, or cast.
Cold lamination Lamination is a process of permanently applying a clear plastic coating to paper. In cold lamination, the cover's adhesive is activated by pressure rather than heat. It is a safe option when laminating heat-sensitive images (any image that could be negatively affected by the application of heat), primarily papers printed with inkjet printers. Cold lamination also provides better UV protection than hot lamination.
Color balance In printing, the term "color balance" relates to the amount of primary colors (Red, Green, Blue, or Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) required to mix and recreate the colors of the image
Color blanks When printing text on images, color blanks may be created as proofs, which reproduce the images but not the type or lettering. Also referred to as "shells".
Color Calibration The measurement or adjustment of the way a device responds to the colors input to its system. In fine art printing, it is important that the designer's monitor is calibrated corrected so as to display the digital image as close to its original digital capture as possible. It is significant to note, however, that in the case of a reproduction, the original digital scan or photograph will not be identical to the physical artwork in color saturation. Read more about color matching in art reproduction.
Color cast An undesired tint or tone covering part or all of an image.
Color Correction Color correction is the process of adjusting and balancing colors in an image to achieve accurate and consistent color reproduction. It involves correcting color casts, adjusting white balance, and fine-tuning color tones to ensure that the colors in the image appear natural and true to life. Color correction is often performed during post-processing using software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or other photo editing applications. It is essential for achieving a cohesive and visually pleasing color palette in photographs, particularly when dealing with different lighting conditions, color temperature variations, or color inaccuracies resulting from camera settings or environmental factors.
Color Filter A color filter is an optical accessory used in photography to selectively modify the colors of light passing through a lens. Color filters are made of transparent materials, such as glass or resin, that are coated with specific dyes or pigments to absorb certain wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through. Color filters are commonly used to enhance contrast, correct color balance, and create artistic effects in photographs. For example, a red filter can darken blue skies and enhance contrast in landscape photography, while a warming filter can add warmth to images captured in cool lighting conditions. Color filters are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors to suit different creative and technical requirements.
Color gamut In color reproduction, including computer graphics and photography, the gamut, or color gamut (pronounced /ˈɡæmət/), is a certain complete subset of colors. Most commonly, this phrase refers to the subset of colors which can be accurately represented by a certain output device. Another meaning, less frequently used but no less correct, refers to the complete set of colors found within an image at a given time. In this context, digitizing a photograph, converting a digitized image to a different color space, or outputting it to a medium using a certain output device will most likely alter its gamut, losing some of the colors, tints, or shades in the process.
Color Grading Color grading is the process of enhancing and stylizing the colors of an image or video to achieve a specific aesthetic or mood. It involves adjusting color tones, contrast, saturation, and brightness levels to create a cohesive and visually compelling look. Color grading is commonly used in filmmaking, video production, and photography to evoke emotions, establish atmosphere, and enhance storytelling. It allows creators to manipulate colors creatively, from subtle adjustments to dramatic transformations, to achieve the desired visual impact. Color grading techniques range from simple adjustments using software presets or filters to more advanced methods involving manual adjustments and selective editing of individual color channels.
Color Photography Color photography is a photographic technique that captures and reproduces images in full color, depicting scenes as they appear to the human eye. Unlike black and white photography, which records only variations in light and shadow, color photography captures the full spectrum of colors present in the scene. Color photography relies on the use of color-sensitive film or digital image sensors, which record different wavelengths of light corresponding to different colors. Color photography has become the dominant form of photography since the mid-20th century, enabling photographers to create vibrant, lifelike images that accurately depict the world in color.
Color Profile A color profile, also known as an ICC profile (International Color Consortium profile), is a standardized file that describes the color attributes of a specific device or color space. Color profiles are used in color management to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction across different devices, such as monitors, printers, and cameras. A color profile contains information about the device's color gamut, color temperature, gamma curve, and other color characteristics. By using color profiles, color-managed applications can accurately translate colors between different devices, ensuring that colors appear consistent and predictable regardless of the device used for viewing or output.
Color shift Refers to changes in the color of an image across a single print, due to density of the ink or the grain of the applied color dots.
Color Space A color space is a specific organization of colors that defines a range of colors that can be represented in an image or displayed on a device. Color spaces define the gamut of colors available within a given color model, specifying the range of hues, saturations, and brightness levels that can be reproduced. Common color spaces include sRGB, Adobe RGB, and ProPhoto RGB for digital imaging, each with its own gamut and intended use. Color spaces are used in various applications, including digital photography, graphic design, and printing, to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction across different devices and media. Choosing the appropriate color space is important for maintaining color accuracy and achieving desired color results in final output.
Color Temperature Color temperature is a characteristic of light that describes its color appearance, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). It refers to the warmth or coolness of light emitted by a light source, ranging from warm orange tones to cool blue tones. Lower color temperatures, around 2000-3000K, produce warm, yellowish light commonly associated with candlelight or incandescent bulbs. Higher color temperatures, above 5000K, result in cooler, bluish light, similar to daylight or overcast skies. Color temperature plays a crucial role in photography and videography as it affects the overall mood, atmosphere, and color rendition of images. Understanding color temperature helps photographers adjust white balance settings to accurately capture and reproduce colors under different lighting conditions.
Color Temperature Filter A color temperature filter is a photographic accessory used to modify the color temperature of light sources to achieve a desired color balance. These filters are made of gelatin or resin and come in various colors and strengths. Color temperature filters are placed in front of light sources, such as studio lights or flashes, to adjust their color temperature to match the ambient lighting conditions or create specific lighting effects. For example, a warming filter can add warmth to images captured in cool, blue light environments, while a cooling filter can neutralize warm, orange tones. Color temperature filters are essential tools for photographers and filmmakers seeking precise control over the color rendition and mood of their images.
Compact Camera A compact camera, also known as a point-and-shoot camera, is a small and lightweight digital camera designed for easy operation and portability. Compact cameras typically feature fixed lenses with zoom capabilities, automatic exposure settings, and simplified controls, making them suitable for casual photographers, travel, and everyday use. While compact cameras offer limited manual controls and customization compared to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, they are popular for their convenience, affordability, and versatility. Modern compact cameras often incorporate advanced features such as image stabilization, built-in flash, and wireless connectivity, allowing users to capture high-quality images and share them instantly with ease.
Compression Compression in photography refers to the process of reducing the file size of digital images by encoding them in a more efficient manner. Compression techniques are employed to minimize storage space and optimize transmission speed when sharing or storing images electronically. There are two primary types of compression: lossy and lossless. Lossy compression reduces file size by discarding some image data, resulting in a loss of quality. Common lossy compression formats include JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Lossless compression, on the other hand, reduces file size without sacrificing image quality by eliminating redundant data. Examples of lossless compression formats include PNG (Portable Network Graphics) and TIFF (Tagged Image File Format). The choice of compression method depends on factors such as intended use, desired image quality, and available storage space.
Contrast Relative difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. A contrast control adjusts the peak white level of a display device. High contrast displays as a highly noticeable separation between the light and dark shades in the image.
Contrast Filter A contrast filter, in photography, refers to an optical filter used to control the amount of contrast in an image by selectively reducing the intensity of certain wavelengths of light. Contrast filters are typically attached to the front of a camera lens and work by blocking specific colors or wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through. By adjusting the contrast filter, photographers can enhance or reduce the contrast between different elements in the scene, emphasizing textures, tones, and details. For example, a red contrast filter can darken blue skies and enhance cloud definition in landscape photography, while a yellow contrast filter can increase contrast in black and white photography. Contrast filters are valuable tools for creative expression and achieving desired tonal effects in photographs.
Corel PaintShop Pro Corel PaintShop Pro is a popular raster graphics editing software developed by Corel Corporation. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for photo editing, graphic design, and digital art creation. PaintShop Pro provides a user-friendly interface with powerful editing capabilities, including image adjustment, retouching, compositing, and creative effects. It supports a wide range of file formats and offers advanced features such as layers, masks, HDR (High Dynamic Range) editing, and RAW file processing. PaintShop Pro is suitable for photographers, designers, and enthusiasts looking for a versatile and affordable alternative to professional-grade editing software. It provides a flexible workflow and robust editing tools to enhance and transform digital images into stunning works of art.
Cornea The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outermost layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, and plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina for vision. In laser engraving and ophthalmic surgery, the cornea is a critical anatomical structure that requires precise treatment and protection to maintain visual acuity and eye health. Laser technologies such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) utilize focused laser beams to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Laser engraving systems equipped with advanced optics and safety features ensure accurate and controlled delivery of laser energy to the cornea, resulting in safe and effective vision correction procedures with minimal risk of complications or tissue damage.
Cotton rag Paper made from 100% cotton fibre. Unlike most paper made from wood pulp, cotton rag paper is stronger, more durable, acid-free, and suitable for archival purposes. Order online: 100% Cotton Matboard Stretched Artist Canvas Rolled Artist Canvas
Creative Effects Creative effects in photography refer to techniques and methods used to enhance or alter the appearance of images for artistic purposes. These effects can range from subtle adjustments to dramatic transformations and can be applied during shooting or in post-processing. Examples of creative effects include adding filters, applying textures, manipulating colors, adjusting contrast and saturation, creating light leaks, adding vignettes, employing selective focus techniques such as bokeh, and experimenting with different framing and composition styles. Creative effects allow photographers to express their unique vision, evoke emotions, and convey storytelling elements in their images. They add depth, interest, and visual impact to photographs, making them more compelling and memorable to viewers.
Crop Factor Crop factor, also known as focal length multiplier or lens magnification factor, is a numerical value that describes the ratio of the image sensor size in a digital camera to the standard 35mm film frame. It affects the field of view and effective focal length of lenses when used on cameras with different sensor sizes. Cameras with smaller sensors have a higher crop factor, resulting in a narrower field of view and effectively increasing the apparent focal length of lenses. For example, a lens with a focal length of 50mm on a camera with a crop factor of 1.5x will have an effective focal length of 75mm. Crop factor is an important consideration for photographers when choosing lenses, as it affects perspective, depth of field, and framing of images.
Cropping Cropping in photography refers to the process of removing unwanted parts of an image to improve composition, framing, or visual impact. It involves selecting a portion of the original image and discarding the rest, resulting in a tighter or more focused composition. Cropping can be used to eliminate distractions, improve balance, enhance subject prominence, or change the aspect ratio of the image. It is a fundamental editing technique used by photographers to refine and optimize the composition of their photographs. Cropping can be performed manually using editing software or camera controls, or automatically using preset aspect ratios or cropping guides.
Cropping Photos Cropping photos is the act of applying cropping techniques to digital images to enhance composition, remove distractions, or improve visual appeal. Photographers often crop photos during the editing process to refine composition, adjust framing, or create alternative compositions. Cropping can help emphasize the main subject, eliminate unwanted elements, or improve overall balance and symmetry in the image. It allows photographers to fine-tune their compositions and create images that convey their intended message or aesthetic vision effectively. Cropping photos is a valuable tool in the photographer's toolkit for optimizing the visual impact and storytelling potential of their images.