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Glossary Of Photography Terms [26]

F Fade The dulling of an artwork's colors or the paper on which it is printed, due to the passage of time or regular admittance of light. Conservation or archival materials (paper, mat, glass) will minimize this effect, keeping the artwork like-new for up to 100 years.
Fade(ing) To lose or cause to lose brightness or brilliance or definition of line, form and color.
Fashion Photography Fashion photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing clothing, accessories, and fashion trends in a visually compelling and stylistic manner. It involves collaborating with fashion designers, stylists, makeup artists, and models to create images that showcase garments, accessories, and lifestyle concepts. Fashion photography is often used in advertising campaigns, editorial spreads, catalogs, and online publications to promote clothing brands, showcase designer collections, and convey artistic or aspirational narratives. Fashion photographers employ various techniques, lighting setups, locations, and poses to evoke emotions, tell stories, and convey the mood and aesthetic of the fashion brand or designer they are representing.
Fast Lens A fast lens refers to a camera lens with a wide maximum aperture, allowing it to capture more light and achieve faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions. Fast lenses are characterized by their large aperture openings, typically ranging from f/1.2 to f/2.8 or wider, depending on the lens design and focal length. The wider aperture of a fast lens enables photographers to achieve shallow depth of field effects, selective focus, and background blur, making them ideal for portrait photography, low-light situations, and creative imaging techniques. Fast lenses are prized for their ability to produce sharp, high-contrast images with pleasing bokeh and enhanced subject isolation, making them popular choices among professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking superior optical performance and creative versatility.
Fiber Paper Used in the creation of photographic prints, fiber-based papers are coated with a substance called baryta (a mixture of barium sulfate and strontium). This treatment brightens the paper, or tints may be added to subtle color. Fiber paper usually has a gelatin layer as well, which protects the paper during processing. Most often, these kinds of paper are used when the photographer requires high-quality, long lasting prints for exhibition or sale. Fiber-based papers are also available for digital printing, considered ideal for producing beautiful black and white photographic images with excellent grey tones. Baryta is added to the ink-receptive coating in order to achieve the same effect as traditional papers.
Field of View Field of view (FOV) refers to the extent of the scene or subject that is visible through a camera lens at a given distance and focal length. It is determined by the lens focal length and sensor size, and it influences the perspective, framing, and composition of the captured image. A wider field of view encompasses more of the scene within the frame, resulting in a broader perspective and greater depth of field, while a narrower field of view focuses on a smaller area of the scene, magnifying details and compressing spatial relationships. Field of view is an important consideration for photographers when selecting lenses and framing shots to achieve the desired visual impact and storytelling effect.
Fill Light Fill light is a supplemental light source used in photography to soften shadows, reduce contrast, and illuminate dark areas of the subject or scene. It is typically used in conjunction with key light or main light to balance exposure, enhance details, and create a more natural and pleasing lighting effect. Fill light can be provided by artificial light sources such as strobes, speedlights, or continuous lighting, as well as natural light sources such as reflectors or bounce cards. Fill light is often positioned opposite the key light to fill in shadows and evenly illuminate the subject, resulting in a more balanced and flattering lighting setup. Adjusting the intensity, direction, and color temperature of fill light allows photographers to control the mood, atmosphere, and visual impact of their images, creating dynamic and well-lit photographs.
Film Film in photography refers to a light-sensitive material coated with emulsion used to capture images in traditional analog photography. The film consists of a transparent base layer coated with light-sensitive silver halide crystals suspended in gelatin. When exposed to light through a camera's lens, the silver halide crystals react and form latent image patterns corresponding to the intensity and color of the light. During development, the exposed film is chemically processed to reveal the latent image and produce a negative or positive image on the film base. Film comes in various formats and types, including black and white, color negative, and color reversal (slide) film, each offering unique characteristics in terms of grain, tonality, color rendition, and dynamic range. Despite the prevalence of digital photography, film photography continues to be appreciated for its unique aesthetic qualities and artistic appeal.
Film Camera A film camera is a type of camera that uses photographic film to capture images. Unlike digital cameras, which use electronic sensors to record images digitally, film cameras rely on chemical processes to produce photographic images on light-sensitive film. Film cameras come in various formats and types, including 35mm (135) film cameras, medium format cameras, and large format cameras, each offering different image sizes, resolutions, and characteristics. Film cameras may be manual or autofocus, and they often feature interchangeable lenses, adjustable exposure settings, and mechanical shutter mechanisms. Despite the popularity of digital photography, film cameras remain in use by enthusiasts, professionals, and artists who appreciate the unique qualities and creative possibilities of analog photography.
Filters Filters in photography are optical accessories placed in front of a camera lens to modify or enhance the appearance of an image by altering the characteristics of light entering the lens. Filters come in various types and configurations, including screw-on filters, drop-in filters, and square or rectangular filter systems. Common types of filters include UV (ultraviolet) filters, which protect the lens from dust, moisture, and scratches while reducing haze and UV radiation; polarizing filters, which reduce glare and reflections and enhance color saturation and contrast; neutral density (ND) filters, which reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposure times or wider apertures in bright conditions; and color filters, which alter the color balance or tone of the image by selectively transmitting certain wavelengths of light while blocking others. Filters are valuable tools for photographers to control exposure, manipulate light, and achieve desired visual effects in their images.
Fine art Any of the visual arts, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and some performance art. The term generally excludes other art forms such as poetry, literature, dance and music.
Fine Art Papers There is a huge variety of fine art papers available for digital printing. Much like fabrics, they vary depending on their intended application and the printer/ink that will be used to produce them. These papers will almost always be archival or conservation quality, which means they are free from acid, chlorine, and lignin (a natural polymer found in wood that causes deterioration), and buffered to achieve a neutral pH prior to being coating for the printer. Fine art paper is generally 100% cotton, though cotton blends do exist. It is available in many different surface textures from smooth to as rough as watercolor paper, and finishes such as matte, satin, and gloss. The color of the paper will also vary by material and manufacturer, from a cool blue-white to a soft, almost off-white. Order online: Fine Art Prints
Fish-eye Filter A fish-eye filter is a type of optical filter used in photography to mimic the visual distortion produced by a fish-eye lens. Fish-eye filters are typically attached to the front of a camera lens and feature a convex, wide-angle lens element that captures an extremely wide field of view, resulting in extreme barrel distortion and a characteristic spherical or hemispherical perspective. Fish-eye filters are used to create exaggerated, surreal, and immersive images with unique visual effects, such as curved horizons, elongated objects, and distorted proportions. They are popular in experimental and artistic photography, as well as in specialized applications such as panoramic and 360-degree imaging.
Fisheye Lens A fisheye lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens with a focal length typically ranging from 8mm to 16mm, designed to capture an extremely wide field of view approaching or exceeding 180 degrees. Fisheye lenses produce extreme barrel distortion, resulting in a characteristic spherical or hemispherical perspective that exaggerates the curvature of lines and objects near the edges of the frame. Fisheye lenses are prized for their dramatic visual impact and immersive perspective, making them popular choices for creative and experimental photography, architectural photography, landscape photography, and panoramic imaging. Fisheye lenses come in various designs, including circular fisheye lenses, which capture a circular image within a black border, and full-frame fisheye lenses, which cover the entire frame of the camera sensor.
Flash In photography, a flash is a device used to produce a brief burst of bright light to illuminate a scene or subject. It is commonly used in low-light conditions or when additional light is needed to properly expose an image. Flash units can be built into the camera body or attached externally, and they can be operated manually or automatically to synchronize with the camera's shutter. The light emitted by a flash helps freeze motion, reduce blur, and enhance image sharpness, especially in indoor or nighttime photography. Flash photography requires careful consideration of factors such as flash power, direction, diffusion, and color temperature to achieve optimal lighting effects and avoid harsh shadows or overexposure.
Flow In photography, "flow" typically refers to the workflow or process that photographers follow from capturing images to organizing, editing, and sharing them. A smooth and efficient workflow helps photographers manage their images effectively, maximize productivity, and maintain creative momentum throughout the photographic process. The flow may include steps such as importing images from the camera to a computer or storage device, organizing and cataloging images using software applications or digital asset management systems, editing and post-processing images to enhance their quality and visual appeal, and sharing or publishing images through various channels such as social media, websites, or print publications. A well-defined and streamlined workflow allows photographers to focus on their creative vision and produce high-quality images consistently.
Fluorescent Light Fluorescent light is a type of artificial lighting commonly used in indoor environments, offices, and commercial spaces. Fluorescent lights produce illumination by passing an electric current through a tube containing mercury vapor and phosphor coating, which emits visible light when excited by the electric discharge. Fluorescent lights are energy-efficient and provide relatively cool, flicker-free illumination compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, fluorescent light sources can emit a color cast or produce uneven lighting, which may affect the color accuracy and overall quality of photographs. Photographers often use color correction techniques or adjust white balance settings to compensate for the color temperature and spectral characteristics of fluorescent light sources when shooting in indoor environments.
Foam Board (Same as Foam Core) A light but firm material used as the backing in framed artwork. It is constructed of a thin (approximately 1/4”) foam sheet sandwiched between layers of thick, generally glossy, paper. Prints can also be dry mounted to the foam core surface. Order online: 3/16 inch Foam Board 1/2 inch Foam Board
Foam Core (Same as Foam Board) A light but firm material used as the backing in framed artwork. It is constructed of a thin (approximately 1/4”) foam sheet sandwiched between layers of thick, generally glossy, paper. Prints can also be dry mounted to the foam core surface. Order online: 3/16 inch Foam Core Board 1/2 inch Foam Core Board
Focus Bracketing Focus bracketing is a photographic technique used to capture a series of images of the same scene at different focus distances, typically with slight variations in focus point from front to back. This technique is commonly used in macro photography, landscape photography, and other genres where achieving a wide depth of field is challenging. By capturing multiple images with focus bracketing, photographers can ensure that every part of the scene is in sharp focus, from the nearest to the farthest subject. In post-processing, focus bracketed images can be combined using specialized software to create a single composite image with extended depth of field, resulting in a sharp and detailed final photograph.
Focus Lock Focus lock is a feature in many cameras that allows photographers to lock the focus on a specific subject or area before recomposing the shot. This technique is particularly useful in situations where the subject is not in the center of the frame or when the photographer wants to ensure a specific part of the image remains in focus despite changes in composition. To use focus lock, the photographer typically frames the shot, half-presses the shutter button (or uses a dedicated focus lock button), allowing the camera to autofocus on the chosen subject, and then holds the focus by maintaining the pressure on the shutter button while recomposing the shot. Once satisfied with the composition, the photographer can fully depress the shutter button to capture the image with the locked focus.
Focus Peaking Focus peaking is a helpful tool available in many digital cameras and electronic viewfinders that assists photographers in achieving precise manual focus. When activated, focus peaking highlights the areas of the image that are in focus by overlaying them with a colored outline or shimmer. This visual indication helps photographers identify the in-focus areas of the scene, especially when using manual focus lenses or in situations where autofocus may not be reliable, such as in low-light conditions or with challenging subjects. Focus peaking is particularly popular among videographers and photographers who require precise control over focus in their work, such as macro photographers and landscape photographers.
Focus Point A focus point is a specific area within the camera's viewfinder or on the camera's sensor where the camera's autofocus system locks onto and attempts to achieve focus. Modern cameras feature multiple focus points distributed across the frame, allowing photographers to select the desired focus point manually or allowing the camera's autofocus system to automatically select the focus point based on the scene and subject. Selecting the appropriate focus point enables photographers to ensure that the main subject or area of interest in the frame is in sharp focus, enhancing image clarity and overall image quality.
FRP Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres.
Full Frame Full frame refers to a camera sensor size that is equivalent to the standard 35mm film frame, measuring approximately 36mm x 24mm. Cameras with full-frame sensors offer several advantages, including superior image quality, improved low-light performance, and increased dynamic range compared to cameras with smaller sensor sizes. Full-frame cameras also provide shallower depth of field and better control over perspective distortion, making them popular choices among professional photographers and enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and creative control. Full-frame cameras are widely used in various genres of photography, including portrait, landscape, architecture, and commercial photography.
Full Frame Sensor A full-frame sensor is a type of digital camera sensor that matches the dimensions of traditional 35mm film, typically measuring approximately 36mm x 24mm. Full-frame sensors offer several advantages over smaller sensor sizes, including improved low-light performance, higher image resolution, better dynamic range, and superior depth of field control. Full-frame sensors capture more light and detail, resulting in higher-quality images with greater clarity, tonal range, and color accuracy. They also allow photographers to take advantage of a wider range of lenses and focal lengths without the crop factor associated with smaller sensor sizes. Full-frame sensor cameras are favored by professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts who demand uncompromising image quality and creative flexibility in their work.