Decoding photography lingo
As an art director, your role involves bridging the gap between creative vision and execution. One of the most critical relationships in this process is with your photographer. To translate your ideas into reality, you need to speak their language. Understanding photographer lingo isn’t just about knowing the terms; it’s about fostering clear, effective communication that leads to a successful collaboration.
The essentials
Photographers often talk about technical aspects like focal lengths, aperture, and shutter speed. These elements are the backbone of photography, determining everything from the depth of field to the motion blur in an image.
Close up of lens mm rating.
Photo by Forest City Studio
Focal Length: This refers to the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus. A short focal length (e.g., 24mm) captures a wider scene, great for landscapes or environmental portraits. A longer focal length (e.g., 85mm or 200mm) is ideal for close-ups and compressing the background.
Aperture: The aperture controls the amount of light entering the camera, affecting both exposure and depth of field. A wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8) results in a shallow depth of field, creating a blurred background that makes the subject pop. A narrow aperture (e.g., f/16) keeps more of the scene in focus, useful for detailed shots.
Shutter Speed: This determines how long the camera's sensor is exposed to light. A fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000s) freezes motion, while a slower speed (e.g., 1/30s) can introduce blur, either creatively or accidentally. Discussing shutter speed with your photographer will help you decide how much motion or sharpness you want in your images.
Example of shallow depth of field. Notice the soft background.
Photo by C. Schwartz
Depth of Field: This is the range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp. It is influenced primarily by three factors: aperture, focal length, and the distance between the camera and the subject. A shallow depth of field results in a sharp subject with a blurred background and foreground, which is often used in portrait and product photography to isolate the subject from the surroundings. Conversely, a deep depth of field keeps most of the image in focus, making it ideal for landscapes or architectural photography, where detail throughout the scene is essential.
Lighting terms
Soft Light diffuses the shadows in this scene.
Photo by C. Schwartz
Lighting is the foundation of photography. As an art director, understanding basic lighting terms will help you convey the mood and style you envision for the shoot.
Soft Light: Soft light is diffused, wrapping gently around the subject, reducing harsh shadows. It’s flattering for portraits and creates a more natural, subtle look. You can achieve soft light through large light sources, like softboxes, or by bouncing light off surfaces.
Hard Light: Hard light is direct and creates sharp shadows. It’s often used to create drama or highlight texture and structure. Think of the intense shadows in a noir film or a fashion editorial with strong contrasts. If you’re aiming for a bold, edgy look, hard light is your go-to.
An example of Rembrandt lighting.
Photo by Forest City Studio
Rembrandt Lighting: Named after the painter, Rembrandt lighting is a classic portrait lighting technique where one side of the face is lit, and the other side is mostly in shadow, except for a small triangle of light under the eye. This creates depth and a sense of mystery. If you’re going for a timeless, cinematic feel, suggest Rembrandt lighting.
Hard Light of the sun a small distant source.
Photo by B. Laughlin
Key Light: The main source of light in a scene. It dictates the overall exposure and mood. When discussing your vision, clarify how you want the key light to shape your subject—whether it’s a soft, flattering light or something more dramatic.
Fill Light: This light softens the shadows created by the key light. It’s less intense and helps achieve a balanced look. If you’re aiming for high contrast, you might suggest reducing the fill light, or even eliminating it entirely.
Backlight: This light comes from behind the subject, adding depth and separation from the background. It can create a halo effect or emphasize the outline of your subject. Communicating your desire for backlighting will help in creating a more dimensional look.
Composition terms
Composition is where art direction and photography truly intersect. Knowing these terms will help you convey your vision more precisely.
Visual example of rule of thirds.
Photo by Forest City Studio
Rule of Thirds: This guideline divides the frame into nine equal parts, suggesting that placing key elements along these lines or their intersections creates a more dynamic composition. If you’re aiming for a balanced yet interesting shot, discuss the rule of thirds with your photographer.
Leading Lines: These are lines within the image that guide the viewer’s eye towards the focal point. Whether it’s a road, a river, or the angle of a building, leading lines can create depth and draw attention to the main subject.
Framing: Using elements within the scene to create a ‘frame’ around the subject can focus attention and add context. This could be anything from a doorway to the branches of a tree. Discussing framing can help in making your subject stand out while also telling a story.
Post-production terms
The work doesn’t end after the shoot; post-production is where the magic happens. Knowing the lingo here is essential for ensuring the final images meet your expectations.
RAW Files: These are uncompressed image files that contain all the data captured by the camera’s sensor. They offer greater flexibility in post-production, allowing for adjustments in exposure, color balance, and more. Requesting RAW files gives you the most control over the final look of the images.
Retouching: This involves correcting imperfections in the image, such as skin blemishes, stray hairs, or distracting background elements. Discuss the level of retouching you expect, whether it’s subtle enhancements or more extensive edits.
Color Grading: This is the process of altering and enhancing the color of an image. It can dramatically change the mood and tone of a shot. Communicating your desired color palette and mood will help guide the photographer’s choices in both the shooting and editing stages.
Learning to speak photography lingo helps you communicate your vision more effectively, collaborate more closely with your photographer, and ultimately create images that align perfectly with your creative goals. By understanding the technical aspects of photography and fostering a respectful, collaborative relationship, you can ensure that your projects are not only visually stunning but also executed with precision and artistry.