Camera & Exposure
What three settings make up the exposure triangle?
What is the “golden hour” and why is it valuable?
shortly after sunrise or before sunset — soft, warm, directional light that flatters subjects.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The Rule of Thirds divides the frame into 3×3 sections — placing subjects on lines/intersections creates balance and tension.
What is lifestyle photography?
Lifestyle photography captures people in authentic, everyday moments — natural, candid, emotional.
What does culling mean?
Culling = reviewing and selecting the best photos from a shoot.
What happens to depth of field when you change aperture from f/4 to f/11?
creates a larger depth of field (more in focus) but lets in less light.
What’s the difference between fill and negative fill?
Fill adds light to reduce shadows; negative fill absorbs or blocks light to deepen shadows for contrast.
Define leading lines and why they matter.
Leading lines are visual paths (roads, fences, shadows) that guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject or depth.
What’s the difference between portrait and environmental portrait?
A portrait focuses on the person; an environmental portrait includes context that tells part of their story.
What’s one advantage of editing in Lightroom Classic?
Lightroom Classic offers non-destructive editing, organization tools, and batch adjustments for efficiency.
Why might a photographer choose a slower shutter speed in daylight?
To blur motion (like moving water or people) or to capture creative motion effects such as light trails.
How can using mixed light (indoor + outdoor) affect color in a photo?
Mixed light (daylight + tungsten) can cause color casts — like warm/orange indoor light against cool blue daylight.
How does negative space help tell a story in a photo?
Negative space gives breathing room, emphasizes isolation, and can strengthen emotional or narrative focus.
What makes documentary photography powerful beyond aesthetics?
Documentary photography is powerful because it connects viewers to truth, empathy, and social meaning, not just aesthetics.
Why is white balance important during editing?
White balance corrects color temperature — keeps whites neutral and prevents color casts.
What are two ways to shoot in low light while keeping your image sharp?
(1) Use a tripod to stabilize, or (2) raise ISO/open aperture to allow more light; both help avoid blur.
When would you want to use cool color tones over warm tones? Give an example.
Use cool tones to suggest calm, isolation, or melancholy — e.g., a foggy seascape or quiet city night.
What’s one reason to break a traditional rule like symmetry or centered framing?
Breaking a rule (like symmetry) can create surprise, tension, or focus on emotion — making an image more expressive.
Compare editorial and commercial photography — what’s the main goal of each?
Editorial aims to tell stories or ideas (often for magazines); commercial aims to sell or promote a product or brand.
What’s the difference between a global and local adjustment in Lightroom?
Global = whole image (e.g., exposure slider); local = selected area (e.g., brush, gradient).
Describe a creative reason you might intentionally underexpose a photo
To create a moodier, dramatic, or mysterious image, emphasize highlights, or draw attention to light sources.
How can natural light direction (front, side, or back) change the mood of a portrait or still life?
Front light flattens and brightens; side light adds depth and texture; back light creates silhouettes or glow.
How can color, shape, and contrast be used together to create balance in a composition?
lead the eye and create visual harmony.
Name a photographer we studied (local or famous) and describe how their work expresses meaning through light and composition.
:)
How can editing choices (contrast, crop, color) change how a viewer interprets a photo?
Editing can shape meaning — e.g., high contrast feels bold or tense; cropping changes focus; color shifts evoke emotion.