Camera Basics
What does DSLR stand for?
Digital Single-Lens Reflex.
What’s the best time of day for natural light photos?
Early morning or late afternoon (softer light, less harsh shadows).
What’s the “Rule of Thirds”?
Dividing the frame into 3x3 sections and placing the subject on the lines or intersections.
What does “Crop” do in editing?
Cuts out parts of an image to reframe or improve composition.
What is a “candid photo”?
A photo taken naturally without the subject posing or noticing.
What does ISO control?
The camera sensor’s sensitivity to light.
What’s “Golden Hour”?
The warm, soft light right after sunrise or just before sunset.
What are “Leading Lines” in photography?
Lines in a photo (roads, fences, hallways) that guide the viewer’s eyes toward the subject.
What’s Color Grading?
Adjusting colors and tones to set a mood or style (warm, cool, cinematic, etc.).
What does “panning” do in action shots?
You move the camera with the subject, keeping them sharp while the background blurs to show motion.
What does shutter speed control?
Shutter speed controls how long your camera’s shutter stays open
What does OCF stand for in photography?
Off-Camera Flash.
What does “Framing” mean?
Using objects in the scene (like windows, arches, branches) to frame your subject and draw focus.
Why shoot in RAW instead of JPEG?
RAW keeps all the data, giving more flexibility for editing exposure, color, and detail.
What is “long exposure photography” used for?
Capturing light trails, smooth waterfalls, star trails, or night skies by leaving the shutter open longer.
What is shutter speed measured in?
Seconds or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/250, 1/1000).
Why use a softbox?
To diffuse light, creating softer shadows and more flattering portraits.
What is “Depth of Field”?
How much of the image is in focus, controlled by aperture (shallow = blurry background, deep = everything sharp).
Name one way AI is used in photo editing.
Examples: Removing objects, skin retouching, sky replacement, noise reduction, or automatic color correction.
What’s the “Dutch Angle” shot?
Tilting the camera so the horizon is slanted, creating tension or drama.
What’s the “exposure triangle”?
The balance of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO that controls exposure.
What’s one advantage of using Off-Camera Flash (OCF) instead of on-camera flash?
It gives more creative control—like shaping light, avoiding flat “flash look,” and adding depth/shadows for a professional vibe.
What’s the difference between Symmetry and Balance in a photo?
Symmetry = both sides mirror each other; Balance = elements don’t match but still feel visually even.
What’s the main ethical debate around AI in photography?
Whether AI enhances creativity or takes away authenticity (when does a photo stop being “real”?).
What’s one way to use reflections creatively?
Shooting into water, mirrors, windows, or even a phone screen to add symmetry and unique perspectives.