Photography has its own language. From technical terms like ISO and RAW to studio slang like “softbox,” “shot,” or “bounce”... Whether you're just starting out or looking to clarify your knowledge, this glossary is for you. We’ve gathered over 60 technical and informal terms – with simple explanations and real-world examples.
📸 Most Important Technical Photography Terms
ISO
The sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light. Higher ISO = brighter image but more digital noise.
Aperture (f-stop)
The size of the lens opening that controls the amount of light and depth of field. Example: f/1.8 = brighter image and shallow depth.
Shutter Speed
The amount of time the shutter is open to let light in. Fast = frozen motion, slow = motion blur.
RAW
An uncompressed photo file format. Offers greater flexibility in post-production than JPEG.
Prime Lens
A lens with a fixed focal length. Usually sharper, brighter, and great for learning composition.
Crop Sensor (APS-C)
A smaller-than-full-frame sensor that affects the field of view.
White Balance
Adjusts the color temperature of your photo. Controls warmth vs coolness.
Histogram
A graph that shows exposure and brightness of an image.
Autofocus / Manual Focus
AF = camera focuses automatically. MF = manual control over focus.
Composition
The visual arrangement of elements in a photo. Rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, etc.
💬 Common Photographer Slang & Studio Speak
Shot
A single photo. (“Let’s take another shot.”)
Trigger
Remote or device that syncs external lights with the camera.
Blending
Merging exposures (e.g. window light + flash) into one final image.
Softbox / Beauty Dish
Modifiers for studio lighting. Softbox = soft light. Beauty dish = harder, more contrasty light.
Umbrella
A budget-friendly and mobile light modifier that reflects or diffuses light.
Continuous Light vs Flash
Continuous: LED, always on. Flash: strong burst of light during exposure.
Compact / DSLR / Mirrorless
Compact = point-and-shoot. DSLR = traditional mirror camera. Mirrorless = no mirror, modern tech.
Used in studios for portraits, products. Vinyl = washable. Paper = disposable.
RGB / CMYK
RGB = screen colors. CMYK = print colors.
Post-processing
Editing photos after the shoot. Color correction, retouching, cropping.
Preset
Saved settings in Lightroom to give your photos a consistent look.
Grain / Noise
Unwanted texture from high ISO – small speckles or roughness in image.
🎯 Common Phrases Heard During Photo Shoots
“Let’s bounce light with a reflector.” – Using a reflector to brighten the subject.
“Move the softbox closer.” – Increases softness and quality of light.
“Add some contrast.” – Enhances highlights and shadows.
“Take a safe shot.” – A neutral, well-balanced image for backup.
📩 Want to learn these terms in action?
Check out our studio and session offer in Gdańsk – we work hands-on with presets, studio lighting, and flash gear. Experience is the best way to memorize these terms!
🤔 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know all these terms to start photography?
No! But over time, learning them helps you take better photos and communicate with other creatives.
Are these terms used only in Poland?
Most are international (like RAW, softbox, preset), but there are some local slang terms too.
How can I learn them faster?
Practice, shoot often, read guides (like this one!) and join workshops to learn by doing.
🏁 Summary
Photography isn’t just about pressing a button. It’s also a language – filled with terms, symbols, and slang. The more fluent you become, the easier it is to create, connect, and evolve.
Want to learn the lingo from the inside? Visit our studio in Gdańsk. You can test gear, presets, and talk to professionals who speak the same language.