Creative Shutter Speed: Master the Art of Motion Capture

Glossary

A

accessory flash

A flash unit separate from the camera that has either a wireless connection or attaches directly to the camera's hot shoe. Also called external flash, it provides supplemental light to a scene.

Adobe Photoshop software

The preeminent image-editing software used for adjusting photos. Photoshop comes in two versions: Photoshop Elements for amateur photographers and Photoshop CS for advanced and professional photographers.

ambient light

The light, natural or artificial, that is found illuminating a subject or scene; the photographer adds no additional light to it. Also called existing light and available light.

aperture

An adjustable, circular opening in a lens through which light passes to reach the camera's sensor. It works with shutter speed to deliver the proper amount of light for a correct exposure of a picture. The diameter of the aperture is expressed as an f-stop number; the smaller the f-stop, the larger the aperture.

Aperture-Priority mode

An exposure mode that allows the photographer to choose the aperture {f-stop); the camera then sets the shutter speed to provide a correct exposure. Also called Av,

Auto exposure mode

An exposure mode in the camera which sets both the shutter speed and the aperture. Depending on the camera model, it may also adjust the ISO and turn on the flash to achieve correct exposure.

auto focus

A camera function that enables the lens to focus automatically on a specified area in the scene.

Averaging metering mode

At this setting, the light ...