What is Photography?
Basic Elements of Photography
There are three main elements of photography.
Together they are called the Exposure Triangle:
- Aperture
- Shutter Speed
- ISO
Each one controls how much light enters the camera and how the final image looks.
1. Aperture
Aperture is the opening inside the lens through which light enters the camera.
- A larger aperture allows more light.
- A smaller aperture allows less light.
Aperture values are written as f-numbers: f/2.8, f/5.6, f/11, etc.
Low f-number (for example, f/1.8 or f/2.8):
- More light
- Blurry background
- Best for portraits
High f-number (for example, f/8 or f/11):
- Less light
- Everything in focus
- Best for landscapes
Shutter speed is the amount of time the camera shutter stays open.
Fast shutter speed (for example, 1/1000 sec):
- Less light enters
- Freezes motion
- Good for sports and action photography
Slow shutter speed (for example, 1/30 sec or lower):
- More light enters
- Creates motion blur
- Useful for night photography, light trails
3. ISO
ISO controls the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light.
Low ISO (100 or 200):
- Less sensitivity
- Cleaner image
- Best for daylight
High ISO (800, 1600 or more):
- More sensitivity
- Brighter image
- More grain or noise
- Used in low light areas
Composition Basics
Composition means arranging elements in a photo so the image looks balanced and visually appealing.
Important composition techniques:
- Rule of Thirds
- Imagine a 3x3 grid on your frame.
- Place the main subject on the lines or intersection points for a better look.
- Leading Lines
- Use natural lines like roads, pathways, or edges that guide the viewer’s eyes toward the subject.
