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Glossary Of Photography Terms [7]

O Opacity Opacity refers to the degree to which a material or substance blocks the transmission of light or allows objects behind it to be obscured or concealed. In the context of printing, opacity is an important property of paper, ink, and other printing materials that affects the visibility and legibility of printed text, images, and graphics. Opacity is typically expressed as a percentage, with higher opacity indicating greater light-blocking ability and less see-through or show-through of underlying layers. Opacity is influenced by factors such as paper thickness, weight, and composition, as well as ink coverage, color density, and printing process. High-opacity papers are preferred for double-sided printing, where text and images must remain legible without interference from content printed on the reverse side.
Open edition prints An open edition print has no limit to the number of copies made. While a limited edition print has a set number - 10, 50, or 1000, for instance, after which time no more copies will be made - open edition implies the artist can continue making prints indefinitely. As a result, open edition prints are generally cheaper than limited editions, and will not amass the same value over time.
Optical Image Stabilization Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a technology used in camera lenses or camera systems to reduce the effects of camera shake and motion blur, particularly when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds or with longer focal lengths. Optical image stabilization works by incorporating sensors and gyroscopes within the lens or camera body that detect the movement of the camera and compensate for it by shifting lens elements or sensor components to counteract the motion. By stabilizing the image, optical image stabilization helps photographers achieve sharper images and reduce the risk of blurry photos, especially in low-light conditions or when using telephoto lenses with longer focal lengths. Optical image stabilization is particularly beneficial for photographers shooting in challenging conditions where camera shake is more likely to occur, such as during handheld shooting, in low-light environments, or when capturing fast-moving subjects. Many modern cameras and lenses feature optical image stabilization systems that work in conjunction with other stabilization technologies, such as in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or electronic image stabilization (EIS), to provide enhanced stability and improved image quality in a wide range of shooting situations.
Optical Viewfinder An optical viewfinder is a viewing system built into cameras that allows photographers to compose and frame their shots by looking through an optical window or eyepiece. Optical viewfinders utilize a series of mirrors and prisms to reflect the scene directly from the camera's lens to the viewer's eye, providing a real-time, optical representation of the subject without any electronic processing. Optical viewfinders offer several advantages, including a clear and bright view of the scene, minimal lag or delay in image preview, and reduced power consumption compared to electronic viewfinders (EVFs). They are commonly found in DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and some rangefinder-style cameras. While optical viewfinders provide a direct and natural viewing experience, they may have limitations in displaying exposure settings, focusing aids, and other digital overlays compared to electronic viewfinders. However, many photographers prefer optical viewfinders for their immediacy, clarity, and familiarity in composing and capturing images.
Organizing Photos Organizing photos refers to the process of categorizing, sorting, and managing digital image files to facilitate efficient storage, retrieval, and retrieval. Effective photo organization involves creating a logical structure for organizing files, assigning descriptive metadata, and using software tools and techniques to streamline the organization process. Common strategies for organizing photos include creating folders and subfolders based on date, location, subject matter, or event; assigning descriptive file names and keywords to images; using photo management software or digital asset management (DAM) systems to tag, rate, and categorize images; and implementing backup and archival systems to protect against data loss and ensure long-term preservation of digital assets. By organizing photos systematically, photographers can easily locate and access specific images, create curated collections for sharing or publication, and maintain a well-organized digital image library for future reference and use.
Overexposed In photography, exposure relates to the amount of light that was allowed to affect the image, either through the viewfinder of the camera, or in the darkroom during film development. An overexposed image will have more light than average (generally considered too much, though some artists deliberately overexpose their images). Overexposure tends to make an image whiter, obscuring details in areas that were already well lit. For example, if the subject is in front of a bright light, the background often must be overexposed in order for the subject's face to be visible.
Overlap Similar to "offset", this refers to the amount of the artwork a picture frame lip or mat will cover on each side of the piece. An overlap is necessary to keep the contents behind from falling through the opening.