Photography USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Photography Photography is the art and practice of capturing and creating images using light-sensitive materials or electronic image sensors. The term "photography" is derived from the Greek words "photos" (light) and "graphein" (to draw), reflecting the fundamental principles of the medium—recording and rendering images through the manipulation of light. Photography encompasses a wide range of genres, styles, and techniques, including landscape, portrait, documentary, fine art, fashion, wildlife, architectural, and street photography, among others.

Since its invention in the early 19th century, photography has evolved from chemical-based processes using light-sensitive emulsions on glass plates or film to digital technologies that rely on electronic sensors and computer algorithms to capture, process, and distribute images. Photography serves diverse purposes and functions, including artistic expression, visual communication, documentation, storytelling, scientific research, and commercial advertising. Photographers use a variety of tools, equipment, and creative approaches to capture and convey the beauty, emotion, and meaning of the world around them, reflecting their unique perspectives, visions, and interpretations of reality. Whether practiced professionally or as a hobby, photography continues to inspire, inform, and enrich our lives, offering a powerful medium for self-expression, exploration, and connection with others.