1. EXIF

EXIF is stands for Exchangeable Image File Format. Many image formats, including JPG, TIFF and most RAW formats, support EXIF as a means to save data about the photograph. The EXIF data may include information about the camera, the lens utilized, aperture settings, shutter speed, ISO, and so on. This data is an essential tool for hobbyists wishing to improve.

2. Exposure

From a technical point of view, Exposure is the total amount of light allowed to fall on the photographic medium during the process of taking a photograph. The layman would perceive a photograph's exposure as its brightness, but that view is a bit of an oversimplification. An underexposed image is more than just "too dark", the image will also lose contrast and some of the details will be lost at the lower end of the histogram. On the flip side, an overexposed image washes out detail at the upper end of the histogram. In either case, there's little to do to reacquire this detail. The photographs intent, and therefore its exposure, must be determined before the shutter button is pressed.

3. Focal Length

The Focal Length is a measure of the distance from the optical center of the lens to the sensor (or film) when focused on a subject at infinity. With a typical 35mm film format, the point at which magnification or reduction is not required is about 50mm. A 50mm lens is often referred to as a "normal lens". Lenses with a focal length less than 50mm require reduction and are commonly known as "wide angle" lenses. Lenses with focal lengths longer than 50mm are called "telephoto lenses" and the resultant image is magnified.

4. Golden Hour

The time just after sunrise or just before sunset, especially on a clear day, yields a warm, pleasing light that is favorable to many photographers. Many photographers feel that the light during the Golden Hour is easiest to work with.

5. Image Sensor

The image sensor serves the same purpose as film in a digital camera. Just like regular film, it sits behind the shutter and responds to the light (and the image) that reaches it at exposure time.

6. Lens Filter

A Lens Filter is an add-on piece of equipment that most often screws into the front of your lens. Filters are available in a number of varieties ranging from light control to special effects. The use of filters will greatly enhance many of your photographs if used correctly.

7. Long Exposure

A Long Exposure is one in which the shutter remains open for a period of time that is much longer than normal. Common shutter speeds are measured in tenths, hundredths or even thousandths of a second. Long Exposures can often be measured in full seconds.

8. Monopod

A monopod is literally a leg that screws into the bottom of your camera. The idea is that you are able to add some stability to your camera without using a full-fledged tripod. While you will not be able to get as much stability as a tripod, it allows the flexibility needed for certain types of photography such as candid photography or sports photography. It's a fair trade.

9. Single Lens Reflex

A Single Lens Reflex camera uses an automatic moving mirror system which permits the photographer to view with great accuracy what will be captured by the film or digital sensor.

10. SLR

A Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera uses an automatic moving mirror system which permits the photographer to view with great accuracy what will be captured by the film or digital sensor.

11. Vignetting

Vignetting appears as darkened corners and edges on your photographs. Most often, this is caused by objects in place, such as a poorly fitting lens filter, which blocks some of the light reaching the sensor. If you are aware of possible vignetting caused by a filter or otherwise, you can adjust for this by widening your shot (zooming out) and cropping at post-processing time.

In some cases, Vignetting may be desirable to achieve a certain artistic quality. Filters that are designed to cause such an effect are available.

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