25 Words Only Photographers Use
Photography has its own language. Sometimes it sounds like code. Other times, it sounds completely ridiculous.
If you've ever sat through a conversation between two shutterbugs, you probably know exactly what I'm talking about.
Whether you're a confused onlooker wondering what a "gobo" is or a photographer too embarrassed to ask what "SOOC" means, this guide is for you.
Here are 25 photography slang terms and technical words photographers use, with quick, no-fluff definitions and visual examples to help you sound like a pro. Or at least pretend to be one.
The Photographer's Dictionary
25 Terms
Blown Out
An area in a photo, usually the highlights, that's so overexposed all detail is lost. Think bright white skies or glowing foreheads.
Exposure
Blue Hour
That short window before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep, moody blue. Perfect for cinematic photographs.
Natural Light
Bokeh
The aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. Good bokeh can turn background lights into beautiful, soft orbs.
Lenses & Focus
Catchlight
That little sparkle or reflection of a light source in someone's eyes. A small detail that can bring a portrait to life.
Portrait Photography
Chimping
The act of constantly checking your camera screen after every photograph. Professionals do it too. Don't worry.
Photographer Slang
DOF
Short for depth of field. The distance between the nearest and farthest parts of an image that appear acceptably sharp. Shallow DOF means less is in focus.
Camera Technique
Glass
Photographer slang for lenses. Expensive, fragile, and often more important than the camera body.
Photographer Slang
Golden Hour
The warm, golden light shortly after sunrise or before sunset. It makes everything look magical. Even a parking lot.
Natural Light
Gobo
A device or object placed in the path of light to block it or project a pattern or shape. Think shadows with purpose.
Lighting Equipment
HDR
High Dynamic Range. A technique that combines exposures to preserve detail in bright highlights and dark shadows. Great for landscapes. Easy to overdo.
Editing & Exposure
High Key
A bright, airy photographic style with predominantly light tones and relatively few deep shadows. Think clean, glowing, studio-lit portraits.
Lighting Technique
Histogram
A graph showing the distribution of tones in your image, from dark to bright. Think of it as an X-ray for your exposure.
Exposure
Hot Shoe
The small accessory mount on top of many cameras, typically used to attach a flash, trigger, microphone, or other compatible equipment.
Camera Equipment
ISO
A camera setting that controls the brightness of the recorded image. Higher ISO can help in low light, but often introduces more noise.
Exposure
Low Key
A dramatic lighting style dominated by dark tones, deep shadows, and selective highlights. Think moody portraits and film noir.
Lighting Technique
Nifty Fifty
A nickname for a 50mm prime lens, especially an affordable, fast 50mm f/1.8. Great for portraits and everyday photography.
Lenses
Prime
A lens with a fixed focal length. No zoom. Many offer wide apertures, compact designs, and excellent image quality.
Lenses
RAW
An image format that preserves minimally processed sensor data. Larger files, but much more flexibility when adjusting exposure, color, and detail.
File Formats
Scrim
A material placed in the path of light to reduce or modify it. Diffusion scrims can soften light, like adding a cloud between the sun and your subject.
Lighting Equipment
SOOC
Straight Out of Camera. An image shown without additional editing after capture. The camera's own processing may still be applied.
Photographer Slang
Spray and Pray
Taking a whole lot of photographs in rapid succession and hoping one turns out well. Less planning. More luck.
Photographer Slang
Tonal Range
The range of tones from dark to light within a photograph. A broad tonal range can create richness, dimension, and detail.
Image Quality
Uncle Bob
The well-meaning wedding guest with a DSLR who keeps getting in the way because he thinks he's the hired photographer.
Wedding Photography Slang
Underexposed
When a photograph receives less exposure than intended, making it too dark. Important shadow detail can disappear.
Exposure
White Balance
A camera or editing adjustment that compensates for different lighting colors so neutral objects look neutral, rather than too yellow or blue.
Color & Editing3 Ways to Make Your First $1,000 as a Photographer
Now that you know the terminology, let's talk about putting your photography skills to work. If you're interested in turning your passion into paid opportunities, this is a good place to start. In this video, I share three ways to work toward earning your first $1,000 as a photographer.
Jeff Rojas / Photography Education
Watch on YouTube