Photography Lingo
If we spend
enough time hangin' around photographers, we've probably heard a lot of phrases that have to do with what we do as photographers.
The problem with these phrases is they're open to interpretation.
And the meaning is dependent on the photographer using it.
This inconsistent use from photographer to photographer is confusing at best.
So let's develop a visual vocabulary specific to light, camera operation, and compositional intent instead of
relying on inconsistent jargon.
This week's jargon that we often encounter is:
Photography Lingo: Noise and Grain
Hello ,
When reviewing pictures on the back of digital cameras during my photography classes, I've heard students mention the word grain.
Grain isn't something we see in digital photography; the grain is in film photography.
Both noise and
grain are related to ISO.
But noise is a visual aspect of digital photography, and grain is a visual aspect of film photography.
Noise
When it comes to noise in digital photography, we get more or less noise by pulling in a stronger or weaker signal of light that
affects the fixed-sized pixels on the camera's digital sensor.
We could think of noise as visible visual static.
We can see it mostly when we make the ISO higher.
We can think of noise as the static on television when the reception is crappy.
Another way to think about it is like a visual version of the static we hear when listening to a radio station with a relatively weak signal.
Grain
And when it comes to grain in film photography, grain is a physical structure in film.
Specifically, grain is light-sensitive crystals that get bigger or smaller depending on the ISO.
Personally, depending on the composition, I don't mind more noise or grain if that visual element supports my intent of communication.
This is some of the stuff we cover during the Introduction To Photograph class where you’ll learn to work your camera in manual exposure mode.
There are two classes starting in September and they’ll help you be a better photographer.
And remember, we learn
and become better by doing, so practice making at least one picture today.
That’s all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
I'll help you be a better photographer.Study and practice photography with me.
And if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes, we can schedule a one-time
lesson or a series of in-person or online one-on-one private instruction that cover the same things as any of my group classes.
Ways to work with me are listed below.
