These emails come with the intent of helping you be a better photographer. 

And if you want more photography stuff to read, there's a place on the interwebs where past emails I wrote are stored. You'll find 'em in the "Newsletter Hub." 

Remember, I'd like to know what you want to know about photography. So, If you have any questions, ask by sending an email to me at sam@samdamico.com.

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: Stopping Up and Stopping Down

Hello , 

A lot of photographers usually use the terms "stopping up" and "stopping down" to refer to the aperture or shutter speed.

However, the phrases stopping up and stopping down are confusing and may have different meanings depending on who you ask.

It's best to avoid using the terms stopping up and stopping down
and instead use the more reliable words "increasing" or "decreasing."

For instance, we could increase or decrease the exposure. We could also increase or decrease ISO.

Increasing or decreasing the exposure components (aperture and shutter speed) or ISO (light sensitivity) will make the picture darker or brighter.

Incorporating the words "increasing" or "decreasing" when it comes to aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is more reliable and consistent than the phrases stopping up or stopping down.

Although increasing or decreasing exposure or ISO will make our picture's tonality darker or brighter, it also increases or decreases the depth of field or blur caused by motion or noise. 

This is the kind of stuff we go over during the Introduction to Photography course. And there's two start dates coming up in September. Classes are kept small (no more than 5 participants) to ensure participants get all they can out of the meetings. Register now to hold your spot.  

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 what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? If that's the case, we can schedule a one-time lesson or a series of in-person or online private instruction that covers the same things as my group classes. 

Ways to work with me are listed below. 

I look forward to helping you be a better photographer.

Best Regards, 

Sam