Stephen Walton Photography Workshops

Photographers never stop asking questions – and that’s a good thing. But to save you time scrolling the internet looking for answers to photography’s most asked questions I put them all in one place. 

What you’ll find in this article are the answers to a deep dive I did on Google and Bing to collate the most searched words, questions and photography techniques online.

What is a camera aperture?

Aperture is the opening in the lens through which light passes. It affects the depth of field and controls the amount of light entering the camera.

What is an F/stop?

An F/stop is a measure of the aperture size, representing the lens opening’s diameter. Lower F/stop values indicate larger apertures and vice versa.

What is a good shutter speed to use?

Shutter speed determines the duration of light exposure. It varies based on the scene; for general use. But a shutter speed of 1/125th to 1/250th is common for everyday shots.

What ISO setting should I use when shooting at night?

In low-light conditions, increase ISO to make the camera more sensitive to light. Experiment, but consider starting around ISO 800 and adjusting as needed.

When should I make a photo in black and white?

Convert to black and white for emphasis on composition, mood, or when colours distract from the subject. It adds a timeless and artistic quality.

What is a histogram on a camera?

A histogram is a graphical representation of an image’s tonal distribution. It displays the range of tones from shadows to highlights, aiding exposure.

What is dynamic range?

Dynamic range is the camera’s ability to capture details in both bright highlights and dark shadows. A higher dynamic range results in more balanced images.

What is Ansel Adams’ zonal exposure system?

Ansel Adams developed a system dividing tones into zones, aiding exposure control. It assigns numbers to tonal values, helping photographers achieve desired results.

What do photographers mean by mid-grey?

Mid-grey is a neutral tone in photography, representing average brightness. It serves as a reference point for exposure and helps maintain balanced tones.

What are tones in photography?

Tones refer to the different shades of grey between black and white in an image. Controlling tones is crucial for achieving the desired contrast and mood.

What is a Pentaprism?

A pentaprism is a prism used in DSLR cameras to redirect the optical path, allowing the photographer to view a right-side-up, correctly oriented image.

Is a Mirrorless camera better than a DSLR?

Mirrorless cameras are compact and offer rapid autofocus, while DSLRs have an optical viewfinder. The choice depends on preferences and specific needs.

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The rule of thirds involves dividing the frame into a 3×3 grid and placing key elements along the gridlines or intersections for balanced and dynamic compositions.

What is the Best Camera for Beginners?

Beginner-friendly cameras include Canon EOS Rebel series and Nikon D3000 series. Consider ease of use, budget, and desired features when choosing.

When should I use Manual Focus?

Manual focus is beneficial in specific situations, like macro photography or when autofocus struggles. It offers precise control over where the focus lands.

What is the Exposure Triangle?

The exposure triangle consists of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Balancing these elements is crucial for achieving proper exposure in a given lighting situation.

What is Branding Photography?

Branding photography involves creating visual content to represent a brand’s identity and values. It helps businesses connect with their target audience effectively.

Is photography an Art?

Yes, photography is considered an art form. It involves creative expression, composition, and storytelling, allowing photographers to convey emotions and messages visually.

Why is photography emotional?

Photography captures moments, expressions, and scenes that evoke emotions. The power of visuals allows viewers to connect emotionally with the stories behind the images.

What’s the best Fujifilm X series camera?

The best Fujifilm X series camera depends on individual preferences and needs. Popular choices include the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-T3 for their advanced features.

What are megapixels?

Megapixels are the resolution measure of a camera, indicating the number of pixels in an image. Higher megapixels result in larger, more detailed photos.

When should I change my camera?

Upgrade your camera when your current one no longer meets your needs or when technology advancements offer significant improvements in features and performance.

Who are the best black and white photographers

Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, and Sebastião Salgado are renowned black and white photographers. Explore their work for inspiration and appreciation of the craft.

Should photographers still use Instagram?

Yes, Instagram remains a valuable platform for photographers to showcase their work, connect with an audience, and explore a vibrant community of fellow creatives.

How does a photo go viral?

Viral photos often evoke strong emotions, tell compelling stories, or offer a unique perspective. Sharing on social media, coupled with engagement, contributes to virality.

What should you aim to capture in a photo?

Aim to capture the essence of the moment, convey emotions, and tell a story. Focus on composition, lighting, and the subject to create compelling and memorable images.

What’s the most important thing in a photo?

The most important thing in a photo is subjective and varies. It could be emotion, composition, storytelling, or technical excellence, depending on the photographer’s intent.

Should you hold the camera landscape or portrait?

The orientation depends on the subject and desired composition. Landscape for wide scenes, portrait for vertical emphasis. Experiment to find the best fit for each shot.

Why do people become photographers?

People become photographers to express creativity, capture meaningful moments, tell stories, and connect with others through visual communication. Photography is a powerful form of self-expression.

What age is good to best to start photography?

There’s no specific age; anyone can start photography at any time. Younger individuals may benefit from early exposure, but passion and curiosity are timeless prerequisites.

What is Photoshop Elements? 

Photoshop Elements is a simplified version of Adobe Photoshop, offering essential photo editing tools. It’s user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and hobbyist photographers.

What is the difference between Photoshop and Lightroom?

Photoshop is for advanced image manipulation, while Lightroom focuses on photo organisation and non-destructive editing. They complement each other, often used together in a photographer’s workflow.

What is soft proofing in Lightroom?

Soft proofing in Lightroom allows photographers to simulate how an image will look when printed. It helps adjust colours and tones for optimal results in print.

What are neural filters in Photoshop?

Neural filters in Photoshop use AI technology to enhance and manipulate images. They offer advanced features like facial age progression and stylistic effects.

Why are cameras black?

Black is a common colour for cameras due to its timeless and professional appearance. It minimises reflections, reduces the visibility of scratches, and suits a wide range of aesthetics.

Who are famous street photographers?

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Vivian Maier, and Daido Moriyama are renowned street photographers. Their work captures candid moments and the vibrant essence of urban life.