The 25+ Best Places To Find Photography Jobs

Turning your photography into a career can seem like a daunting task, but we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of the best places to find photography gigs and jobs to help make the process easier. Whether you want to explore full-time or freelance options, we’ve got you covered:

• Full-Time Jobs
• Freelancing Gigs
• Stock Image Contributors
• Real Estate Photography Jobs

Full-Time Job Boards

Finding a full-time photography job can take the form of many different positions, such as an in-house photographer for marketing companies, photojournalist, or content creation positions. Most of these job boards offer full-time, part-time, and freelance positions, as well as have resources to help you make the most out of your search.

Be sure to get creative with your search, and use keywords that describe the type of position you’re looking for. Exploring these job boards will help you discover what type of positions are open, so you can start preparing for your photography career.

1. Get Photography Jobs

Start your search with Get Photography Jobs where you can find industry specific jobs. Get Photography Jobs operates like a typical job board, allowing you to search by keyword, location, or browse by an entire state. This site has an email newsletter that can send you jobs based on your preferences as they are listed, and their resources section is full of great sites for photography tips and tricks.

2. Indeed

Indeed is a comprehensive job board that allows you to search by keyword and location, as well as job type like full-time, part-time, remote, and freelance. While Indeed is not specific to photographers, it does have a lot of options, and it’s updated constantly.

Users have the option to apply through job links as a guest, or to create an account that saves their resume for quick applying. Indeed also offers email services that provide updates on each application’s status, and sends similar job postings when they come up.

3. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a comprehensive job board aimed at helping people get started in their careers, as well as find a good company fit. Glassdoor allows users to see company reviews and statistics, which can help users determine if a company will be a good fit before applying.

Glassdoor utilizes email to send job suggestions when new positions are posted, and to send a newsletter with resources on helping find the perfect career. To get started with Glassdoor, simply make an account and start searching for photography jobs in your area.

4. ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter makes searching for full-time positions easy by allowing users to save their resume, to make applying to multiple jobs quick and simple. ZipRecruiter also offers resources for job hunters to find the average salary for positions in each field, and can be used to search for all kinds of employment like full-time, part-time, and freelance work.

5. SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a great search engine for anyone seeking full-time and part-time positions. SimplyHired allows users to search for jobs in any category, as well as in any location. To utilize this source for photography jobs use keywords that describe what type of position you’re looking for, i.e. real estate photography, content photography.

SimplyHired also has an easy-to-use resume builder on their site, which makes it easy to tailor your resume to specific job postings when needed.

6. Job.com

Job works like an automated recruiting company, and uses AI (artificial intelligence) to match your resume to jobs that will be a good fit for you. This is a great way to find multiple jobs that you’re qualified for quickly, and it can help cut down on the job search time.

Instead of sifting through job postings, Job is great for those with a strong resume that shows off their photography skills and areas of expertise.

7. LinkedIn

LinkedIn doubles as a job board and social media platform where you can combine the power of networking to your photography job search. Apply to jobs posted on LinkedIn using your resume and portfolio, and at the same time, grow your professional network to discover freelancing or full-time gigs with companies you follow. LinkedIn also allows you to search professionals, chat with employees, and create organic connections with employers, so you can find the best fit for you.

Freelancing Gigs

Freelance gigs are a great way to find photography work and help diversify your creative portfolio. Freelance jobs can be one-off gigs or recurring positions with a company, but they are usually inconsistent.

Starting the search for freelance work can be intimidating, but the following sites are full of options and resources to help you get started.

8. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is a job search engine that specializes in remote, or work-from-home, settings. While Flexjobs offers options in part-time, full-time, and freelance, it is a great place to find freelance gigs that you can do without going into an office setting. Since it emphasizes work that can be done remotely or on a flexible schedule, Flexjobs is a great website to find photography gigs.

9. Freelanced

Freelanced is a social network designed to help connect freelancers with gigs and opportunities. This site is great for creating a profile and connecting with professionals in your area, as well as sifting through job postings to find opportunities. Freelanced also enables you to post your portfolio and rate, so employers can find your information while searching for candidates.

10. People Per Hour

To use People Per Hour, freelancers can navigate through the application process to become a certified People Per Hour freelancer. Upon application acceptance, freelancers can be searched by potential employers, as well as gain access to job postings on the platform.

People Per Hour is a great site for finding gigs that match your specific skill set, and their application process helps employers get to know more about you before hiring.

11. Upwork

Upwork is a site that does it all for freelancers. It handles the job process from start to finish, including hiring, sending files, messaging with employers, and getting paid. This website is great for freelancers who want to know more about the employer, and want to be able to do everything on one platform.

Upwork does charge a service fee, though, so it’s important to keep this in mind when using this platform.

12. Fiverr

Fiverr is a platform dedicated to freelancers where you start by setting up a “gig” for users to search and find the service(s) you offer. Users can hire you for a specific gig you create, and all billing is done through Fiverr.

Fiverr does charge a 20% fee, however, they do offer resources to help with your professional development. Fiverr is great for photographers who want to get matched with buyers seeking specific skills.

13. Craigslist

Just like the original newspaper classifieds, Craigslist is a great source for finding freelance photography gigs. Craigslist is super easy to navigate, and you can scroll through all the postings that come up in the photography jobs section.

Since Craigslist has been around for a while, it is typically a solid resource for photographers to find one-off gigs and jobs. However, it is important to use Craigslist with caution, and never share personal information if a job seems too good to be true.

14. JournalismJobs

JournalismJobs is a site specifically for those wanting to work in the journalism industry, and there are tons of photo opportunities in this field. Not all JournalismJobs postings are for freelancers, but a lot of the journalism industry is fueled by freelance work, so it is a great place to start looking for these types of gigs.

15. The Creative Loft

The Creative Loft is a job board dedicated to listing jobs in creative fields, which makes it a great choice for photographers who are looking for freelance or full-time work. This site enables users to create a public profile, save preferences, and emails users new listings that fit their career needs.

16. GigBucks

GigBucks is all about helping you land your next micro job, which is a great way to fuel your photography side hustle. The job board specializes in short-terms jobs/gigs that range between $5-$50. This platform is a bit different than others listed here, since it allows posters to share their work and prices for buyers to easily find.

17. GoLance

GoLance is a platform that helps connect buyers with freelancers, while also allowing freelancers to browse different job listings. Simply create a profile and then you’re ready to start your job search! GoLance also has great resources like the goMeter Time Tracker and enhanced work diary, so you can get ahead on all of your gigs.

18. Guru

Guru is a freelance job board that allows freelancers to contact employers and send quotes for specific job requests. This platform is great for photographers who have a set rate, and it is an easy way to find side gigs or recurring freelance jobs. Guru also has a workroom feature that allows users to collaborate with other workers, and to get paid through their platform once the job is complete.

19. Workhoppers

Workhoppers does the matching for you when it comes to searching for jobs. Fill out your profile, and you’ll be on your way to receiving customized job listings that best fit your profile skills.

This is great for photographers who work in specific settings like weddings or sports, as well as for photographers with other skills like content creation or social media experience. Best of all, Workhoppers is a completely free service!

20. Facebook

The social media giant, Facebook, is not only a great palace to connect with friends, but it can also be a great resource to help photographers find freelance work. There are Facebook groups dedicated to job listings for freelancers, or you can post your own skills into a status for anyone in your circle to see.

Similar to Craigslist or any other classifieds platform, it is important to exercise caution when looking at jobs or opportunities on social media, but when used correctly, Facebook is a great way to connect for freelancing gigs.

Stock Image Contributors

Another way to turn your photography into a job is to sell your photos to stock websites. Each website has its own way of hiring and paying photographers, but most of them work off of royalties, so the more your images are used, the more money you can make.

21. Getty Images

Getty Images is a stock image website that pays contributors through royalties. To apply, you can download the app and upload your sample images to be accepted by the website. Once accepted, you can check out the creative briefs by Getty Images and start uploading content that users are looking for. The more relevant your photos are, the more money you can make.

22. Shutterstock

Shutterstock allows you to upload your work and get paid every time your content is downloaded, and you can make even more money by referring contributors and customers. Shutterstock is a great platform for working on your professional development because they have tons of resources to help you succeed in selling your work. Shutterstock has easy to use tools on their site, so you can track your earnings and strategize to make your work even better.

23. DepositPhotos

DepositPhotos uses an application process to be sure your photos meet their requirements, and they pay on a commission-base. After being accepted as a contributor, you can start uploading your work and making money each time your images are downloaded. DepositPhotos allows you to contribute to multiple stock photo websites, as long as you aren’t an Exclusive Author for their site, which means you can start racking up your sales in stock photos.

Real Estate Photography Jobs

Another creative way to make money from your photography is to get started as a real estate photographer. While a lot of real estate photography is freelance, there are some sites that look for contributors and are easy for you to get in contact with. Real Estate photography requires some practice and special equipment, but once you have some experience, you’ll be ready to turn your skills into freelance gigs.

24. Obeo

Obeo has an application process that helps photographers partner with them to shoot their real estate listings. Once your application is accepted, you can set your own schedule and conduct shoots on your own time, which makes it a great platform for those seeking flexibility in their schedule. Obeo allows you to work as little or as much as you want, so your freelancing can be seen as a side gig or closer to a full-time job depending on your needs.

25. RocketPhoto

RocketPhoto allows you to create a profile, so realtors can find you and book you for their photography needs. You also have full ability to set your own pricing and schedule. It’s free to create a profile on RocketPhoto, and they even offer upgrades to access their professional development tools to help you grow your business and expand your contacts.

26. Zillow

Zillow is one of the biggest real estate platforms, so there is a lot of opportunity when photographing real estate properties for them. You can apply to become a certified Zillow photographer, and their program offers training that will help you succeed in the field. Once accepted as one of their contributors and you complete the training, you’ll be on your way to taking jobs and adding to your freelance lineup.

Whether you’re looking for a full-time, part-time, or even freelance gig, there is a world of opportunity out there to turn your photography into a money-making venture to support your goals as a photographer. Utilizing the job boards in this article will help you get started, but never stop improving your skills and upgrading your gear to get the most out of your abilities!

To stay in tune with the best tips and guides on photography, make sure to check out the Grid50 resources area, and if you’re looking to pick up some new gear, Grid50’s marketplace is the go-to place to find the best deals on new and used photography equipment!

What It’s Like Being a Woman Photographer: Breaking Into an Industry in 2020

In this article, we hear from several female photographers on their perspective and experience getting started and working in the mostly male-dominated, photography industry.

Ever since I was a toddler, I had a fixation with cameras and the stories they capture. As a
young girl, I took photos of my dolls and labeled them “professional portrait sessions”. At age sixteen, I captured portraits of friends and uploaded them to social media. My business blossomed and slowly snowballed into a career.

Breaking into the portrait industry has taught me a lot about my strengths and weaknesses
as a woman in the field. While there have been some struggles, there are also the opportunities to tune into natural gifts. The challenges can be heavy but the rewards always outweigh them. This article touches the tip of the iceberg of my experiences as a portrait photographer.

The Challenges of Being a Woman Photographer

The male-dominated field involves technology and knowledge of equipment. I have been
quizzed on the spot in condescending ways. I often feel as if I have something to prove.

Demeaning and Derogatory Comments

Experts have gone straight to critiquing flaws in my skillset or composition without giving the perspective a second thought. I once took my camera to the shop to check if a lens was broken or just needed calibration. The man helping me fiddled with my camera then said “You have it set to manual? That’s surprising.”

Photography is an art and art is subjective. This disadvantage in the field stems from not
only having more male professionals but a saturated male audience.

I have also received comments stating, “You’re sure you don’t want a career in front of the
camera?” Even if they had complimentary intentions, it’s disrespectful and belittling to my work. The same context of telling a woman she should smile more.

Sometimes I feel guilty for wanting to get into high fashion or editorial work because I
don’t want to contribute to the unhealthy beauty standards of women. I’ve dipped my toes in the modeling industry from both sides of the lens and I’ve experienced the ridiculous practices they expect from women to maintain shape/size.

I have reached a crossroads by not wanting to contribute to the negative but I’m also very allured by the creativity and boldness of the fashion and beauty industry.

Many of the other women photographers we interviewed for this piece also have received demeaning and derogatory comments when working in the field. Here are just a few of their responses:

“As with any other job, being a female in a male dominated industry can be a little challenging in the way that we are not taken as seriously as our male counterparts. It is definitely something that can be overcome and is getting better every day with more and more female photographers getting out there and showing their talents.”

Tina Butera
Lifestyle, Family, & Portrait Photographer at Tina Butera Photography

“I think the biggest con of being a female photographer, particularly in New Hampshire which has a largely male corporate workforce, is just not being taken seriously.”

Kelly McCaskill
Owner & Lead Photographer at Ridgelight Studio

“Being a woman has made me have to work even harder to prove myself. There have been times people have assumed on shoots that I am a photo assistant and not the principal photographer. In the past, I even kept my photo off my website so prospective clients could only judge me on my work.”

Agnes Lopez
Food, Lifestyle, & Commercial Photographer at Agnes Lopez Photography

“I faced a lot of discredit even when I have explained I have won more than 50 international awards. Female aren’t expected to succeed, at least not in a market dominated by men…My most negative experience was when a guest stood up to me during the reception and simply asked me ‘Do you want to see my d*ck?’ in the most creepy way.

I simply left him waiting for my answer and ignored him the rest of the evening. He was the groom’s cousin and even had a speech after that. I really really hesitated to let the couple know but he never talked to me again so I didn’t.”

Amber
Adventure Elopement Photographer at Zephyr & Luna

“It doesn’t matter whether I am behind the camera or in front of it when I am modeling for my content, I have been catcalled hundreds of times almost for every photoshoot I have done outdoors. Street harassment is never a compliment and it also gives me a strong feeling that female photographers aren’t taken seriously as professionals when they are out there doing the hard work.

The most outrageous experience I had happened when my friend and I were shooting a campaign on Parisian streets a couple of years ago. When the cat-calling ended with us being spit on and cussed out by a couple of men who were denied to be a part of our ‘sweet lady shooting’.

It ruined our entire day and the most disappointing part was that we felt helpless, as even when police arrived, those guys were gone and the police just asked us to chill, because it did not constitute a crime that needed to be reported. Unfortunately, for some people, female photographers with cameras are just girls playing games that can be caught off guard and objectified at any time.”

Katie One
Fashion Photographer & Blogger at KatieOne.com

Being a “Bitch”

Another challenge faced is on the frontlines of business. Young girls have been raised with learned politeness that has clashed with running my business. People attempt to demand extra inconveniences of my effort and time. Friendliness can be mistaken for an appeasing personality. When I am stern and professional, I am “bitchy” or “bossy”.

It took awhile for me to learn and accept that I am the boss. I use my discretion to decide who I would like to work with. Entitled clients are not worth it. People that disrespect my prices and time are not the clients I want. In addition to entitlement, I have had blatant fraud artists attempt to scam me with counterfeit cashier’s checks.

Here is an example of the same scam artist, using a terrible script (it’s the misspelling of “wedding” that gives him/her away):

Fear of Safety

The most extreme weakness for being a woman in the portrait photography industry is fearing for my safety.

In severe cases, I have felt very vulnerable. I have received “queries” from men to photograph them nude. I have experienced attempts to lure me to isolate areas, offering me a significant amount more than my listed rates. I immediately deleted the more disturbing emails because they caused me distress, reminding me of a horrifying experience I had as a teenager on a photoshoot.

Here are a few of the leads:

When I decline to travel to their home, they become upset with me. I’ve been called terrible names and threatened when I decline or choose not to reply. I’ve been told to “eat a cup of sh*t, you stupid f*ck” after refusing to take nude photos of a man.

Being a woman in general, I’m always taking into account to not meet people in isolated areas, especially men. This influences the hesitation I feel to someday invest in my own studio because it would be a private, personal setting. I fear being mugged of my equipment, assaulted, kidnapped, or killed because I am a one-woman show, freelance photographer.

The Pros of Being a Woman Photographer

Photo Credit: Madison Stringfellow

Enough with the doom and gloom, there are many advantages to being a woman in photography. For example, models often seem more eager to work with me and trusting of my motives.

In Los Angeles, there is a community “blacklist” consisting of (mostly) male photographers that have been reported for sexual harassment and/or exploitation. This list exists within the social media community, typically circulated via Facebook groups. Woman to woman there is a general understanding that I am creating to create, not to sexualize.

Another advantage is the neurology of a woman’s brain. Our wiring is designed to be more active than a male brain, always scanning for details and assessing emotions (Different Brains, Different Behaviors: Why Women Lead Differently Than Men, 2017). I will immediately notice anything from a hair tie around someone’s wrist to a traffic cone in the distant background. I can easily connect with my subject and deliver a portrait that captures raw feelings.

Women tend to have a natural fashion sense and that helps when clients want input/opinions on coordinating outfits. We can be more intuitive to beauty, especially features of other women. I can fix hair or give facial instructions to realign a subject’s expression.

Photo Credit: Madison Stringfellow

I empathize with wanting to look the best you can. Women are our own worst critics. We often notice other aspects of beauty such as hair, eye expressions, and smiles. Whereas men tend to notice body features and their appearance first. I have worked with male photographers that have delivered me images of my face mid expression change, but my cleavage was bulging out. I asked myself if they even looked at my face when editing.

Men and women see the world differently. A woman’s work can manifest from feminine
energy and opposite perspectives. I personally don’t take anything at face value which leaves me constantly looking for a deeper message. This encourages visual storytelling about lives through portraiture. I place more poignant value on candid photographs as opposed to stills.

Photo Credit: Madison Stringfellow

Women have been recorded to have stronger emotional skills than men (Are Women More Emotionally Intelligent Than Men?, 2011) which helps in connecting to people on an empathetic level.

Agnes Lopez, a food, lifestyle, and commercial photographer, shares a similar viewpoint based on an unfortunately poor experience she had working with a male photographer:

“I used to work as a wardrobe stylist for several stock photography companies before I became a photographer. So I have worked with a lot of male photographers in the industry. I remember working on a shoot and the photographer got really frustrated with the young model. She started to cry and the photographer looked over to me to help calm her down and get her to do what he needed her to do.

I thought to myself, how can you get a good picture of someone if they are terrified of you. I would always observe the photographers and would think how I would do things differently or even better, haha. So I decided to pursue photography myself.”

One of my favorite parts about photography is the people I meet, along the opportunities I stumble upon. I’ve worked with minor celebrities and clients that have become close friends. I tend to focus on humanity in my work before technicalities.

The road with photography is infinite. It can range from suburban portrait photography,
high fashion photography, celebrity photography, travel photography, brand photography, photojournalism, activism, etc. It is very empowering to be a creator and have my work appreciated and acknowledged. I hope to someday create a platform I can use to raise awareness and encourage progression.

Photo Credit: Madison Stringfellow

The best thing about photography is there is no cap to growth. Technology development is accelerating and creativity is limitless. My advice to anyone working in photography is to never be an expert. Don’t bind yourself to the idea that you have mastered the skill. Always practice, learn, experiment and improve. Always innovate. Always create!

As Katie One, a fashion photographer and blogger, puts it: “There is always someone to doubt you, to think that you are not a ‘serious’ photographer and think of you as ‘a girl that plays with a camera’ but that should never get you. You are the boss and you should always find a way to do what you love the most.”

Photography Terms Glossary

Whether you’re new to photography or just looking to find the meaning of a particular photography term you’re unclear on, this glossary covers some of the most popular and commonly used terms used by photographers, providing an in-depth definition and resources you can follow to learn more about that specific topic.

To quickly find the term you’re looking for, use the links below to “jump” to the following letter:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Aperture

You can simply refer to aperture as the size of the lens opening. Think about it, much like a window; the larger the window, the more light it will let in. The same goes for a camera lens, the wider the opening, the more light it will let in, resulting in a brighter photograph and vice versa.

Image via B&H Photo Video

Aperture is measured using f-stops, which is a measure of the diameter of the lens opening. The larger the reading, the narrower the aperture. For instance, f/1.8 is wider than f/22. If you want a narrow focus resulting in a crisper image, you should use a higher f-stop (ex. f/8, f/11, f/22, etc.). A lower f-stop will let in more light, which can be useful in low-light situations or night photography.

Typical cameras lenses will have a minimum and maximum aperture of f/1.8 and f/22. The more expensive types of cameras will have a maximum of f/1.4 or larger. You will find such cameras very useful where the light conditions are low.

Recommended Resources:

• “Aperture in Photography Defined” – B&H Photo
• “Understanding Aperture in Photography” – Photography Life
• “The Ultimate Guide to Learning Photography: What Is Aperture?” – Creative Live

Aspect ratio 

The aspect ratio is the ratio of the height to the width. The camera sensors will determine the dimensions, but you can alter them in post-processing or in your camera settings. The typical ratio is 3:2 and 4:3.

Image via Expert Photography

If you are, for example, taking pictures for Instagram, you will go with 4:5 due to the multiple cropping. Many modern digital cameras will give you the option of 4:3, 3:2, or 16:9.

Recommended Resources:

• “Aspect Ratio: Why It’s Important in Photography” – Pretty Presets
• “A Beginner’s Guide to Aspect Ratio” – Canva
• “How Do Aspect Ratios Affect Your Photographs?” – Expert Photography

Button Focus

You probably already know that when you half-press the shutter button, your camera will autofocus. However, in some situations, you will want to take a photograph without the autofocus function. You can use back button focus in this scenario:

Image via ApogeePhoto

You can find the button on the back of your camera and will use it to focus on the image you want to photograph. You must, however, first disable the out-of-focus from the shutter button.

Depending on the specific camera you have, it will come as default on the AF-On button. Many professionals actually prefer to use the back-button focus rather than to rely on the autofocus.

Recommended Resources:

• “Back Button Focus Settings” – Melissa Kill
• “Back Button Focus Will Change The Way You Use Your Camera” – Creative Life
• “Improve Your Focus Using the Back Button Focus” – Apogee Photo

Bokeh

Bokeh refers to the rendering or visual quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image. It’s often an aesthetic quality that photographers aim for, and you can typically increase the amount of bokeh when zooming in on a subject using a zoom-lens.

Image via Photography Life

Recommended Resources:

• “How to Create Bokeh” – Nikon
• “Step by Step Guide to Beautiful Bokeh” – Expert Photography
• “The Ultimate Guide to Bokeh” – fStoppers

Bracketing

Bracketing refers to the situation where you take a series of pictures in a sequence but with some variations.  For example, you could use different shutter speeds to take multiple images with varying levels of brightness, which is known as exposure bracketing.

Image via We Are So Photo

Most cameras have a bracketing menu that will allow you to capture bracketed pictures in a row automatically.

In focus bracketing, your aim is to shoot sequential images at different distances. Some of the settings for bracketing include ⅓, ½, and full-stop increments. The advantage of bracketing is that you ensure that you capture the image in the right exposure.

Recommended Resources:

• “Bracketing Explained: What You Need to Know About Maximizing Detail” – TechRadar
• “Bracketing – What Is It and What to do with the Images?” – Digital Photography School
• “When to Use Bracketing for the Best Results” – Photography Life

Burst Mode

With burst mode, you can continue snapping photos as long as you hold down the button. However, you can only continue to take pictures until the buffer is full. The speed will depend on the type of camera you have and is measured in with the frames-per-second (FPS). For example, 6 FPS would mean you can snap 6 images per second.

Image via How-To Geeks

Burst mode can be a great option for capturing quick moving objects, making it perfect for nature or sports photography.

Recommended Resources:

• “Burst Mode: What It Is and How to Use It” – Lifewire
• “How To Use Burst Mode for Perfectly-Timed Shots” – Expert Photography
• “Shooting in Burst Mode” – Digital Photo Secrets

Candid

Candid photography is when you take a picture without the subject posing for it. You will find many photographers using candid portraits for social occasions such as weddings, events, and birthdays.

Image via Pexels

Recommended Resources:

• “What is Candid Photography?” – Photography Talk
• “11 Tips for Better Candid Photography” – Digital Photography
• “10 Tips for Becoming a Candid Photography Pro” – Expert Photography

Card Reader

A card reader is a device that will allow you to transfer data from your camera memory card to your external storage on your computer or external hard drive.

Image via Pexels

Recommended Resources:

• “The Best Memory Card Readers on the Market” – Popular Photography
• “The Best Memory Card Readers: Get Your Images on to Your Computer the Easy Way” -Digital Camera World
• “The Best Memory Card Readers for Photography and Video” – Shutterstock

Chimping

You may have observed some photographers constantly check the camera display every time they take a single shot. It is especially prevalent among beginners. This act is sometimes referred to as “chimping” because photographers will look at their camera while saying “Ooh, ooh, ooh!” like a chimpanzee.

Image via The Discerning Photographer

Recommended Resources:

• “Pros and Cons of Chimping – What is it and How it Can Hurt or Help You?” – Digital Photography
• “Three Main Reasons to Stop Chimping Right Now” – DIY Photography
• “Is Chimping in Photography Good or Bad?” – Photography Life

Composition

Composition is how you arrange the elements in your photograph. Some features in the picture will immediately attract more attention and therefore have more visual weight. The correct arrangement of the visual weight will determine the kind of image you take. The purpose of the picture will determine the composition.

Image via PetaPixel

Recommended Resources:

• “20 Composition techniques That Will Improve Your Photos” – Petapixel
• “6 Essential Composition Rules You Need to Know” – Shutterstock
• “Learning Composition in Photography- Practical Guide” – Photo Traces

Contrast

Contrast is the difference between light and shadows in an image. When there is high contrast, you get an emphasis on the variation, thus stronger texture and color. Low contrast pictures, on the other hand, may look dull in appearance.

Image via Expert Photography

Recommended Resources:

• “Contrast in Photography” – Picture Correct
• “What is Contrast in Photography and How to Use it Correctly”  – Expert Photography
• “Low Contrast Photography and How to Correct it in Post-Production” – Petapixel

Depth of Field (DOF)

When you focus your camera on a particular image, you will see that some of the objects are very close, while others are very far away.  The distance between the foreground and background is the Depth of Field (DOF).

The aperture and distance to the subject will determine the DOF. You can control the DOF by increasing or narrowing the aperture. The wider the aperture, the narrower the DOF.

Image via Expert Photography

Recommended Resources:

• “What is Depth of Field?” – Digital Camera World
• “Understand Depth of Field (And Its Creative Uses!)” – Expert Photography
• “Understanding Depth of Field- A Beginner’s Guide”  – Photography Life

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the device that will control the aperture. Most modern DSLR cameras have an iris diaphragm that allows you to increase or decrease the aperture due to the overlapping blades.

Recommended Resources:

• “Definition Diaphragm”– Photokonnexion
• “How the Diaphragm In Photography Works”– Photographer Agency
• “Understanding Camera Exposure” – Exposure guide

DSLR Cameras

Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) are some of the most popular cameras in the market today.  You get a digital sensor and reflex mirror, which will direct light to the optical viewfinder from the lens.

Image via Precision Camera & Video

Recommended Resources:

• “What is a DSLR Camera and How Is It Different From Mirrorless?” – Digital Trends
• “What Makes a DSLR Better Than Other Cameras?” – Science ABC
• “Best DSLR Camera 2019: Best Cameras to Suit All Budgets”  – Tech Radar

Dynamic Range

The dynamic range is the difference between the darkest and lightest values in an image, and this term is usually used in reference to a camera’s ability.

Image via How-To Geek

This is measured in “stops.” Dynamic range is most effective when taking photos with high contrast, and cameras with a higher dynamic range will produce the most detailed pictures.

Recommended Resources:

• “Dynamic Range Photography Explained” – Adorama
• “What is Dynamic Range in Photography?” – How-To Geek
• “Dynamic Range Explained” – B&H

Exposure

Exposure refers to how much light reaches the camera sensor.  It determines how bright or dark the final image is. Shutter speed, ISO, and aperture determine the exposure. You can also specify the exposure levels manually, automatically, or through the use of shutter and aperture priority.

Image via Exposure Guide

Recommended Resources:

• “The Exposure Triangle: A Beginner’s Guide” – Photography Life
• “Exposure Guide”  – Exposure Guide
• “Step-by-Step Guide to Long Exposure Photography” – Digital Photography School

Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is a setting that allows the camera to brighten or darken the image, depending on your settings. For example, if you are taking a picture and you realize that the light is too bright, you can input negative exposure compensation to take a darker photo. The typical camera will allow the use of compensation of 1/2, 1/3, or full-stop increments.

Image via REI

Recommended Resources:

• “What is Exposure Compensation and How to Use It” – Photography Life
• “Exposure Compensation” – Imaging Nikon
• “How to Understand Your Camera’s Exposure Compensation Feature” – Digital Photography School

F-Stop

Sometimes referred to as the F-Number, F-Stop is the ratio of the lens focal length to the diameter of the pupil. In simpler terms, F-Stop is the number your camera gives when you change the aperture. When displayed on a camera, you will see the F-Stop written as a fraction like “f/8, f/2, or f/22.” Since it is expressed in terms of fractions, and f/8 would be larger than an f/22.

Image via Expert Photography

Recommended Resources:

• “What is F-Stop and How Does It Work?” – Photography Life
• “Understanding F-Stops: How To Use F-Stops in Photography” – Master Class
• “Cheat Sheet: How To Understand F-Stops” – Digital Camera World

Filters

Filters are the attachments you put on the front or back of your camera. They impact the quality of light, which reaches your sensor while others will prevent scratches on your lenses. Typically you find filters made of plastic, resin, or glass.

Image via Camera Gear Store

Most cameras will allow you to attach the filter without any special requirements. Others will require that you have a separate mounting system to utilize them. There are different types of filters available, and one such filter is the polarizer, which will accentuate or block polarized light. You reduce the haze and reflections in your photo. Other types of filters include dark or neutral density filters, color, and graduated filters.

Recommended Resources:

• “A Beginner’s Guide to Camera Lens Filters” – Adorama
• “The Best Camera Filters for DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras” – Digital Trends
• “Choosing a Camera Lens Filter” – Cambridge in Colour

Focal Length

The focal length, typically expressed in millimeters (mm), is a system used to measure the distance between the center of the lens and the sensor of the camera. Focal length is used to describe the angle of view of a lens, not the physical size of a lens.

Image via Nikon

Recommended Resources:

• “Understanding Focal Length” – Nikon
• “What is Focal Length in Photography?” – Photography Life
• “How to Understand Focal Length (In Four Easy Steps)”– Expert Photography

Focusing

You cannot get the right picture without focusing. Many lenses will only allow you to focus on a particular distance each time while anything outside the range will lose focus.

Most cameras will give you a wide range of out-of-focus options, including single-servo versus continuous-servo AF, which will tell the camera to auto-focus on a stationary object or to move when your subject moves.

If you are taking photographs of landscapes, you will most likely use the single-servo, or if, you are capturing movement, you will most likely use the continuous option. Other options for focusing include single autofocus point, automatic autofocus points, and 3D tracking autofocus points.

Image via ShutterRunner

Recommended Resources:

• “Camera Focusing for Beginners” – Amateur Photographer
• “How Focus Works” – B&H
• “Understanding Focus in Photography” – Photography Life

GIF

A GIF or Graphic Interchange Format is an image file that you can use to create still or animated images.

Image via TwistedSifter

You get no sound, and if you code it in a certain way, you can load sequential pictures. You would typically use them for entertainment purposes, and they are a fantastic way to create memes. GIFs are 8-bit 256 colors.

Recommended Resources:

• “Everything You Need to Know About GIFs Explained in GIFs”  – Mic
• “GIFs: A Simple But Powerful Communications Tool” – Explain Everything
• “What is a GIF, and How Do You Use Them?” – How-to Geek

Golden Hour (or Magic Hour)

Image via Ryan Loughlin

Sunset and sunrise photos are popular with most people who consider themselves photographers, but to capture that perfect shot, you need to be at the right place during the golden hour. This is the period right before sunset and sunrise when the sun is low on the horizon, and you get light with a red or orangish shade.

Recommended Resources:

• “Golden Hour (Photography)”  – Wikipedia
• “How To Get the Most Out of Photographing at Golden Hour” – Digital Trends
• “Calculate Your Local Golden Hour” – Petapixel

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

Camera sensors cannot necessarily distinguish features in the same way the human eye can.  When you are focusing on an image that has some shadows, you have the option of capturing either the image or shadow, resulting in poor exposure of the other.

You can correct this problem by creating a high dynamic range (HDR) images. It requires that you take two photographs and blend them together so that you utilize the parts with the best exposure. You will need the right software to do this, such as Photoshop. The trick to getting the right images is to take as many HDR photos as you can so that you capture the movement for easy blending.

Image via Exposure Guide

Recommended Resources:

• “What is HDR Photography?” – Digital Trends
• “HDR Photography”  – Stuck in Customs
• “10 Common HDR Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them” – Expert Photography

Hot Shoe

You will find the hot shoe at the top of the camera, and it allows you to mount or trigger different devices. Such devices include wireless transmitters, electronic flashes, GPS devices, standard microphones, viewfinders, and field monitors.

Image via Photokonnexion

Recommended Resources:

• “What Is The Hot Shoe? (and How You Can Use It!)” – Expert Photography
• “What is the Hotshoe?” – Improve Photography
• “What is A Hot Shoe Flash” – Shutter Muse

Hyperfocal

Hyperfocal refers to the distance where the focus provides a deeper depth of field. You will find landscape photographers using it so the scenes are as sharp as possible.

Image via Martin Bailey Photography

Recommended Resources:

• “Understanding Your Camera’s Hyperfocal Distance” – Cambridge in Colour
• “Hyperfocal Distance Explained” – Photography Life
• “Understanding Hyperfocal Distance (Podcast 437)”  – Martin Bailey Photography

Image Stabilization 

If you do not have a very steady hand when holding your camera, you will need the image stabilization feature. The different kinds of stabilization features include emergency stabilization, which is in the lenses and will work by moving the lens elements to compensate for any movement.

Image via Premium Beat

You will also find body or IBIS stabilization that will move the sensor.  Not only does it stabilize the camera, but you will also find the picture very useful in low light conditions.

Recommended Resources:

• “Image Stabilization: When to Use it and When to Turn it Off” – B&H
• “How to Stabilize Your Camera for Sharper Images”– Photography Talk
• “Easy Guide to Understanding Lens Stabilization vs. In Camera Stabilization” – Expert Photography

ISO

ISO refers to the light sensitivity levels of the camera. A camera that has ISO 100 is not sensitive to light and is excellent for daytime shooting. An ISO 3200 camera is very sensitive and is fantastic for low-light conditions. To get the right kind of exposure, you need to balance the ISO with shutter speed and aperture.

Image via Digital Photography School

Recommended Resources:

• “What is ISO? Settings in Digital Photography”– Digital Photography School
• “What is ISO?”– Digital Trends
• “What is the Best ISO to use?” – Image Maven

Jaggies

Jaggies refers to how curves or angles will appear in a digital image. They usually take the appearance of a staircase, and the number of pixels will determine their appearance. You will often find jaggies in photographs you take at lower resolving powers.

Image via Definition.net

Recommended Resources:

• “How to Avoid ‘Jaggies’: Turning on Anti-Aliasing” – Mojoprint
• “What are Jaggies?” – Techopedia
• “Aliasing: Should You Be Concerned About Jaggies?” – Photo Review

JPEG

Many people will save image files using the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). It is the default format for many photographs, but they have the main disadvantage of being heavily compressed.

You only get to see an 8-bit color, unlike other cameras that can give you up to 14-bit color. The latter will provide you with access to 16,384 shades of red, green, and blue, while the former only gives you access to 256 shades of the same. The main advantage with JPEG is that the files are small in size, and you will not have compatibility issues with many applications.

Image via Kinsta

Recommended Resources:

• “Convert Image to JPEG” – Online Utility
• “JPG vs JPEG: Understanding the Most Common Image File Format” – Kinsta
• “Pros and Cons of JPEG Image Compression”– Byte Scout

Lens Flare

When you use a mirror in the dark and have multiple sources of light on, you will get some flare due to the light bouncing off the surface of the mirror. The same situation may occur in camera lenses, although some have multiple anti-reflective coatings that reduce or minimize the reflection.

Lens flare is not always a negative thing because it can result in some pretty amazing pictures, especially where landscapes are concerned. It can interfere with the subject matter and the quality of the image. You must invest in a camera with the right kind of anti-reflective coating to take care of this problem.

Image via PictureCorrect

Recommended Resources:

• “Understanding Lens Flare”– Photography Life
• “Lens Flare- Good or Bad?” – Diana Elizabeth Blog
• “Understanding Camera Lens Flare” – Cambridge in Colour

Light

Any picture you take is highly dependent on the light. That is why you see professionals carry around equipment to ensure that they get the right quality of light.

Image via DIY Photography

It is also not strange to hear a photographer insist that he or she needs to take pictures at a particular time to capture the best light. If you look at it in the broad sense, there is really nothing like good or bad light because it will depend on the type of picture you want to take.

Recommended Resources:

• “The Ultimate Guide to Learning Photography: Lighting for Beginners”– Creativelive
• “12 Tips for Indoor Natural Light Photography”– Digital Photography School
• “5 Lighting Tips to Improve Your Photography” – Picture Correct

Long Exposure

Long exposure is a technique that uses shutter speeds of more than thirty seconds to create a blurred effect on moving elements. This technique is commonly used for light or water subjects, but there are numerous other uses for it.

Image via Exposure Guide

Recommended Resources:

• “What is Long Exposure Photography?” – Creative Photographer
• “Long Exposure Photography Tips” – Exposure Guide
• “Ultimate Guide to Long Exposure Photography” – Capture Landscapes

Macro Lens

A macro lens is a lens that is optimized for taking extreme close-up shots of small subjects. The focus of a macro lens is much closer, which allows you to fill a frame while capturing as much detail as possible. Macro lenses are great for capturing product and nature images.

Image via FotoZZoom

Recommended Resources:

• “Macro Lenses” – Photography Mad
• “What is a Macro Lens? Everything You Need To Know as a Beginner” – BL Blog
• “Complete Guide to Macro Photography for Beginners” – Photography Life
• “The Ultimate Guide to Macro Photography (137 Best Tips)” – Expert Photography

Metering

There is a particular way your camera will read light, especially with regards to darkness, contrast, and brightness. It will suggest the exposure so the final picture has the right level of intensity.

Image via Matador Network

Most cameras have a default setting of mid-gray because the metering system may face some confusion when there is too much black or white in the scene. The result is white or black scenes end up being grey. It is at this time you should take advantage of exposure compensation for the right exposure.

Recommended Resources:

• “Understanding Metering and Metering Modes” – Photography Life
• “A Basic Introduction to Understanding Metering Modes” – Zukus
• “Metering Mode” – Wikipedia

Megapixels

Simply put, megapixels are the resolution of the camera sensor. Expert photographers will tell you that while it is essential, the sensor size has a more significant role to play in regards to the quality of the image.

Image via Photography Life

Recommended Resources:

• “What Are Megapixels? How Many Do I Need?” – Veprit
• “An Explanation of Megapixels and How They Affect Photos” – The Spruce Crafts
• “How Many Megapixels Do You REALLY Need?” – Photo Review

Noise

Noise is the random variation in brightness or color that can sometimes result in a grainy veil that obscures details in photos. Although it’s impossible to have a picture without some noise, it’s important to note an extreme amount of noise will make any picture unusable.

Image via Photography Life

Recommended Resources:

• “Digital Noise: What is it & How to Correct It” – Cole’s Classroom
• “Noise in Photography: What it is and How to Correct It”– Capture the Atlas
• “Digital Camera Image Noise: Concept and Types” – Cambridge in Colour

Overexposure

Referring to the brightness of an image, overexposure means the image is extremely bright, or in some instances, parts of the photo are pure white.

Image via SLR Lounge

This can be used as a technique for photographers, if they want an extremely bright image, but it typically refers to an image that is brighter than it is supposed to be.

Recommended Resources:

• “15 Creative Uses of Overexposure” – Digital Photography School
• “Underexposure vs Overexposure: Everything You Need to Know”– Expert Photography
• “Photography 101: Underexposure vs Overexposure” – The Spruce Crafts

PNG

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It’s a file type commonly used for web images because it creates a larger file, however, it’s not typically great for print images as the pictures may become distorted.

Image via IvanExpert

Recommended Resources:

• “JPEG vs PNG: When and Why to Use One Format Over the Other” – Digital Trends
• “Web Designer’s GUide to PNG Image Format” – WebFX
• “What is a PNG (Portable Network Graphics)?” – WhatIs.com

Panning

Panning is the continual horizontal movement of a camera scanning a moving subject. It’s used to create the feeling of motion without blurring the subject of the photo.

Image via Digital Photography School

Recommended Resources:

• “Mastering Panning- How to Photograph Moving Subjects” – Digital Photography School
• “What is Panning?” – Corel Discovery
• “6 Tips to Master Panning Photography” – Digital Photography School

Prime Lens

A prime lens is a fixed focal length, which means they are optimized to a specific focal length. Unlike a zoom lens, a prime lens generally has better optical performance with sharper images.

Image via Digital Photography School

Recommended Resources:

• “9 Things You Should Know About Using Prime Lenses” – Tech Radar
• “Prime Lens 101” – B&H
• “8 Reasons to Use a Prime Lens” – Photography Concentrate

RAW

A RAW file is an uncompressed version of an image file that allows for greater control over the final image. RAW allows for more control over white balance adjustments, sharpness and noise adjustments, as well as image data. Compared to a JPG image, however, RAW files take up more space and aren’t universally compatible.

Image via Finding the Universe

Recommended Resources:

• “10 Reasons Why You Should Be Shooting in Raw” – Photography Concentrate
• “What is RAW Photography?” – Icon Photography School
• “RAW vs JPEG: The Ultimate Visual Guide” – SLR Lounge

Red Eye

Red-eye refers to the effect a flash may have on the eyes of a photographic subject. The red-eye effect is typically associated with point-and-shoot cameras and pop-up flash attachments on DSLR cameras.

Image via Photokonnexion

This happens when the light from the camera flash is reflected off the back of the eye into the camera lens. Although it can be annoying to deal with, red eye is easily removed with post-processing software.

Recommended Resources:

• “How to Fix the Red Eye Effect in Photos” – All About Vision
• “What is Red Eye and How Can You Prevent It?” – The Spruce Crafts
• “The Red Eye Effect: What It Is, Avoiding It, and Removing It” – Photography Mad

Resolution

Resolution is the measurement of the pixel plane, and is used for measuring in most equipment like cameras, scanners, and digital images. Resolution is measured in pixels, which means the higher the pixel, the better the resolution. Resolution plays a big role in editing images, especially when resizing pictures.

Image via University of Michigan

Recommended Resources:

• “Resolution: Understanding Resolution in Digital Photography” – Exposure Guide
• “Resolution in Photography” – Photography Course
• “De-Mystifying Resolution in Photography” – Picture Correct

Saturation

Saturation is the intensity of a color. The color is more vivid with higher saturation, and closer to gray when the saturation is low.

Image via Medium

This is another key component when editing photos, and it’s important to understand saturation so you can avoid over-saturating a picture. When the colors in the picture are too vivid from saturation, the photo is distorted and looks unnatural to the viewer.

Recommended Resources:

• “What Do We Mean By Saturation When Talking About Saturation?” – Shuttermuse
• “What is Saturation? And How to Get Optimal Saturation”– Photography Life
• “Photo Processing Basics: Use Hue and Saturation Effectively” – Outdoor Photographer

Shutter

A shutter is part of the camera that allows light to pass for a period of time, which exposes the sensor to light, making it possible for a permanent image to be created. There are different types of camera shutters, and the two most common are leaf shutters and focal plane shutters.

Image via Premium Beat

Recommended Resources:

• “Photography Basics 101: Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed” – Improve Photography
• “Shutter: Photography” – Britannica
• “Camera Shutter Types” – Digital Photography Tips

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter remains open, which can be controlled to capture different kinds of images. Shutter speed is measured in seconds, and by changing the speed, a camera is able to capture moving subject or low light images more effectively.

Image via VirtualPhotographyStudio

Recommended Resources:

• “Understanding Shutter Speed for Beginners”– Photography Life
• “What is Shutter Speed?” – Creative Live
• “Shutter Speed Explained for the Beginning Photographer” – Photography Talk

Telephoto Lens

A telephoto lens is a lens with a long reach, which can be used to magnify and capture a subject that is far away. Telephoto lenses are great for nature photography or getting action shots at sporting events, as well as just adding distance between you and your subject if needed.

Image via BorrowLenses

Recommended Resources:

• “What is a Telephoto Lens and Why Should I Use One?” – BL Blog
• “Photography 101: What is a Telephoto Lens?” – Masterclass
• “How to Maximize Sharpness with a Telephoto Lens” – Digital Photography School

Time-Lapse

Time-lapse is a series of photos taken over a period of time. The period of time can be minutes, hours, or even days. When the series of photos is played back, time seems to move at a faster rate than which the series was taken.

Image via Giphy

Recommended Resources:

• “Time-Lapse Photography: How to Make Your First Time-Lapse Video” – DIgital Camera World
• “The Complete Guide to Time-Lapse Photography” – Expert Photography
• “10 Tips for Shooting Time-Lapse” – Enrique Pacheco

Tonal Range

The tonal range is used to describe color quality and the tones ranging from the darkest and the shadows to the highlights and brightest whites.

Image via Digital Photography School

Whites are the brightest part of an image, where details are indiscernible, while highlights are the bright areas where the texture and detail can still be seen. In contrast, blacks are the darkest parts of an image, while shadows are dark areas with discernable details and texture.

Recommended Resources:

• “Light & Photography: Exposure and Tonal Range” – Envatotuts+
• “Dynamic Range and Tonal Range in Digital Photography” – Lifewire
• “Expanding Photography’s Tonal Range” – Outdoor Photographer

Viewfinder

A viewfinder is the part of the camera used to focus and compose the subject of an image. Viewfinders can be optical or electronic. Optical viewfinders are common on DSLR cameras, and they allow you to see precisely what is in the shot by looking through the lens. Electronic viewfinders are typically displayed on the LCD screen.

Image via Improve Photography

Recommended Resources:

• “How to Easily Understand and Use the Camera Viewfinder” – Expert Photography
• “7 Things You Need to Know About Electronic Viewfinders” – Photography Concentrate
• “Should I Use the LCD or Viewfinder on my Digital Camera?” – Digital Photography School

Watermark

A watermark is an image, text, or logo placed over a photo to make it more difficult to copy or use the photo without the photographer’s permission.

Image via Computer Hope

Recommended Resources:

• “The Pros and Cons of Watermarks on Photographs” – B&H
• “Watermark Photos? Should You or Shouldn’t You?” – Digital Photography Tips
• “Photography Watermarks — Why Do You Need a Photography Watermark?” – Fix the Photo

White Balance

White balance is the adjustment of colors for a natural looking image, as well as the camera’s ability to color correct in different lighting conditions. The temperature of a color affects how an image will turn out, which in turn may require white balance adjustments to make the image look more natural.

Image via Photography Life

Recommended Resources:

• “Understanding White Balance” – Cambridge in Colour
• “What is White Balance?” – Nikon
• “Introduction to White Balance” – Digital Photography School

Wide Angle Lens

A wide angle lens has a short focal point with a wide field of view. This lens can be used to capture more of a scene while allowing for close-up detail without eliminating the background of a photo.

Image via Adorama

Recommended Resources:

• “5 Mistakes Beginners Make with Wide Angle Lenses and How to Avoid Them” – Photo Mentor
• “What is a Wide Angle Lens? (And When To Use One)” – Expert Photography
• “10 Tips for Shooting Wide-Angle” – Improve Photography

Zoom Lens

A zoom lens can vary its focal length and angle of view by physically moving the optic elements. A zoom lens covers a range of focal lengths, which allows you to take varying pictures without having to switch out lenses to get a different length or angle.

Image via Photography Life

Typically, a zoom lens is not as sharp as a prime lens, but it’s nice to use a zoom lens for event photography or photojournalism when you need to be able to switch angles quickly.

Recommended Resources:

• “What is a Zoom Lens and When Do You Need One?” – Expert Photography
• “Primes Versus Zoom Lenses: Which Lens to Use and Why” – Digital Photography School
• “What is a Zoom Lens? When and Why to Choose a Zoom Lens?” – Sigma Blog