Photography, lighting, flash & techniques Flashcards
What are the two types of photography mentioned?
35mm wet (film) & digital
What is a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera?
Typically uses a mirror and prism system, allowing you to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured.
What is the angle of view in photography?
The area of the subject that is projected onto the camera’s sensor by the lens.
What does a Charged Couple Device (CCD) do?
It is used in digital SLR cameras instead of film.
Why are tripods essential in photography?
They are essential for longer exposures when using low shutter speeds (below 1/60) in low-light conditions to avoid camera shake and ensure sharp images.
What is the purpose of a 50mm lens?
It minimizes distortion and provides a ‘true-to-life’ representation of size and perspective.
What is a macro lens used for?
It is used for capturing intricate evidence, such as fingerprints.
What does ISO measure in photography?
The quality of film and how sensitive it is to light.
What is the effect of a lower ISO (e.g., ISO 100)?
Lower sensitivity of film, ideal for bright conditions, producing high-quality images with little noise.
What is the effect of a higher ISO (e.g., ISO 1600)?
Increases sensitivity, ideal for low-light conditions, but can lead to digital noise or graininess.
What is a diaphragm in photography?
It is a component on the lens that opens and closes to let in light.
What is an aperture?
The hole created by the diaphragm.
What does the F stop indicate?
The size of the aperture.
What happens with a high F stop (e.g., f/32)?
It results in a small aperture, allowing less light in, leading to a slower shutter speed and good depth of field.
What happens with a low F stop (e.g., f/1.4)?
It results in a large aperture, allowing lots of light in, leading to a faster shutter speed and poor depth of field.
What is shutter speed?
The duration for which light is allowed to fall on the camera film or CCD.
How does shutter speed affect exposure?
Short shutter speed allows less time for light to land, while longer shutter speed results in a brighter photo.
What is exposure in photography?
Controlled by shutter speed, aperture, and ISO; it determines the lightness or darkness of an image.
What does a light/exposure meter do?
Measures the amount of light.
What does it mean if an image is overexposed?
The film has been exposed to light for too long.
What does it mean if an image is underexposed?
The film has been exposed to light for too little time.
What is focal length?
The distance from the optical center of the lens to the sensor (or film) when focused on an object (mm).
What is magnification in photography?
The relationship between the size of the subject projection on the imaging sensor and the subject size in reality.
What is transmission in photography?
Light passing through a material.
What is absorption in photography?
When light is taken in by a material and converted into another form of energy, usually heat.
What is reflection in photography?
When light bounces off the surface of a material.
What is refraction?
The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, causing light waves to change direction.
What is the purpose of lighting in photography?
To illuminate details, enhance visibility, and capture clear, accurate images of evidence and scenes.
What is natural lighting ideal for?
It is ideal for scene photos, preserving colors and shadows as they naturally appear.
What is ambient light?
Provides a base level of illumination that can be augmented with flash as needed.
What is oblique lighting?
Involves positioning the light source at a low angle (10-45 degrees) to the subject; effective for capturing textures and surface details.
What is transmitted lighting?
Light shone through a transparent or translucent object, often from behind, providing shadow-free highlights of internal details.
What are alternative light sources (ALS)?
Uses specific wavelengths (e.g., ultraviolet or infrared) to reveal evidence not visible under standard lighting.
What is the purpose of previewing a photograph?
To adjust lighting and angles before taking the final photo to see how different setups affect shadows, details, and overall image.
What is direct flash?
Aimed directly at the subject, producing strong, bright light but can cause harsh shadows and reflections.
What is fill-in flash?
Aimed to fill in shadowed areas without overpowering the ambient light; useful in daylight.
What is bounced flash?
Flash directed at a surface to create softer, diffused light, reducing harsh shadows and reflections.
What is balanced flash?
Ideal for scenes with different lighting areas, such as looking into a dark interior from a bright exterior.
What is reversed balanced flash?
Photo taken from inside a dark area looking out, e.g., through a window.
What is quartering in photography?
Ensuring all corners are covered by taking pictures of opposite corners.
What is composition in photography?
How elements in a photo are arranged within the frame.
What is the rule of thirds?
Creates intersections where important elements should be placed, helping to create depth and prevent visual imbalance.
What does ‘fill the frame’ mean?
Avoiding empty spaces in the photograph.
Why is landscape preferred for crime scenes?
It provides a wide view, capturing more of the scene.
What is depth of field (DoF)?
The range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp.
How does a smaller aperture affect depth of field?
Increases DoF, keeping more of the scene in focus.
How does a wider aperture affect depth of field?
Creates shallow DoF, blurring the background to emphasize specific details.
How does focal length affect depth of field?
Longer focal lengths decrease DoF, while shorter focal lengths increase DoF.
How does distance from the subject affect depth of field?
Moving closer narrows DoF, while moving further back deepens DoF.
What is shallow depth of field used for?
Close-up detailed images where the background is blurred to make the subject stand out.
What is deep depth of field used for?
Capturing entire crime scenes where all elements remain in focus.
What is a scaled image?
A photo taken to accurately document evidence size and detail.
How should the camera be positioned for a scaled image?
The lens must be parallel to the evidence surface to avoid perspective distortion.
What is essential for footwear photography?
Using a tripod, a 50mm lens, narrow aperture, low ISO, oblique lighting, and multiple angles.
What should be marked in footwear photography?
Locations in images to show evidence position.
