Saturation – Saturation refers to the colour intensity of an image. As their saturation increases, colours appear more vivid and are considered purer. Decreasing saturation results in muted colours, with full desaturation giving a monochromatic version of the image.

Scene modes – Scene modes are automatic camera modes with pre-set exposure values based on different types of situations and subjects. These modes are aimed to help amateur photographers achieve the optimum exposure and DOF without having to control any of the settings.

Scrims – Scrims are translucent fabric panels or screens used in photography and cinematography to diffuse and soften harsh light sources, such as sunlight or studio lights, for producing flattering, evenly illuminated portraits, still lifes, and scenes. Scrims reduce contrast, diffuse shadows, and eliminate specular highlights by scattering and diffusing light rays, creating soft, diffused illumination with smooth transitions between light and shadow areas.

Shutter speed – Shutter speed is the length of time a camera sensor is exposed to light when taking a photo. Slow shutter speeds capture the blur of subjects in motion, making it highly valuable for night and landscape photographers. On the other hand, high speeds allow photographers to freeze a single millisecond in time, which is usually an absolute must in fields such as sports and pet photography.

Stops – A stop is a unit of measurement used to quantify changes in exposure settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. Each stop represents a doubling or halving of the amount of light reaching the camera sensor, resulting in a corresponding change in exposure.

Stop bath – Stop bath is a chemical solution used in film and print development processes to halt the development reaction and stabilize the image after the film or paper has been exposed to the developer solution.

Shutter – The shutter is a mechanical or electronic device in cameras that controls the duration of exposure by regulating the amount of time the camera’s image sensor or film is exposed to light.

Softbox – A softbox is a lighting accessory used in studio photography to diffuse and soften artificial light sources, such as studio strobes or continuous lights, for creating flattering, evenly illuminated portraits, still lifes, and product shots.

Strip Box – A strip box, also known as a narrow softbox or a strip softbox, is a specialized lighting modifier used in studio photography to produce controlled, directional light with a narrow, elongated beam spread for accentuating and highlighting specific areas or subjects in the scene.

Spot Metering – Spot metering is a camera metering mode that measures the brightness of a small, specific area or spot within the frame to determine the optimal exposure settings for capturing a well-exposed image.

Street Photography – Street photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing candid, unposed moments and scenes of everyday life in public spaces, streets, urban environments, and cultural events. Want to avoid the most common mistakes in Street Photography – read our full blog here.

Strobe – A strobe, also known as a studio strobe or flash unit, is a powerful artificial lighting device used in photography to produce intense bursts of light for illuminating subjects, freezing motion, and creating dramatic lighting effects.

Stacking – Stacking is a digital image processing technique used in photography to combine multiple exposures or images of the same scene to improve image quality, increase detail, and reduce noise or artefacts.

Sharpness – Sharpness in photography refers to the clarity, detail, and definition of edges and fine textures within an image, indicating the degree of focus and resolution captured by the camera lens and sensor.

Sensor – The electronic component within a digital camera that captures and converts light into electrical signals, forming digital image files.

Sports Photography – Sports photography is a genre of photography focused on capturing action-packed moments, sporting events, and athletic performances, showcasing the intensity, athleticism, and emotion of sports and outdoor activities.

Still Life Photography – Still life photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing inanimate objects, arrangements, and compositions arranged in a controlled setting, such as a studio or tabletop setup.

Snoot – A snoot is a lighting modifier used in photography to control and direct artificial light into a narrow, focused beam with minimal spill and soft edges, typically for highlighting or accentuating specific subjects or areas within the frame.

Star Trails – Star trails are long-exposure photographs that capture the apparent movement of stars across the night sky due to the Earth’s rotation, resulting in streaks or trails of light formed by the cumulative effect of multiple exposures over time. Interested in capturing the stars? Check out our Astrophotography course!