Bokeh – Bokeh is an optical phenomenon that makes bright out-of-focus elements aesthetically pleasing. Using a fast lens at its wider aperture turns a busy background into a blurred, homogenic canvas where light appears as soft shapes. The form of these points of lights is determined by the number of blades in the diaphragm – the higher the number, the more circular these elements will appear. To learn about creating bokeh in your own photography, check out our tutorial!

Bracketing – Bracketing is the action of capturing the same shot using different exposure values to make sure the whole scene is exposed properly. Bracketing can be done manually or using the auto exposure bracketing (AEB) function. In most cameras, AEB allows photographers to select the exposure compensation for the additional shots, which are taken automatically as you press the shutter release. For most compositions, a 1/3 exposure compensation is the way to go.

Bulb – Bulb is a camera setting that holds the shutter open for as long as the shutter release button is pressed. In some cases, the shutter release needs to be pressed once to open the shutter and once to close it, rather than remaining pushed down. This mode allows photographers to capture longer exposures than the ones offered by the camera (usually up to 30”). Looking to finesse your Long Exposure photography? Check out our course!

Burst rate – Burst rate is the number of consecutive shots a camera can take in continuous shooting mode. When using this mode, images are stored in a high-speed buffer memory before being transferred to the memory card. Once the buffer is full, the camera will reduce the FPS to give it enough time to free space. Burst rate can be affected by image formats, as it depends on the file size, as well as by the speed of the memory card used.

Bridge Camera – A bridge camera is a type of digital camera that bridges the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and DSLRs. It typically features a fixed lens with a versatile zoom range, manual controls for exposure settings, and advanced features such as image stabilization and electronic viewfinders.

Buffer – A temporary storage area in a digital camera’s memory where images are held before being written to the memory card. A larger buffer allows the camera to capture a series of images in rapid succession without waiting for the previous images to be fully processed and written to the memory card.

Bleach – In traditional film photography, bleach is a chemical solution used in the bleaching step of the colour development process. Bleach removes the metallic silver from the developed film or print, leaving behind a transparent image with only the dye colours remaining.

Burn – Burning is a darkroom technique used in film photography to selectively increase the exposure of specific areas of a print. By exposing certain areas of the print to additional light during printing, the photographer can darken or intensify those areas to adjust the overall contrast and tonal balance of the image.

Backlighting – Backlighting refers to the technique of positioning the main source of light behind the subject, illuminating the subject from the rear. Backlighting can create a dramatic silhouette effect, highlight the contours of the subject, or produce a halo-like glow around the edges.

Brightness – The perceived intensity of light in an image. In photography, brightness can be adjusted using exposure settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, as well as post-processing techniques such as brightness/contrast adjustments.

Background – The area behind the main subject of the image. The background plays a crucial role in composition and can either complement or detract from the subject, depending on factors such as depth of field, lighting, and framing.

Balance – The distribution of visual elements within an image to create a sense of harmony and equilibrium. Balance can be achieved through careful composition, symmetry, and the arrangement of contrasting elements such as light and dark, colour, and texture.

Black and white – Black and white photography is a style of photography that captures images using only shades of grey, ranging from pure black to pure white, without colour. Black and white photography emphasizes form, texture, and contrast, and can evoke a timeless and nostalgic mood. Want to learn how to make great black-and-white photographs? Watch our tutorial!

Blur – An aesthetic effect of rendering parts of an image out of focus or softened. Blur can be intentional, such as creating a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject, or unintentional, resulting from camera shake, motion blur, or a slow shutter speed.

Bracketed Exposure – Bracketed exposure is a technique used to capture multiple exposures of the same scene at different exposure settings, typically varying the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity. Bracketing ensures that at least one exposure captures the optimal exposure for the scene, especially in situations with challenging lighting conditions.

Battery Grip – An accessory that attaches to the bottom of a camera body, providing additional battery capacity and a vertical shutter release button for shooting in portrait orientation. Battery grips are commonly used in DSLR cameras to extend shooting time and improve handling.

Back Button Focus – Back button focus is a focusing technique that separates the autofocus function from the shutter release button on a camera. By assigning autofocus to a dedicated button on the back of the camera, photographers can control focus independently of shutter release, allowing for greater control over focus tracking and composition.

Bounce Flash – Where the flash unit is aimed at a reflective surface, such as a ceiling or wall, rather than directly at the subject. Bounce flash produces softer, more diffused lighting and reduces harsh shadows and reflections on the subject.

Beauty Dish – A type of lighting modifier used to create soft, flattering light for portrait photography. It typically consists of a shallow dish-shaped reflector with a central light source, designed to produce even, diffused light with a subtle wrapping effect on the subject’s face.

Barn Doors – A type of adjustable light modifier used to control the direction and spread of light from a studio strobe or continuous light source. Barn doors consist of adjustable flaps or panels attached to the front of the light source, allowing photographers to shape and direct the light as desired.