exposure
The total amount of light allowed to fall on the photographic medium (sensor or film) during the process of taking a photograph.
Can refer to the physical act of letting light hit the sensor, the specific combination of settings used, or the resulting image itself.
Word relationships
- illumination: 'Illumination' refers to the light shining on a subject, while 'exposure' refers to the light actually captured by the camera sensor.
- underexposure: 'Underexposure' is a specific state of capturing too little light, whereas 'exposure' is the general concept of capturing light.
Commonly confused with
- brightness: Brightness is a subjective perception of light intensity, while exposure is the objective physical measurement of light energy reaching a sensor.
Word family
- expose (verb): To subject a sensitive photographic surface to light.
- exposed (adjective): Left unprotected or subjected to light.
Collocations
- long exposure
- double exposure
- exposure time
- correct exposure
Example sentences
- "The long exposure captured the movement of the clouds, turning them into soft, painterly streaks." A critique of a landscape photograph taken at dusk.
Memory hook
To expose a secret is to lay it out in the open light. A camera exposure lays the sensor open to the light. Exposing the sensor to light.
When not to use
Do not use 'exposure' to mean simply 'brightness' in a general sense, as exposure is the result of a specific physical process.
Fun facts
- The longest single photographic exposure ever recorded took eight years and one month, captured using a pinhole camera made from a beer can lined with photographic paper.
Related words
Explore more words
vulnerability, susceptibility, vulnerable, exposé, volatility, hazard
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