Ok if you have spent any time reading about photography or scouring the internet for hours upon hours trying to figure out how to use your new DSLR (cough…that’s me) you will run into lots of terminology that may make you go, “I’m sorry….what?” Hopefully this can help solve some of the mystery that is photography terminology.
SOOC- pronounced “sook” Straight out of Camera
This is used a LOT when talking about editing. Comparing an edited photo to what came “straight out of the camera”
RAW- not technically an acronym and doesn’t stand for anything other than just the file type.
When shooting you have the option to shoot in RAW or JPEG or both in some cases. Which one is better? That is for another post. 
JPEG- stands for Joint Experts Photographic Group
Another type of file photos are shot/saved in
OOF- out of focus
Pretty self explanatory?
CC- constructive criticism/critique
Also self explanatory. In some photography groups on facebook I am in, people ask for CC on their images all the time. Critiquing others photos as well as having others critique yours can help you learn a LOT. I love it.
SS- shutter speed
Part of our friend, the exposure triangle
OCF- off camera flash
Flash photography is something that I am beginning to learn about. The flash ON the actual camera is pretty taboo to use. Provides a harsh, flat light. Off camera flash provides so much more interesting effects and can add a lot of drama to a photo. Excited to learn more about it.
B&W- black and white
AF- Auto Focus
MM- milimeter
For use in lenses mostly
LR- LightRoom
My number one go to editing software. What this tool can do for you is just amazing. I can’t wait to show you guys some examples.
PSE- Photshop Elements
Kind of the little sister/brother to Photoshop (the big daddy). I used it for the 30 day free trial and found it difficult. LR was much easier Now that I know more I could probably get the handle on it easier, but LR is still where it’s at for me.
AWB- auto white balance
Unless I’m using my ExpoDisc I pretty much keep my camera in AWB. You can achieve each of the affects of the different white balance selections on your camera through post processing so I don’t even bother switching it around on my camera while shooting. Already too many other settings to change, don’t need to bother with one more!
BBF- back button focus
Can’t decide if I love or hate this, but I think I am leaning more towards love. This will likely be the subject of another post, but wanted to throw it in here anyway.
AI-SERVO- Artificial Intelligence (no idea was Servo means)
This setting works with your focus. Since I currently use BBF, this goes hand in hand. Basically I focus on my subject and then if it moves (or I move) the focus follows the subject. This way I can focus, recompose, shoot, recompose again and shoot again without having to refocus. Sound confusing? Yeah I know, it makes more sense in person. I will try to explain it more when I talk about BBF.
CF- compact flash
Surprise surprise, some DLSR’s don’t use SD cards. They use CF cards. This was a surprise when I got my new Canon 7D. Was all excited to use it and oops! No card.
Assignment: acronym
Pick one of the above and use it for inspiration for your photo this week. Doesn’t need to be of anything in particular, just needs to be inspired by one of the terms from above. Make sure you explain to me in your email of your submission which term you used, unless its super obvious like mine.
eesh!! This is what happens when you miss focus. BLARGH! Luckily I refocused and got one that is sharp. Hate it when I do that!
And since I can’t leave you with a blurry photo…here is a B&W.
Any other terminology that I missed? Have you seen something and don’t know what it is? Leave it in the comments and I will see if I can help!
Which one are you going to choose for the assignment? I can’t wait to see what you pick!!
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