Understand Basics of Photography

Photography is an essential skill required for a journalist however, with change in the time it has became one of the most popular hobby and a highly paid career. These days everyone wants to be a photographer and has started believing that they really are one. But they realize the reality after some time and eventually give up the dream. Before doing anything it is necessary to understand the basic concepts and working phenomena behind it. Every action is based on an equal reaction. The basics of photography start from the meaning of it.

What is Photography?

Photography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film, or electronically by means of an image sensor.

The word "photography" was created from the Greek roots φωτός (phōtos), genitive of φῶς (phōs), "light" and γραφή (graphé) "representation by means of lines" or "drawing", together meaning "drawing with light.

In simple words we can say Photography is all about capturing the shots we see by using any equipment. Whenever, we see something, the image remains in our mind for just a fraction of seconds after which it washes away just like memories. Photography is one of the best ways to capture memories related to some occasion & event or any special day.

Equipment required for photography?

The equipment required to capture images and videos is called Camera.

A camera is an optical instrument that records images that can be stored directly, transmitted to another location, or both. These images may be still photographs or moving images such as videos or movies. The term camera comes from the word camera obscura (Latin for "dark chamber"), an early mechanism for projecting images. The modern camera evolved from the camera obscura.

Functioning of Camera:

The functioning of camera is very similar to the functioning of the human eye.

The cornea is a transparent structure found in the very front of the eye that helps to focus incoming light. Behind the cornea is a colored ring-shaped membrane called the iris. The iris has an adjustable circular opening called the pupil, which can expand or contract depending on the amount of light entering the eye. Then the image is projected on retina in inverse direction (Upside down) which is corrected by the brain.

In the same way mentioned above all cameras use the same basic design: light enters an enclosed box through a converging lens and an image is recorded on a light-sensitive medium. A shutter mechanism controls the length of time that light can enter the camera. Light plays a very important role in whatever we see. When we see something it’s the reflection of light on that particular object which makes them colorful.

As you have understood little bit about functioning of camera the next step is to learn how to start photography.