What is photography?

Photography records light on a sensitive surface or digital sensor to create images. It serves documentation, art, science and everyday communication. Photographs can connect with real scenes without being complete, neutral copies of the world: framing, timing, technique and editing shape them.

Organizing light and images

1. Framing and viewpoint Inclusion and exclusion shape expression. Angle and distance change relationships among objects. Interpretation should consider shooting conditions and missing context alongside visible details. 2. Exposure Aperture and exposure duration affect light reaching the sensor. Digital ISO relates to image processing and noise rather than collecting additional physical light by itself. Settings work together; no single value suits every scene. 3. Focus and motion Focus distance, lens and aperture affect depth of field. Long exposures can trace movement while short ones freeze some motion. Blur can be intentional rather than a mistake.

Documents, art and ethics

4. Context Captions can change an image’s meaning. Date, location and purpose matter in documentary interpretation. Presenting an old photograph as evidence of a new event misleads even when the image is genuine. Cropping can also change its account. 5. Editing and trust Tone adjustments differ from adding or removing objects. Expectations of the intended use require transparency. Important alterations should not be concealed in news or documentary presentations. Generated images and camera records should be appropriately distinguished. 6. Consent and preservation Privacy and sharing conditions matter when photographing people. An online image is not automatically licensed for reuse. Preserve descriptions, originals and backups: compressed social-media copies may lose detail or metadata.