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Photography Basics Textbook

A free, self-paced textbook in 6 chapters. Read a chapter, then drill it with the 51 companion flashcards using spaced repetition.

6 chapters · 51 cards · Updated

Chapters

  1. 1Foundations of Photography

    Photography is the art and science of creating images by recording light, either electronically with digital sensors or chemically on film. The word itself comes from the Greek roo...

  2. 2The Exposure Triangle

    Exposure refers to the total amount of light that reaches the sensor, and it determines whether an image is too bright, too dark, or properly balanced. The three fundamental elemen...

  3. 3Lenses, Focus, and Depth of Field

    The lens is the eye of the camera, gathering and bending light so that a sharp image lands on the sensor. Focal length, measured in millimeters, describes the distance from the opt...

  4. 4Composition Techniques

    Composition is the arrangement of visual elements within the frame, and it shapes how viewers read and feel about a photograph. One of the most widely taught guidelines is the rule...

  5. 5Light, Color, and Camera Controls

    Light is the raw material of photography, and understanding it is central to the craft. Natural light comes from the sun and the sky, with the golden hour around sunrise and sunset...

  6. 6Workflow, Equipment, and Advanced Techniques

    Beyond the camera itself, accessories and post-processing shape the final image. A tripod is one of the most valuable tools a photographer can own because it eliminates camera shak...

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