Online Photo Showcasing: Displaying proofs of an event over the Internet, which enables you and your guests to easily view, share, and purchase professionally captured images - anytime, anywhere.

Panorama: A special camera that allows the photographer to take a picture with a much wider view than normal -- up to 360 degrees, depending on the camera. These cameras require special film.

Portrait: A formal, posed photograph.

Prints: The final, retouched photographs purchased by the newlyweds and their loved ones.

Proof: Normal-sized pictures used by the couple to select prints. Proofs have not been retouched and must often be returned to the photographer.

Retouch: The process by which the photographer removes tiny imperfections caused by dust or other debris from the photograph. Can also be used to remove skin blemishes from photographs.

Selective Focus: A technique in which one portion of a photograph is in focus while other elements are blurred. The viewer's eye is naturally drawn toward the part of the photo that is in sharp focus.

Sepia: A golden brown tint sometimes applied to black-and-white pictures. Can give the finished print an antique appearance.

Shot List: A list of required photographs provided to the photographer prior to the wedding. Includes the subjects of each photograph and any additional pertinent information.

Shutter: The plane behind the camera lens which opens when the picture is taken to allow light to strike the negative for a limited period of time.

Shutter Speed: The speed at which the camera's shutter opens and closes as the photograph is taken. Shutter speeds are generally measured in fractions of a second, with a one placed over the shutter speed number to form the fraction. For example a shutter speed of 500 is actually 1/500 of a second.

Sitting: Another name for a posed photo session.

Soft Focus: A technique using a special lens or attachment, which softens all of the edges in a photograph. The resulting picture appears as though the subject was photographed behind a light layer of gauze.

Straight Shot: A style of videotaping or filming that includes the whole event in its entirety, shot in real time.

Telephoto: A special type of lens used to photograph subjects that are far away. Essentially functions like binoculars for the camera.

Tripod: A three-legged stand used to hold a camera in place at a certain level. Can be used during posed shots and extremely low light situations.

Videotape: A wide magnetic tape used to record visual images and sound.

Find out more about wedding photography:
Photography Glossary: A-E
Photography Glossary: F-G
Photography Glossary: H-N

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