Photography MCAS Quiz With Answers

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| By Catherine Halcomb
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1. Where are photos stored in a digital camera? 

Explanation

Photos are stored in a digital camera on a memory card. A memory card is a small electronic storage device that is inserted into the camera and is used to store digital data, including photos. It is a common storage medium used in digital cameras due to its small size, high storage capacity, and ease of use. Unlike film or batteries, a memory card is specifically designed to store digital data and is the most appropriate option for storing photos in a digital camera.

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About This Quiz
Photography MCAS Quiz With Answers - Quiz

Do you love photography? If you think you are an expert in photography, take this photography MCQs quiz. Photography is said to be an art or practice of... see morecreating images by recording light. You can click anything on your camera, and then you will have its print. If you want to check your knowledge or practice for any certification, this quiz is a big help. Do share it with friends or someone who is passionate about photography. see less

2. Which camera function allows you to view photos you've already taken? 

Explanation

The camera function that allows you to view photos you've already taken is called "playback." This feature allows you to review and preview the images you have captured on your camera's screen. It allows you to assess the quality of the photos, delete unwanted ones, and navigate through your photo library. The other options listed (f-stop, ISO, aperture) are camera settings related to exposure and image quality, but they do not specifically enable you to view previously taken photos.

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3. Before digital photography, photographs were taken with chemicals that reacted to light to create a permanent image of something?

 

Explanation

Before digital photography, photographs were indeed taken using chemicals that reacted to light to create a permanent image. This process, known as analog or film photography, involved using light-sensitive film or paper coated with silver halide crystals. When exposed to light, these crystals would undergo a chemical reaction, forming a latent image. This latent image would then be developed using various chemicals to create a visible photograph. Therefore, the statement "True" accurately reflects the process of photography before the digital era.

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4. On a digital SLR camera, holding the shutter button halfway down will help focus an image. 

Explanation

Holding the shutter button halfway down on a digital SLR camera helps to focus an image because it activates the camera's autofocus system. By pressing the button halfway, the camera measures the distance between the camera and the subject and adjusts the lens accordingly to ensure that the subject is in focus. This allows the photographer to preview and adjust the focus before fully pressing the shutter button to capture the image.

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5. Which of the following is not true about digital cameras? 

Explanation

Digital cameras do not use film to capture images. Unlike traditional cameras, which require film to record images, digital cameras use electronic sensors to capture and store photographs digitally. This allows for instant preview, editing, and sharing of images without the need for physical film.

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6. Which mode should you shoot in if you want complete control of the camera settings? 

Explanation

If you want complete control of the camera settings, you should shoot in Manual mode. In Manual mode, you have the ability to manually adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and other settings to achieve your desired exposure and creative effects. This mode gives you full control over the camera and allows you to make precise adjustments according to your specific needs and preferences.

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7. Visible light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

Explanation

Visible light is indeed part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a range of electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Visible light falls within a specific wavelength range that is detectable by the human eye, making it visible to us. Therefore, it is correct to say that visible light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

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8. What does SLR stand for? 

Explanation

SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. This refers to a type of camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the photographer to see exactly what will be captured in the final image through the camera's viewfinder. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror flips up, allowing the light to pass through the lens and onto the image sensor or film. This design provides a more accurate and precise representation of the final image compared to other types of cameras.

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9. Ancient civilizations used camera obscuras to form images on walls in darkened rooms. 

Explanation

Ancient civilizations did indeed use camera obscuras to form images on walls in darkened rooms. A camera obscura is an optical device that consists of a small hole or aperture through which light enters a darkened room or box. The light rays pass through the hole and project an upside-down image of the outside scene onto a surface inside the room. This technique was used by various ancient civilizations, such as the Chinese and the Greeks, to observe and study the world around them. It was an early form of image projection and contributed to the development of photography.

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10. Digital cameras and scanners are used to ____ images. 

Explanation

Digital cameras and scanners are used to capture images. This means that they are able to record or take a photograph of a scene or object using a digital sensor or scanning mechanism. The captured images can then be saved or stored for later use or viewing.

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11. Digital photography no longer needs light to take a photograph. 

Explanation

Digital photography still requires light to take a photograph. Without light, the camera sensor cannot capture any image information, resulting in a completely black or dark photograph. Light is essential for the camera sensor to detect and record the incoming light rays, which then get converted into digital data. Therefore, the statement that digital photography no longer needs light to take a photograph is false.

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12. Which camera is orientation long horizontally and short vertically?

 

Explanation

Landscape orientation refers to a camera setting where the image is wider horizontally and shorter vertically. This is often used to capture wide scenes, such as landscapes, where the width of the image is more important than the height. In contrast, portrait orientation is the opposite, with the image being taller vertically and narrower horizontally. Therefore, the correct answer is landscape.

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13. Which shutter speed is faster? 

Explanation

The shutter speed determines how long the camera's shutter remains open, allowing light to enter and expose the camera sensor. A faster shutter speed means that the shutter remains open for a shorter amount of time, resulting in less light being captured. In this case, 1/1000 is the fastest shutter speed among the given options, as it allows the least amount of light to enter the camera compared to the other shutter speeds listed.

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14. Which term best describes the brightness of a photograph? 

Explanation

Exposure is the term that best describes the brightness of a photograph. It refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera's image sensor or film. A properly exposed photograph has a balanced amount of light, resulting in a well-lit and clear image. Adjusting the exposure settings, such as shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, allows photographers to control the brightness of their photos.

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15. Which of the following will reduce camera shake? 

Explanation

Using a tripod will reduce camera shake because it provides stability and eliminates the need to hold the camera by hand. Decreasing the shutter speed can actually increase camera shake, as it allows more time for movement to be captured. Increasing the f-stop may help to increase depth of field, but it does not directly reduce camera shake. Therefore, the correct answer is to use a tripod.

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16. Which term describes the difference between the lightest and darkest areas in a photograph? 

Explanation

Contrast refers to the difference between the lightest and darkest areas in a photograph. It is the measure of how much the tones in an image vary, ranging from pure white to pure black. A photograph with high contrast will have a greater distinction between light and dark areas, while a low contrast image will have less variation.

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17. Which camera orientation is short horizontally and long vertically? 

Explanation

Portrait orientation refers to a camera or image orientation where the height of the image is greater than its width. This means that the image is longer vertically and shorter horizontally. In portrait orientation, the camera is held vertically to capture subjects such as people or objects in a vertical frame. This is in contrast to landscape orientation, where the width of the image is greater than its height.

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18. What type of digital camera has a detachable lens?

Explanation

SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, which is a type of digital camera that has a detachable lens. This allows the user to change lenses based on their specific needs and preferences. SLR cameras are popular among professional photographers and enthusiasts who require more control over their photography. Unlike point and shoot cameras, SLRs offer interchangeable lenses, allowing for greater versatility and the ability to capture high-quality images in various situations. Therefore, SLR is the correct answer to the question.

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19. Which shutter speed lets in more light? 

Explanation

A shutter speed of 1/30 lets in more light compared to the other options given. Shutter speed refers to the length of time the camera's shutter remains open to capture light. The longer the shutter remains open, the more light is allowed to enter the camera. Therefore, a slower shutter speed like 1/30 allows more light to be captured, resulting in a brighter image.

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20. In digital photography software, the word "default" usually refers to _____.

 

Explanation

The word "default" in digital photography software refers to the settings that are set when the program is initially installed. These settings are pre-determined by the software developers and are used as a starting point for the user. They can be modified by the user according to their preferences, but if no changes are made, the program will use the default settings.

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21. Which f-stop lets in more light? 

Explanation

A lower f-stop number allows for a larger aperture opening, which means more light is able to enter the camera. In this case, f2 has a lower f-stop number compared to f8, f16, and f22, indicating that it lets in more light.

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22. Which shutter speed is most likely to result in frozen motion? 

Explanation

A faster shutter speed allows less light to enter the camera, resulting in a shorter exposure time. This means that the image is captured in a fraction of a second, freezing any motion in the scene. Therefore, a shutter speed of 1/1000 is most likely to result in frozen motion as it is faster than the other options provided.

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23. Which term describes photos where the photographer carefully positions the subject? 

Explanation

The term "posed" accurately describes photos where the photographer carefully positions the subject. This means that the photographer has intentionally arranged the subject in a specific manner, often giving them instructions on how to pose or positioning them in a certain way to achieve a desired composition or aesthetic. This is in contrast to candid photos, which capture spontaneous and unposed moments, or photos that are planned in advance with a specific concept or idea in mind. "Freestyle" and "none of the above" do not accurately describe the careful positioning of the subject in a photo.

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24. Which term describes unposed photos when the subject is not aware of being photographed? 

Explanation

The term "candid" accurately describes unposed photos when the subject is not aware of being photographed. "Posed" refers to photos where the subject is aware and intentionally posing for the camera. "Unplanned" and "freestyle" do not specifically capture the essence of the subject being unaware of the photograph. Therefore, the correct term is "candid."

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25. Which f-stop has a longer depth of field? 

Explanation

A smaller f-stop number indicates a larger aperture, which results in a shallower depth of field. On the other hand, a larger f-stop number like f22 indicates a smaller aperture, leading to a longer depth of field. Therefore, f22 has a longer depth of field compared to f2, f8, and f16.

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26. What is a pixelized or pixelated image?

 

Explanation

A pixelized or pixelated image refers to an image that appears rough because the individual pixels are large enough to be visible in the image. This means that the image lacks smoothness and clarity, as the pixels are easily distinguishable.

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27. What does "photography" mean in Greek?

 

Explanation

The word "photography" is derived from the Greek words "photos" meaning light and "graphé" meaning to write. Therefore, "to write with light" accurately represents the meaning of "photography" in Greek.

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28. The first permanent photograph wasn't produced until the 1900s.

 

Explanation

The statement is false because the first permanent photograph was actually produced much earlier than the 1900s. The first permanent photograph, known as the "View from the Window at Le Gras," was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826. This photograph was produced using a process called heliography, which involved exposing a pewter plate coated with bitumen to light for several hours. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

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29. Which term describes the sharpness and clarity of the subject? 

Explanation

Focus refers to the sharpness and clarity of the subject in a photograph. When an image is in focus, the subject appears clear and well-defined, whereas when it is out of focus, the subject appears blurry and lacks detail. Achieving proper focus is essential in photography to ensure that the subject is accurately captured and the intended message or story is effectively conveyed.

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30. Which compositional technique places the subject away from the center of the photograph? 

Explanation

The Rule of Thirds is a compositional technique that divides the photograph into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. The subject is then placed along these lines or at the intersections, rather than in the center of the photograph. This technique creates a more visually interesting and balanced composition by adding depth and allowing the viewer's eye to move around the image.

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31. You want to take a photo with blurred motion.  Which of the following actions will accomplish this? 

Explanation

Lengthening the shutter speed will accomplish taking a photo with blurred motion. When the shutter speed is increased, the camera's sensor is exposed to light for a longer period of time, allowing moving subjects to appear blurred in the final image. This technique is commonly used in photography to capture motion blur in subjects such as flowing water, moving vehicles, or people in motion. By lengthening the shutter speed, the camera captures the movement over a longer duration, resulting in a blurred effect.

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32. Which type of zoom uses the camera's lens to magnify the image? 

Explanation

Optical zoom uses the camera's lens to physically adjust the focal length and magnify the image, resulting in a higher quality zoom without any loss of resolution. Digital zoom, on the other hand, simply enlarges the pixels in the image, resulting in a lower quality zoom with potential loss of detail. Therefore, the correct answer is optical, as it specifically involves the camera's lens in magnifying the image.

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33. Both AF and MF affect what part of the photo? 

Explanation

AF (Auto Focus) and MF (Manual Focus) both affect the sharpness of the subject in a photo. AF automatically adjusts the focus to ensure that the subject is sharp, while MF allows the photographer to manually adjust the focus to achieve the desired sharpness. The other options, such as depth of field, exposure, and light balance, are not directly affected by AF or MF.

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34. Which compositional technique uses a blurry background and a sharp subject that's in focus? 

Explanation

Diffused Background is a compositional technique that involves creating a blurry background while keeping the main subject in sharp focus. This technique helps to draw attention to the subject by separating it from the background, creating a sense of depth and visual interest. By using a shallow depth of field or techniques like bokeh, the background becomes soft and out of focus, allowing the subject to stand out and become the main focal point of the image.

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35. Which compositional technique uses lines to bring the viewer into, out of, and around the photograph? 

Explanation

Leading lines is a compositional technique that uses lines within a photograph to guide the viewer's eye and create a sense of depth and movement. These lines can be actual objects such as roads, fences, or buildings, or they can be implied lines created by the arrangement of elements within the frame. By strategically placing these lines, the photographer can direct the viewer's attention to specific areas of the image and create a visual journey that leads the eye in, out, and around the photograph.

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36. Place a checkmark next to the terms that directly affect exposure. (hint: there's 3)

 

Explanation

The terms f-stop, shutter speed, and ISO directly affect exposure in photography. The f-stop refers to the aperture setting, which controls the amount of light that enters the camera. A lower f-stop allows more light, resulting in a brighter exposure. Shutter speed determines the length of time the camera's sensor is exposed to light. A longer shutter speed allows more light, resulting in a brighter exposure. ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A higher ISO setting makes the sensor more sensitive to light, resulting in a brighter exposure.

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37. What is burning in photography? 

Explanation

Burning in photography refers to the process of making the exposure darker during printing or editing. This technique is used to enhance certain areas of an image by selectively darkening them, thereby adding depth and emphasis to specific elements. By darkening the exposure, photographers can control the tonal range and create a more dramatic or moody effect in their photographs.

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38. You want to take a photo with a diffused background.  Which of the following actions will accomplish this? 

Explanation

Decreasing the f-stop will accomplish a diffused background in a photo. The f-stop controls the depth of field, which determines how much of the photo is in focus. By decreasing the f-stop, the aperture opens wider, allowing more light to enter the camera and creating a shallow depth of field. This results in a blurred background, making the subject stand out more. Shortening the shutter speed, increasing the ISO, and adding flash do not directly affect the background blur.

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39. Which dial control settings controls the f-stop and shutter speed? 

Explanation

The mode dial controls the f-stop and shutter speed settings. It allows the user to select different shooting modes such as aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual mode, which in turn determines the combination of f-stop and shutter speed. The main dial, on the other hand, is typically used for adjusting other settings such as exposure compensation or ISO. Therefore, the correct answer is mode dial.

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40. What is dodging in photography?  

Explanation

Dodging in photography refers to the technique of selectively lightening specific areas of an image during the printing or editing process. This is done to balance the overall exposure and highlight certain details or subjects in the photograph. By selectively increasing the exposure in specific areas, the photographer can create a more visually pleasing and dynamic image.

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41. Aperture/f-stop affects what part(s) of a photo? 

Explanation

The aperture or f-stop setting affects both the depth of field and the exposure of a photo. Depth of field refers to the range of distance in a photo that appears sharp and in focus. A larger aperture (smaller f-stop number) creates a shallower depth of field, with only a small portion of the image in focus, while a smaller aperture (larger f-stop number) creates a larger depth of field, with more of the image in focus. Additionally, the aperture setting also affects the exposure of the photo, as it controls the amount of light that enters the camera. A larger aperture allows more light to enter, resulting in a brighter exposure, while a smaller aperture allows less light, resulting in a darker exposure.

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42. The light meter controls how much light goes into the camera? 

Explanation

The light meter does not control how much light goes into the camera. Instead, it measures the amount of light in the scene and provides a reading to the photographer, who can then adjust the camera settings accordingly to properly expose the image.

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43. Which compositional technique makes the subject take up as much space as possible in the photograph? 

Explanation

Filling the frame is a compositional technique that involves capturing the subject in such a way that it takes up as much space as possible in the photograph. This technique eliminates any unnecessary or distracting elements from the frame, allowing the subject to become the main focus. By filling the frame, the photographer can create a more intimate and impactful image, drawing the viewer's attention directly to the subject.

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44. You want to take a photo with the background included.  Which of the following actions will accomplish this?

Explanation

Increasing the f-stop will result in a larger aperture, allowing more light to enter the camera. This will increase the depth of field, which means that both the subject and the background will be in focus. Therefore, increasing the f-stop will help capture the background in the photo.

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45. Which term describes the main thing you want your viewer to see in your photograph? 

Explanation

The term that describes the main thing you want your viewer to see in your photograph is the subject. The subject is the main focus or main point of interest in the photograph. It is what draws the viewer's attention and tells the story or conveys the message of the photograph. The subject can be a person, an object, a landscape, or anything else that the photographer wants to highlight.

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46. Which compositional technique uses a long, deep depth of field?

 

Explanation

Background Included is the correct answer because this compositional technique involves including a significant portion of the background in the frame, ensuring that it is in focus and visible. This technique is often used to provide context or to create a sense of depth in the image. By using a long, deep depth of field, both the subject and the background are kept in sharp focus, allowing the viewer to take in the entire scene.

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47. Which term describes the area of a photograph that is in focus? 

Explanation

Depth of field refers to the area in a photograph that appears sharp and in focus. It is determined by the combination of factors such as the aperture setting, the distance between the camera and the subject, and the focal length of the lens. A shallow depth of field means that only a small portion of the image is in focus, while a deep depth of field means that a larger area is in focus. Therefore, depth of field is the correct term to describe the area of a photograph that is in focus.

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48. Shutter speed affects what part(s) of a photo? 

Explanation

Shutter speed affects both exposure and blurred motion in a photo. The exposure is determined by the amount of time the shutter is open, with a longer shutter speed resulting in a brighter image and a shorter shutter speed resulting in a darker image. Blurred motion occurs when the shutter speed is slow, allowing moving subjects to appear blurry in the photo. Therefore, both B (exposure) and C (blurred motion) are affected by the shutter speed.

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49. A higher ISO will result in what? 

Explanation

A higher ISO will result in a brighter exposure because it increases the sensitivity of the camera's image sensor to light. However, it also leads to more noise or pixelation in the image as the sensor amplifies the signal. Additionally, a higher ISO can reduce the need for a flash as it allows the camera to capture more light in low-light situations. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

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50. A photo is underexposed.  Which of the following actions will solve this? 

Explanation

Lengthening the shutter speed will solve the problem of underexposed photo. Shutter speed refers to the amount of time the camera's shutter remains open, allowing light to enter the camera sensor. By lengthening the shutter speed, more light is allowed to enter the camera, resulting in a brighter and properly exposed photo.

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Where are photos stored in a digital camera? 
Which camera function allows you to view photos you've already...
Before digital photography, photographs were taken with chemicals that...
On a digital SLR camera, holding the shutter button halfway down will...
Which of the following is not true about digital cameras? 
Which mode should you shoot in if you want complete control of the...
Visible light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. 
What does SLR stand for? 
Ancient civilizations used camera obscuras to form images on walls in...
Digital cameras and scanners are used to ____ images. 
Digital photography no longer needs light to take a photograph. 
Which camera is orientation long horizontally and short...
Which shutter speed is faster? 
Which term best describes the brightness of a photograph? 
Which of the following will reduce camera shake? 
Which term describes the difference between the lightest and darkest...
Which camera orientation is short horizontally and long...
What type of digital camera has a detachable lens?
Which shutter speed lets in more light? 
In digital photography software, the word "default" usually refers to...
Which f-stop lets in more light? 
Which shutter speed is most likely to result in frozen motion? 
Which term describes photos where the photographer carefully positions...
Which term describes unposed photos when the subject is not aware of...
Which f-stop has a longer depth of field? 
What is a pixelized or pixelated image? 
What does "photography" mean in Greek? 
The first permanent photograph wasn't produced until the 1900s. 
Which term describes the sharpness and clarity of the subject? 
Which compositional technique places the subject away from the center...
You want to take a photo with blurred motion.  Which of the...
Which type of zoom uses the camera's lens to magnify the...
Both AF and MF affect what part of the photo? 
Which compositional technique uses a blurry background and a sharp...
Which compositional technique uses lines to bring the viewer into, out...
Place a checkmark next to the terms that directly affect exposure....
What is burning in photography? 
You want to take a photo with a diffused background.  Which of...
Which dial control settings controls the f-stop and shutter...
What is dodging in photography?  
Aperture/f-stop affects what part(s) of a photo? 
The light meter controls how much light goes into the camera? 
Which compositional technique makes the subject take up as much space...
You want to take a photo with the background included.  Which of...
Which term describes the main thing you want your viewer to see in...
Which compositional technique uses a long, deep depth of field? 
Which term describes the area of a photograph that is in focus? 
Shutter speed affects what part(s) of a photo? 
A higher ISO will result in what? 
A photo is underexposed.  Which of the following actions will...
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