Here is a basic list of terminology that I hope will be helpful to you. I obtained the definitions from all over the web, but the majority of the came from the website Photography Tips.

I plan on adding new terms as I post about them. If I am wrong about something, or you have a better way of explain, please email me at kim(at)kimpacephotography(dot)com. :)

Aperture - The aperture is the opening formed by the blades of the iris or diaphragm in the lens, through which light passes to expose the film. Aperture size is usually given in f-numbers, the larger the number, the smaller the opening. Aperture size together with shutter speed determine the amount of light falling on the film (exposure). The aperture is sometimes called the "stop".

ISO-Film speed is designated by a single, almost universally-accepted common system developed by the International Organization for Standardization which uses the initials “ISO” before the film-speed number - e.g. ISO 100. (Note that many sources will tell you that the initials I.S.O. stand for "International Standards Organization," but they do not.)

NOISE - This is the grainy look you find in a digital image caused by image artifacts.

SHUTTER SPEED - Controls the duration of an exposure - the faster the Shutter speed, the shorter the exposure time.