Learn to see like a camera.
Every setting on a camera trades one thing for another. Learn the trade-offs here with a virtual camera, then take them into the real world.
Zoom without moving
Focal length decides how much of the world fits in the frame. Slide from an ultra-wide lens to a telephoto and watch the view narrow.
The course, frame by frame
Eight lessons in order, from what light is to how a sensor records it. Frames marked "Lab ready" already have a simulation on this page.
- 1
What light is
Brightness, colour temperature and direction.
Coming soon - 2
The exposure triangle
How aperture, shutter and ISO share the work.
Lab ready - 3
Aperture and depth of field
Sharp subject, soft background.
Lab ready - 4
Shutter speed and motion
Freeze action or show movement.
Lab ready - 5
ISO and noise
Brighter images, and the grain that comes with them.
Lab ready - 6
Composition
Rule of thirds, leading lines and balance.
Coming soon - 7
Lenses and focal length
Wide, normal and telephoto views.
Lab ready - 8
How a sensor works
Pixels, colour filters and dynamic range.
Coming soon
Cheat sheet: one stop at a time
Each step to the right lets in half as much light. Move one setting a step right and another a step left, and the brightness stays the same.
| Light | ×1 | ½ | ¼ | ⅛ | 1/16 | 1/32 | 1/64 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 | f/22 |
| Shutter | 1/60 | 1/125 | 1/250 | 1/500 | 1/1000 | 1/2000 | 1/4000 |
| ISO | 6400 | 3200 | 1600 | 800 | 400 | 200 | 100 |
New photography lessons are on the way.
Leave your email and you'll hear when the next frames open. Meanwhile, keep your streak going with today's three questions.