Welcome to the World of Photography
Photography, from the Greek words photos (light) and graphe (drawing), literally means “drawing with light.” It is the art, science, and practice of capturing light to create lasting images.
Unlike painting or drawing, where you start with a blank canvas, photography captures reality as it exists in a fraction of a second. This unique quality gives photography its power — to preserve moments, tell stories, and communicate in ways that transcend language.
A Brief History
Since the first photograph (Niepce’s “View from the Window at Le Gras,” 1826) to today’s digital sensors, photography has evolved dramatically. What once required heavy equipment and expensive film now fits in your pocket. Yet the fundamental principle remains unchanged: capturing light to create an image.
Why Learn Photography?
Photography is more than pressing a button. It is a way of seeing the world — training your eye to notice light, composition, and moments that others miss. Whether you want to document family life, build a career, or simply capture beautiful memories, photography enriches your perspective.
Types of Photography
There are many genres to explore:
- Portrait — Capturing personality and emotion
- Landscape — Nature, cityscapes, environments
- Street — Everyday life, candid moments
- Action/Sports — Movement, competition
- Product/Commercial — Advertising, e-commerce
- Wildlife — Animals in nature
- Macro — Extreme close-ups
Your Camera: A Tool for Light
At its core, a camera is a light-tight box with a sensor (or film) that captures light through a lens. Modern cameras range from smartphones to professional DSLRs and mirrorless systems, but all work on the same principle.
In the next chapter, we will dive into the technical settings that control how your camera captures light — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Understanding these three elements will give you complete creative control over your images.
Next Steps
Ready to learn how your camera works? Continue to Chapter 2: The Exposure Triangle to master the fundamental settings of photography.