Photo Glossary

Value

The relative lightness and darkness of a color or tone.

Variable focus lens

It is a lens whose focal length can be continually varied within a given range. Also known as a zoom lens.

Variable-contrast paper

Photographic paper that provides different grades of contrast when exposed through special filters.

Vector image

Images created using mathematical statements that define geometric shapes. You can move, resize, and change the color of vector graphics without losing any quality.

VGA resolution

Video Graphics Array resolution. The resolution of a monitor or camera CCD that displays or records images with 640x480 pixels.

View camera

A large format camera that has a ground glass back for viewing the subject.

Viewfinder

An device for framing and focusing an image in a camera.

Vignetting

The effect from blocking the light at the edge of an image. Can be caused by poor lens design, using a lens hood not matched to the lens, or attaching too many filters to the front of the lens.

Visible light

The electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can see.

VRAM

Video Random Access Memory. A graphics card that is built into a computer to control how many colours are seen on the monitor.