Photography Photography is the process of making pictures by means of the action of light. It involves recording light patterns, as reflected from objects, onto a sensitive medium through a timed exposure. The process is done through mechanical, chemical or digital devices commonly known as cameras... History of photography Projecting images onto surfaces has been done for centuries. The camera obscura and the camera lucida were used by artists to trace scenes as early as the 16th century. These early cameras did not fix an image in time; they only projected what was before an opening in the wall of a darkened room onto a surface. In effect, the entire room was turned into a large pinhole camera. Indeed, the phrase camera obscura literally means "darkened room," and it is after these darkened rooms that all modern cameras have been named. Stock photography Stock photography is photography or other imagery of common landmarks, concepts, and events that can be used and reused for commercial design purposes. Book publishers, specialty publishers, magazines, advertising agencies, film makers, web designers, graphic artists, interior decor firms, corporate creative groups, and other entities utilize stock photography to fulfill the needs of their creative assignments. By using stock photography instead of hiring a photographer to perform on location shooting, customers can save valuable time and stay on budget. With a wealth of images, stock photography databases that may be searched online save photo researchers valuable time when they are looking for just the right image. With today's digital delivery methods, images may be purchased online and delivered via FTP or email, the very same day. Digital Photography FAQ The FAQ is organized into 12 sections. General Photography: Many questions and answers about digital photography Shopping: Tips for gear shopping. Lenses and Optics: Issues relating to lens selection and use. Flash: Flash issues Web Tools: How to get information from the web and how to post pictures on the web. Software and Editing: Finding and using software for displaying and editing your pictures. Color: Understanding and using color. Digital Cameras: Operating your digital camera. Digital SLRs: Issues specific to digital SLRs. File Formats and Storage: Information on different formats and media for storing your images. Sensors: Sensors and sensor technology. Printing Printing issues.