It’s true—I love photography.
I’ve also been blessed to help teach hundreds of students to create stronger, more intentional images. I say “help” because most of the instruction is self-driven. Students learn best through practice—in the field, in the studio, and with each other.
But I also love words. And over time, I’ve noticed that many of the most important concepts in photography are also vital in thinking, writing, and communicating.
Each of these terms carries a double meaning:
one in the context of image-making,
the other in the context of reflection and decision-making.
Here are eight that have kept me intrigued for years:
1.
Contrast
In photography, contrast is essential.
A snowball on a snowfield without contrast simply disappears.
We need contrast to define the edges of things.
The same holds true in life and thought. Without contrast, we can’t isolate an idea or argument.
Edges give shape. Shape gives meaning.
2.
Perspective
Not every photo depends on perspective,
but when it appears—converging lines, a vanishing point—it adds weight and depth.
In decision-making, perspective is critical.
We need a place to stand to see clearly.
A fresh perspective can offer clarity, distance, or empathy—
sometimes all three.
3.
Framing
Framing in photography is artificial—but necessary.
There are no literal frames in nature.
The photographer decides what to include—and what to leave out.
Framing in life is the same.
We set boundaries around arguments, situations, or stories.
Frames shape understanding.
But framing can also manipulate.
The way a problem is framed may leave no real alternatives.
Be careful who holds the frame.
4.
Focus
An out-of-focus image is just a contrast blob.
No detail. No line. No shape.
In thought, lack of focus creates the same blur.
Bokeh—the Japanese term for quality of unfocused areas—may be beautiful in a photo.
But in life, unfocused thinking usually leads to confusion.
Focus lets us trace a path.
The sharper the focus, the more efficient the journey.
5.
Depth of Field
A shallow depth of field (wide aperture) isolates the subject.
It says: Look here. Ignore the rest.
A deep depth of field (narrow aperture) brings everything into view.
In thinking, depth of field is mental clarity.
It lets us zoom in on a key idea, even in a noisy world.
Without depth, we may never know what the photo—or the moment—was about.
6.
F-Stop
F-stop controls light.
Too wide, and your image may burn out.
Too narrow, and you starve the sensor of light.
Life works the same way.
Sometimes, we need to narrow the aperture—
block distractions, limit input, reduce noise.
Other times, we must open wide—
let new light in, expand our thinking, embrace uncertainty.
Balance is key.
7.
Time
Exposure time matters.
Too short, and nothing appears.
Too long, and the image is overexposed—washed out.
In life, timing is just as delicate.
Some ideas need time to develop.
Others require swift action.
Knowing how long to give something is both an art and a discipline.
8.
Sensitivity (ISO)
ISO measures how sensitive your camera is to light.
Low ISO = fine grain, rich detail, but slower.
High ISO = faster, but noisier.
In life, sensitivity must also be tuned.
Too sensitive, and we overreact.
Too dull, and we miss the nuance.
Awareness means knowing how to set the dial.
What Else?
These eight concepts bridge photography and philosophy.
They’ve helped me see more clearly—in both images and life.
I’m sure there are more.
Perhaps:
Resolution (clarity vs. confusion)
Zoom (proximity vs. distance)
Negative space (what’s missing becomes meaningful)
Exposure (what we allow others to see)
Have any to add?
Let me know—
Because photography, like thought, is a lifelong exposure.
