A Glossary of Photographic Terms: B

B (Bulb) Setting

A shutter-speed setting on an adjustable camera that allows for time exposures. When set on B, the shutter will stay open as long as the shutter release button remains depressed.

Background

The part of the scene the appears behind the principal subject of the picture.

Backlighting

Light coming from behind the subject, toward the camera lens, so that the subject stands out vividly against the background. Sometimes produces a silhouette effect.

Photographer: Jose Navarro Salazar KINSA/KODAK Photo Contest Film: KODAK GOLD PLUS 100 Film Size: 35 mm

Back-Printing

Information printed on the back of a picture by the photofinisher. The system standard requires the printing of frame number, film cassette number and processing date automatically on the back of each Advanced Photo System print; may also include more detailed information, such as customized titles and time and date of picture-taking.

Balance

Placement of colors, light and dark masses, or large and small objects in a picture to create harmony and equilibrium.

Bellows

The folding (accordion) portion in some cameras that connects the lens to the camera body. Also a camera accessory that, when inserted between lens and camera body, extends the lens-to-film distance for close focusing.

Between-The-Lens Shutter

A shutter whose blades operate between two elements of the lens.

Blowup

An enlargement; a print that is made larger than the negative or slide.

Bounce Lighting

Flash or tungsten light bounced off a reflector (such as the ceiling or walls) to give the effect of natural or available light.

Bracketing

Taking additional pictures of the subject through a range of exposures-both lighter and darker-when unsure of the correct exposure.

Burning-In

Giving additional exposure to part of the image projected on an enlarger easel to make that area of the print darker. This is accomplished after the basic exposure by extending the exposure time to allow additional image-forming light to strike the areas in the print you want to darken while holding back the image-forming light from the rest of the image. Sometimes called printing-in.

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