A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

T - (which stands for "Time") - Shutter speed setting used for time exposures. The shutter opens when the release is pressed and closes when it is pressed again.

Tearsheet - A copy of a published page (magazine or newspaper) in which a model's picture appears. Tearsheets are generally included in a model's portfolio as evidence of work the model has done.

Technical Camera - Precision view camera made of metal.

Teleconverter - a lens mounted between a camera body and a lens (usually a telephoto lens) to increase the effective focal length of the lens. Also referred to as a “tele-extender”. Different tele-converters have different magnifying powers, ranging from 1.4 times to 3 times the lens’ normal magnification (1.4X to 3X). The effect is to increase the lens’ focal length by the degree of magnification, so a 3X tele-converter used on a 50mm lens triples the image size by tripling the effective focal length to the equivalent of a 150mm lens. The disadvantages of using a tele-converter are light loss and, generally, reduced image quality.

Telephoto lens - A lens that includes a narrow view of the subject in the picture frame, making distant objects appear closer and magnified. In the 35mm format, lenses with a focal length of 85mm or longer are generally considered telephoto lenses. Telephoto focal lengths stretch to 1200mm, and lenses that are longer than 400mm are sometimes referred to as "long toms".

Test shots - Photographs of a model who poses for them for free or at low cost in order to build a beginning portfolio.

Texture - The visual and tactile quality of the surface of an object, revealed in a photograph by variances in tone, depth and shape. Lighting has the most influence over how well texture is captured in an image.

TFP - "Trade For Prints" or "Trade For Pictures" - an arrangement between a model and a photographer where the model receives photographs in lieu of a modeling fee.

"Thick" negative - outdated term a dense negative.

"Thin" negative - a negative lacking density, due to underexposure, underdevelopment or both.

Thirds, rule of - A simple compositional   principle whereby the main point of interest of a scene is placed approximately one-third from one of the edges of the picture frame. The term "intersection of thirds" is used when the subject is centered on a point approximately one-third in from two adjacent edges.

Through-the-lens - Commonly abbreviated as “TTL”. Refers to both exposure metering of the light passing through the lens (Through-the-lens metering, and TTL flash metering) and viewing a scene through the same lens that allows light to reach the film (Through-the-lens focusing).

Time exposure - An exposure in which the shutter stays open for as long as the photographer keeps the shutter release depressed. Time exposures may be necessary in dim light and are usually made using a cable release and with the camera mounted on a tripod.

Time laps photography  - Taking a series of pictures of the same basic scene at regular, timed intervals from the same viewpoint.

TINT - (1) Gradation or variety of a colour or hue. (2) A colour diluted with white. (3) Varying shades of white in a photographic print, from white to buff as determined by the colour of the paper.

Tonal range - The various shades of grey between solid black and absolute white.

Tone - also known as "Value" - The degree of lightness or darkness, or colour variation from cold tones (blues) to warm tones (reds), in an area of a print, whether a colour print or a black-and-white print.

Toning - Altering the tone of a print, generally by intensification. "Toners" are the solutions used to produce different color shades.

Transparency - A positive image viewed by transmitted rather than reflected light.  When mounted in a metal, plastic or cardboard mount, a transparency is called a slide.

Transparentt magnetic layer - Thin layer of magnetic particles coating the surface of APS (Advanced Photo System) film that records information such as the picture size selected by the photographer and processing data. IX (Information Exchange) technology allows photofinishing equipment to read these instructions on the film and make processing and printing adjustments for the best results from different lighting and exposure conditions.

Tripod - A pole on a base of three legs to which a camera can be attached, providing support that eliminates or reduces camera movement, useful for sharp images when using slow shutter speeds or to show blur from a moving subject. The height of the pole and of the individual legs can usually be adjusted. Various models have different characteristics.

TTL - An abbreviation for "through-the-lens” generally used to refer to exposure metering systems that read the intensity of light that passes through the lens.

TTL Meter - A light meter that measures light travelling through the lens.

Tungsten light - A common type of electric light for both household and photographic purposes, named after the filament of the metal tungsten through which the current passes. Tungsten light is much warmer in color (more orange) than daylight or electronic flash, and with daylight-balanced slide film you must use a blue filter to reproduce colors accurately. Alternatively, you can use a special tungsten-balanced slide film.

Tungsten film  - Film that is colour-balanced for illumination from tungsten light. Also known as “Type B” colour film.

Twin lens reflex - (TLR) A camera having two separate lenses of the same focal length - one for viewing and focusing; the other for exposing the film. The lenses are mechanically-coupled so that both are focused at the same time.

Type A film -Colour film that is colour-balanced for photography of scenes illuminated by artificial light sources at a colour temperature of 3400K - typically flood lamps.

Type B film - Colour film that is colour-balanced for photography of scenes illuminated by artificial light sources at a colour temperature of 3200K - typically tungsten and household lamps. This is the more commonly-used of the two types.