Pildistus

Pildistus is the Estonian term for the act or process of capturing images with a camera. It encompasses still photography as well as video capture when used in a photographic context. The concept centers on recording light to create a visual representation, regardless of the final display medium.

In everyday Estonian usage, pildistus describes both the practice and the skills involved, including composition, lighting, exposure, and handling of equipment. It is distinct from the finished product (pilt) and from the broader field of fotograafia, which often emphasizes artistic and technical aspects of making photographs.

Techniques and equipment include choosing camera type (film or digital), lens selection, exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), focus, white balance, and post-processing. Modern pildistus predominantly relies on digital cameras and editing software, enabling rapid review and iteration.

Historically, pildistus began with chemical photography on film and has transformed through digital imaging, mobile photography, and multimedia documentation. In Estonia, as elsewhere, it serves journalism, science, education, advertising, art, and personal recordkeeping.

Ethical and legal considerations include consent from subjects, model releases, privacy concerns, and copyright rights of the photographer and publisher. Responsible pildistus also involves accuracy in representation, especially in documentary contexts.

See also: photography, imaging.