säritust

Säritust is a term originating from Estonian that translates to "exposure" in English. In photography and cinematography, it refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor or film. Achieving the correct säritust is crucial for creating a well-exposed image, meaning one that is neither too dark nor too bright.

Several factors influence säritust. The aperture of the lens controls the size of the opening through which light enters, with a wider aperture allowing more light. The shutter speed determines how long the sensor or film is exposed to light; a faster shutter speed lets in less light. Finally, the ISO sensitivity of the sensor or film dictates how much light is required to produce a proper exposure; a higher ISO makes the sensor more sensitive to light.

Photographers manipulate these three elements, often referred to as the "exposure triangle," to achieve their desired säritust. Different combinations can produce the same exposure but result in distinct visual characteristics. For instance, a shallow depth of field is achieved with a wide aperture, while motion blur is created with a slower shutter speed. Understanding and controlling säritust is fundamental to photographic technique. In broader contexts, säritust can also refer to exposure to radiation or other environmental factors, but its most common usage is within the realm of visual media.