MACRO

Definition: A predetermined pattern of key strokes that are activated to save time when doing a repetitive task on the computer.

Definition: A term used to identify a photograph which is taken at a very close distance to the subject. Normally so close the image size on the negative is 1-to-1 or larger.

MACRO ATTACHMENT

Definition: These are supplementary elements attached to the front of a normal lens to give an extreme close-up facility.

MACRO LENS

Definition: A lens specifically constructed for close-up photography, having its elements designed to give their best results when the subject is close to the camera. The special focusing mechanism of a macro lens permits sharp pictures from as close as three inches, which makes it possible to record subjects life-size on film. Macro lenses are also used for normal photography at ordinary subject distances.

MACROPHOTOGRAPH

Definition: See photomacrograph.

MAGAZINE

Definition: A lighttight metal container (cartridge) that holds 135 film (cylindrical magazine).

MAGENTA

Definition: One of the three subtractive primary colours. It is produced by mixing equal amounts of Red and Blue and is the "M" in CMYK.

MAGIC WAND

Definition: This selection tool chooses portions of an image based on colour.

MAGNETIC READ/WRITE CAPABILITY

Definition: The ability to record detailed information about picture-taking conditions, such as lighting and subject distance, via the magnetic layer on Advantix film.

MAGNIFY

Definition: To increase the size of the original image or element. Also to interpolate

MAIN LIGHT

Definition: Same as " Key light " the principal source of light, usually in a studio, and generally the brightest light on a subject or scene.

Definition: The principal source of light in a photograph, particularly in a studio setup, casting the dominant shadows and defining the texture and volume of the subject. Also called key light.

MANUAL EXPOSURE

Definition: A mode of camera operation in which all exposure settings are determined and set by the photographer.

MANUAL FLASH

Definition: A nonautomatic mode of flash operation in which the photographer controls the exposure by adjusting the size of the camera aperture.

MARQUEE

Definition: Outline of dots created by image editing program to show area selected for manipulation, masking or cropping.

MASK

Definition: This tool is used to select a portion of an image. This selection can be altered without affecting the other parts of the image.

MASKING

Definition: The act of blocking out light from selected areas of an image for various purposes; for example, to cover the edges of a piece of printing paper during exposure to produce white borders.

MAT

Definition: A cardboard rectangle with an opening cut in it that is placed over a print to frame it. Also called an overmat.

MAT KNIFE

Definition: A short knife blade (usually replaceable) set in a large, easy-to-hold handle. Used for cutting cardboard mounts for prints.

MATRIX METERING

Definition: In most new digital cameras there is a matrix metering option which uses 256 areas of the frame to calculate the best overall exposure value.

MATTE

Definition: Describes a printing paper with a relatively dull, nonreflective surface. Opposite: glossy

MEDIA

Definition: Material that information is written to and stored on. Digital photography storage media includes CompactFlash cards and CDs.