time exposure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2+)Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “time exposure” mean?
A photographic technique where the camera's shutter is left open for a prolonged period, typically longer than a second, to capture stationary objects sharply while blurring or eliminating moving ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A photographic technique where the camera's shutter is left open for a prolonged period, typically longer than a second, to capture stationary objects sharply while blurring or eliminating moving ones.
Any instance of prolonged exposure to an agent or condition over a significant duration. Metaphorically, it can refer to a lengthy experience with something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center').
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to photographic and technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “time exposure” in a Sentence
take a [time exposure] of [the cityscape]use [a time exposure] for [astrophotography]The [photograph] is [a time exposure].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time exposure” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The time-exposure setting is on the dial.
- He used a time-exposure technique.
American English
- The time-exposure feature is advanced.
- She prefers time-exposure photography.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in marketing for camera equipment.
Academic
Used in fine arts, photography, and physics papers discussing light capture techniques.
Everyday
Very rare. Limited to photography enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in photography manuals, tutorials, and scientific imaging.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time exposure”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time exposure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time exposure”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will time exposure the scene'). Correct: 'I will use a time exposure.'
- Confusing it with 'exposure time'. 'Exposure time' is the parameter (e.g., 30 seconds); a 'time exposure' is the photograph taken using that parameter.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Time exposure' is a more formal or traditional term, while 'long exposure' is a more common contemporary synonym in photography.
Rarely. It can be used in technical/scientific contexts to mean prolonged exposure to an agent (e.g., 'time exposure to radiation'), but 'long-term exposure' is more typical. In everyday language, it is not used.
A camera with manual settings (allowing shutter speeds longer than 1 second), a stable tripod to prevent camera shake, and often a remote shutter release. Neutral density filters may also be used in bright conditions.
A fast-action photograph or snapshot taken with a very short shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000th of a second), which freezes motion sharply.
A photographic technique where the camera's shutter is left open for a prolonged period, typically longer than a second, to capture stationary objects sharply while blurring or eliminating moving ones.
Time exposure is usually technical/formal in register.
Time exposure: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪm ɪkˈspəʊʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪm ɪkˈspoʊʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TIME' + 'EXPOSURE' = exposing the film or sensor to light for a long TIME.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPOSURE IS DURATION; CAPTURING TIME IS CAPTURING CHANGE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'time exposure'?