When you contact the University Photographer, you'll hear several terms that you might not be familiar with. Below are a few definitions and explanations to help make working with the UP easier.
Jargon explained
Digital Photography - use of a digital camera, which stores pictures digitally instead of on film like a traditional camera.
TIFF - Tagged Image File Format. A widely-supported bitmap image format most often used in print publications
JPEG - (pronounced jay-peg) Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG is a color image compression technique that reduces file sizes by eliminating redundant or unnecessary image data. Many digital cameras automatically save images using the JPEG format. JPEG and GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), another compression method, are the most commonly used image file formats on the World Wide Web.
Raw Uncompressed - the data as it comes directly off the CCD, with no in-camera processing is performed.
CD-R - Compact Disc-Recordable (also known as CD-Writable). Compact discs that can be written once and read many times. Created using a CD-R Drive.
CD-RW - Compact Disc-Rewritable. Compact discs that can be written and read many times. Created using a CD-RW Drive.
Resolution - The number of pixels (in both height and width) making up an image. The more pixels in an image, the higher the resolution, and the higher the resolution of an image, the greater its clarity and definition (and the larger the file size). Resolution can also refer to the output device, such as a computer monitor or printer, used to display the image. Image file resolution is often expressed as a ratio (such as 640x480 pixels), as is monitor resolution; however, resolution is also expressed in terms of dots per inch (dpi). The assumed universal monitor resolution for web users is 72 dpi. Image file resolution and output (print or display) resolution combine to influence the clarity of a digital image when it is viewed.
DPI - An abbreviation for dots per inch. Refers to the resolution at which a device, such as a monitor or printer, can display text and graphics. Monitors are usually 100 dpi or less, and laser printers are 300 dpi or higher. An image printed on a laser printer looks sharper than the same image on a monitor.
Pixel - Often referred to as dot, as in "dots per inch". "Pixel" is short for picture elements, which make up an image, similar to grains in a photograph or dots in a half-tone. Each pixel can represent a number of different shades or colors, depending on how much storage space is allocated for it. Pixels per inch (ppi) is sometimes the preferred term, as it more accurately describes the digital image.
Grayscale - The brightness of a pixel expressed as a value representing it's 
lightness from black to white: Usually defined as a value from 0 to 255, with 0 being black and 255 being white. A term used to describe an image containing shades of gray as well as black and white.
RGB - Red, green and blue, the additive primaries. RGB is the basic additive color model used for color video display, as on a computer monitor.
CMYK - (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) The four-ink colors used in process printing. Cyan, magenta, and yellow are the three subtractive primaries. CMYK colors are simulated on a computer monitor using additive red, green, and blue light. To color separate an image from PhotoShop, convert it to CMYK Color mode.
Cutline - A short sentence or two that describes a photograph or illustration within a page layout. Also called a caption.
Vertical/Portrait - An upright image or page where the height is greater than the width.
Horizontal/Landscape - An upright image or page where the height is less than the width.
Types of Photographs
Grip and Grin - Slang word used by photographers to describe a hand-shake photos with people smiling directly at the camera. This is often used for awards ceremonies.
Studio Portrait - Photograph of a person shot in a studio with controlled lighting. These are usually formal.
Candid/Photojournalistic Photo - Photograph taken of a subject that isn't posed. Most of the time, the subject is unaware that the photo is taken; therefore the moment is informal and natural.
Still Life - Used to describe a method of studio or outdoor photography where objects are pre-arranged to be photographed. A picture of inanimate objects.