Photographers check the camera and lens to "expose" the refulgent recording material (such as film) to the required expanse of light to conformation a "latent image" (on film) or "raw file" (in digital cameras) which, after appropriate processing, is converted to a usable image. Digital cameras replace film with an electronic image sensor based on light-sensitive electronics such as charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The resulting digital image is stored electronically, but can be reproduced on paper or film.

During the printing process, modifications can be unreal to the print by a few controls. Frequent of these controls are consubstantial to controls during image capture, while some are exclusive to the printing process. Most controls have equivalent digital concepts, but some beget altered effects. For Seattle Photographer example, dodging and burning controls are different between digital and film processes. Other printing modifications include: