How a Camera Works: Light photons reflect off subjects and travel through the camera's aperture (adjustable opening). The lens bends (refracts) these light rays to focus them onto the sensor. Different wavelengths (colors) refract at slightly different angles, which is why high-quality lenses need special elements to correct for chromatic aberration.
This simulation shows a simplified model of how photons travel through a camera system and form an image on the sensor plane.