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Avoid these pitfalls
10: Too flashy
Pitfall explanation
This reunion photo isn't great art, but the sentimental value makes it priceless for someone. Unfortunately, with the backlighting, the white walls, the white tablecloth, the silvery hair, and the shiny glasses, the flash proved to be a little too intense for grandma number 2. My guess is that the camera was set to its default, which usually results in overly aggressive fill-flash settings in many snapshot cameras.
This reunion photo isn't great art, but the sentimental value makes it priceless for someone. Unfortunately, with the backlighting, the white walls, the white tablecloth, the silvery hair, and the shiny glasses, the flash proved to be a little too intense for grandma number 2. My guess is that the camera was set to its default, which usually results in overly aggressive fill-flash settings in many snapshot cameras.
Can this photo be saved?
Nope. Once you've blown out the twinkle in grandma's eye, no amount of retouching can get it back.
Nope. Once you've blown out the twinkle in grandma's eye, no amount of retouching can get it back.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Slow your shutter speed and turn off the flash. Since your subjects aren't speeding off somewhere and because of all the white surfaces, you should be able to get a good exposure without flash.
Tip 2: Use flash compensation. Not all snapshot cameras have it, but if your camera allows you to dial back the intensity of the flash, do so.
Tip 1: Slow your shutter speed and turn off the flash. Since your subjects aren't speeding off somewhere and because of all the white surfaces, you should be able to get a good exposure without flash.
Tip 2: Use flash compensation. Not all snapshot cameras have it, but if your camera allows you to dial back the intensity of the flash, do so.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: The ability to selectively decrease the intensity of the flash, metering that compensates for flash, or shutter-priority exposure mode.
Suggested models:
What it takes: The ability to selectively decrease the intensity of the flash, metering that compensates for flash, or shutter-priority exposure mode.
Suggested models:
Additional resources
CNET Community: Point and Shout
We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them.
Online digital photo printing and sharing
Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, there are plenty of sites that can make printing and sharing a pleasure. We tried out more than 40 of them to give you a snapshot of your options.
Digital camera memory-card selector
Choosing digital camera memory--CompactFlash, Secure Digital cards, and Memory Stick--should be a no-brainer compared to choosing a camera. It's not. Let CNET's Digital camera memory selector clear away the smoke and mirrors surrounding these formats and bring storage clarity into your life.
Digital camera buying guide
We've distilled our expert advice on finding the right digital camera into a handy seven-page guide.
CNET Community: Point and Shout
We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them.
Online digital photo printing and sharing
Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, there are plenty of sites that can make printing and sharing a pleasure. We tried out more than 40 of them to give you a snapshot of your options.
Digital camera memory-card selector
Choosing digital camera memory--CompactFlash, Secure Digital cards, and Memory Stick--should be a no-brainer compared to choosing a camera. It's not. Let CNET's Digital camera memory selector clear away the smoke and mirrors surrounding these formats and bring storage clarity into your life.
Digital camera buying guide
We've distilled our expert advice on finding the right digital camera into a handy seven-page guide.
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