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Avoid these pitfalls
12: In the dark
Pitfall explanation
Once again, animals in costumes are not on my list of favorite things, but this poor dog's long-suffering expression is irresistible--definitely a keeper. However, the photo is underexposed just enough to qualify as too dark; unless you zoom in closely, you can't see the please-don't-let-the-other-dogs-see-me-like-this look in his eyes. It could be intentional--the photographer may have trying to preserve the look of the tree lights--but there are better ways to achieve that look and get a better, slightly brighter photo. Then you'd be able to use it on your cards next year.
Once again, animals in costumes are not on my list of favorite things, but this poor dog's long-suffering expression is irresistible--definitely a keeper. However, the photo is underexposed just enough to qualify as too dark; unless you zoom in closely, you can't see the please-don't-let-the-other-dogs-see-me-like-this look in his eyes. It could be intentional--the photographer may have trying to preserve the look of the tree lights--but there are better ways to achieve that look and get a better, slightly brighter photo. Then you'd be able to use it on your cards next year.
Can this photo be saved?
Probably. Because it's not overly underexposed, you can make some midtone adjustments in software that will bring out the detail of the dog's expression without making image noise too visible.
Probably. Because it's not overly underexposed, you can make some midtone adjustments in software that will bring out the detail of the dog's expression without making image noise too visible.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Use a tripod and a slower shutter speed. If this shot were a candid, this method wouldn't work. But this is one of a series of shots, indicating that the dog sat patiently for at least a little while--probably long enough to drag out the tripod. And it would have the effect of making the lights on the tree glow even more.
Tip 2: Use flash. With the flash turned on but dialed back using flash compensation, you could illuminate the dog more without brightening up the tree.
Tip 3: Use the camera's Night Portrait scene mode. This mode is designed to keep the background looking dark and twinkly--like a nighttime cityscape--but ensure the subject is properly exposed.
Tip 1: Use a tripod and a slower shutter speed. If this shot were a candid, this method wouldn't work. But this is one of a series of shots, indicating that the dog sat patiently for at least a little while--probably long enough to drag out the tripod. And it would have the effect of making the lights on the tree glow even more.
Tip 2: Use flash. With the flash turned on but dialed back using flash compensation, you could illuminate the dog more without brightening up the tree.
Tip 3: Use the camera's Night Portrait scene mode. This mode is designed to keep the background looking dark and twinkly--like a nighttime cityscape--but ensure the subject is properly exposed.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: A camera with a shutter-priority exposure mode, the ability to adjust flash intensity, or a Night Portrait scene mode.
Suggested models:
What it takes: A camera with a shutter-priority exposure mode, the ability to adjust flash intensity, or a Night Portrait scene 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.
