Avoid these pitfalls
2: Demon eyes
Pitfall explanation
In this photo (cropped from the original), the expression on the kid's face is mesmerizing and definitely makes the shot a photo-album candidate. Unfortunately, it's marred by that demon-deer-in-the-headlights look that plagues flash photos shot with compact cameras--the result of locating the flash too close to the lens. Furthermore, light-eyed folks are far more susceptible to red-eye than the rest of us. So if you have a compact camera and a family full of Nordic types, you're looking at a flash massacre.
In this photo (cropped from the original), the expression on the kid's face is mesmerizing and definitely makes the shot a photo-album candidate. Unfortunately, it's marred by that demon-deer-in-the-headlights look that plagues flash photos shot with compact cameras--the result of locating the flash too close to the lens. Furthermore, light-eyed folks are far more susceptible to red-eye than the rest of us. So if you have a compact camera and a family full of Nordic types, you're looking at a flash massacre.
Can this photo be saved?
Probably. Many consumer image-editing software packages include automatic red-eye removal, but I'm never really satisfied with the results, especially for blue eyes and the eyes of animals.
Probably. Many consumer image-editing software packages include automatic red-eye removal, but I'm never really satisfied with the results, especially for blue eyes and the eyes of animals.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Lighten your surroundings. You don't need enough light to shoot without the flash, just enough so that your subject's pupils constrictbefore the flash goes off.
Tip 2: Use your camera's red-eye-reduction mode. This essentially sends out a burst of light before the flash to (hopefully) constrict the subject's pupils. Some work better than others.
Tip 3: Change your angle. Don't shoot someone's face dead-on; move to a slight angle, and that should decrease the intensity of the red-eye.
Tip 4: Dial down the flash. You don't necessarily need a blinding flash to get a good exposure. If your camera supports flash exposure compensation or simply a couple of intensity level options, cut back on the intensity. It won't eliminate red-eye, but it should decrease how vivid it looks.
Tip 1: Lighten your surroundings. You don't need enough light to shoot without the flash, just enough so that your subject's pupils constrictbefore the flash goes off.
Tip 2: Use your camera's red-eye-reduction mode. This essentially sends out a burst of light before the flash to (hopefully) constrict the subject's pupils. Some work better than others.
Tip 3: Change your angle. Don't shoot someone's face dead-on; move to a slight angle, and that should decrease the intensity of the red-eye.
Tip 4: Dial down the flash. You don't necessarily need a blinding flash to get a good exposure. If your camera supports flash exposure compensation or simply a couple of intensity level options, cut back on the intensity. It won't eliminate red-eye, but it should decrease how vivid it looks.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: Preflash red-eye reduction can be hit-or-miss; ditto for in-camera features such as red-eye removal. The only way to absolutely prevent it is to have sufficient separation between the flash and the lens. A good pop-up flash or an add-on flash are the only ways to go.
Suggested models:
What it takes: Preflash red-eye reduction can be hit-or-miss; ditto for in-camera features such as red-eye removal. The only way to absolutely prevent it is to have sufficient separation between the flash and the lens. A good pop-up flash or an add-on flash are the only ways to go.
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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