Avoid these pitfalls
6: The lazy photographer
Pitfall explanation
I have to admit, I object in principle to dressing up animals. Still, if you've gone to all the effort to do so, then you might as well take a picture. But, for God's sake, sit up and get your crotch out of the photo. I've seen several variations on the lazy photographer theme, including bizarre angles (not wanting to move from a comfy spot on the couch) and distracting objects in the foreground (just push them away).
I have to admit, I object in principle to dressing up animals. Still, if you've gone to all the effort to do so, then you might as well take a picture. But, for God's sake, sit up and get your crotch out of the photo. I've seen several variations on the lazy photographer theme, including bizarre angles (not wanting to move from a comfy spot on the couch) and distracting objects in the foreground (just push them away).
Can this photo be saved?
Sort of. You can crop out the crotch, but then you've got the disembodied knees, which can't be easily cropped out.
Sort of. You can crop out the crotch, but then you've got the disembodied knees, which can't be easily cropped out.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Pay attention. Just ask yourself one question: Is there anything in this picture that I don't want? If the answer is yes, then move it--even if it's you.
Tip 2: Let someone else take the shot. If you're going to be lazy, you might as well go all the way.
Tip 1: Pay attention. Just ask yourself one question: Is there anything in this picture that I don't want? If the answer is yes, then move it--even if it's you.
Tip 2: Let someone else take the shot. If you're going to be lazy, you might as well go all the way.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: There's really no technology--yet--that can compensate for bad composition. But a moderate zoom might help provide more framing flexibility.
Suggested models:
What it takes: There's really no technology--yet--that can compensate for bad composition. But a moderate zoom might help provide more framing flexibility.
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.
