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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
 Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S90 Read review |
 Canon PowerShot A610 Read review |
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9 Read review |
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Sergei Plishka
11/02/2006 01:21 PM
If you do notice a reflective surface in the background, simply take the shot at an angle to the surface so that flash reflects away from the camera instead of right back at it.
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