12. In the dark
Pitfall explanation
Once again, animals in costumes are not on my list of favourite 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.
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.
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:
Pitfall explanation
Once again, animals in costumes are not on my list of favourite 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.
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.
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:
 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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