While your camera is undeniably a technological wonder, it's not a mind reader. Even if you're cruising in full Auto mode, don't make the mistake of assuming it knows your photographic desires.
In this guide, we'll uncover five common pitfalls to steer clear of during your next shoot. Because, let's face it, even the best gadgets need a little human guidance now and then.
Your camera's got a range of automatic metering modes, saving you the hassle of manually calculating exposure. But are you picking the right one? Whether it's spot, center-weighted, or multi-zone metering, each has its use, so make sure you're familiar with them.
Take, for instance, snowy scenes. Ever snapped a pic only to find your snow looks more like sad, gray slush? Instead of trusting your camera’s meter, lean toward overexposure to capture that pristine, fluffy white snow we all know and love.
Don’t be afraid to let your inner artist run wild, either! Drown those summer portraits in light and leave in a touch of flare for a sun-soaked daydream. On the flip side, underexpose for moody clouds, mysterious shadows, and gritty urban snaps. Remember, your camera's got the tools, but you've got the vision.
Even with the reassuring beep of your autofocus, it's not foolproof. Motion blur is a common culprit, especially when the lights are low. Quick tip: make sure your shutter speed is at least 1/(focal length) if you want a shot that's sharp. If the room's a bit too dim, don't hesitate to give your ISO a little boost to compensate for the lack of light, too.
Another common culprit is when shooting wide open with those low f-stops. Your depth of field shrinks quickly, meaning it's easy to accidentally focus on your subject's nose instead of their eyes, so always double check before you press the shutter. Bokeh can create a beautiful background for a portrait, but not if you end up sacrificing sharpness where it counts.
Your camera might claim you can snap 386 more photos, but here's the truth: it's not always accurate. The actual size of each photo file depends on the complexity of the image. A serene, monochrome seascape takes up less space than a vibrant, fish-eye view of Times Square. If memory card space is a concern while you’re out and about, keep an eye on the content you're capturing.
When unsure, play it safe and pack extra memory cards. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Ever been praised with a “Great shot! What camera was that?” If so, here's the truth: it's not the camera that's the secret, it's you! Contrary to the belief that upgrading your gear automatically improves your photography, the truth is, you don't need the newest toys to create the best images.
Whether it's a high-end DSLR or a well-loved point-and-shoot, what matters is your skill, not the brand name. Take pride in learning every button on your device and grasping fundamental principles. Case in point: the above shot? Snapped with a 4-megapixel Canon Powershot point-and-shoot.
Even if you're cruising on autopilot with auto modes, keep your brain in the game. While these modes do a stellar job in many situations, they're not infallible. Tricky scenarios like blindingly bright scenes (cue snow), deep shadows (hello, backlit subjects), or lightning-fast action can leave your camera’s auto mode a bit confused.
Before you hit that shutter button, take a beat. Consider the scene, visualize the shot you're after, and tweak your settings accordingly. Most auto modes give you the flexibility to make a few manual adjustments, so don't hesitate to play with over- or underexposure to nail the shot you're envisioning.
Even in the world of auto modes, a little manual finesse goes a long way.
The latest and greatest from the Development Lab and beyond.
