The basics

Fixing common shooting problems
ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Use the guide below to help diagnose and solve shooting problems.
1. Focus not on main subject
Problem: The main subject in the image is not sharply focused.
Cause: This is usually caused by not having the auto focus area on the main subject at the time of
shooting.
Solution: If your subject is off to one side of the frame make sure that you lock focus (pressing the
shutter button down halfway) on this point before re-composing and releasing the shutter
button.
2. Picture too light
Problem: The photograph appears washed out or too light with no detail in the light areas of the
print.
Cause: This is caused by too much light entering the camera causing the overexposure.
Solution: You can resolve this problem by adjusting the camera’s exposure compensation control
so that it automatically reduces the overall exposure by one stop. Shoot again and check
exposure. If still overexposed, change the compensation to two stops. Continue this process until
the exposure is acceptable.
3. Picture too dark
Problem: The photograph appears muddy or too dark with no detail in the shadow areas of the
print.
Cause: Again this is a problem of exposure. This time not enough light has entered the camera.
Solution: Adjust the exposure compensation control to add more light or alternatively use a flash
to help light your subject.
4. Subject too blurry
Problem: The main subject, or the whole picture, appears blurry and unsharp.
Cause: When images appear blurry it is usually the result of the subject, or the photographer,
moving during a long exposure.
Solution: Use a tripod to reduce the risk of camera shake and try photographing the subject at a
point in the activity when there is less movement.
5. Flash off glass
Problem: This problem results from the flash bouncing straight back from the glass into the lens
of the camera.
Cause: The flash travels directly from your camera hitting the glass and bouncing directly back
into the lens.
Solution: Using available light rather than the flash is one solution. Another is to move a little to
one side so that the flash angles off the glass surface away from the camera.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
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SCANNER AND
CAMERA TECHNIQUES