Whether you're a professional or an amateur, there are several photography mistakes that are surprisingly common. We'll explain why these mistakes occur, give you tips to prevent them, and then show you how to fix the flaws using in-printer editing tools featured on HP Photosmart All-in-Ones.
Mistake #1: Red-eye
Although it only affects a small area, red-eye can have a big impact on the quality of your photo.
Use the automatic red-eye removal button on the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One to quickly improve your photo without using a PC or editing software.
Red-eye may be a small flaw, but it can still make the difference between a frame-worthy photo and one you dismiss to a dusty shoebox in the back of the closet.
What causes it
When you take photos in a dim or dark setting, the light from your camera’s flash reflects off the subject's eyes. The resulting red glow (red-eye) is the blood vessels illuminated within the subject's retinas.
How to prevent it
Avoid using your flash whenever possible. (If you're not sure, take a few test shots with flash and without to see whether you absolutely need it.)
If you have to use your flash, ask your subject not to look directly into the camera lens.
Look for the Red-eye reduction feature offered on many digital cameras.
How to fix it
Some HP printers, such as the HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One, feature an automatic red-eye removal button for instantly improving your photos—without the use of a PC!
Although this photo presents a stunning winter landscape, the family becomes lost amidst the competing scenery.
By cropping, the family reclaims the spotlight and the photo still captures some of the picturesque surroundings.
Even an image that possesses many qualities of a great photo (sharp focus, accurate colors, correct lighting) can be compromised by lacking an obvious focal point or main subject.
What causes it
Shooting your subject against a busy or competing background or foreground.
Trying to fit too much into one picture. (The entire family, the scenery, and a famous landmark are too much for a single vacation photo.)
Taking a photo from far away, making your subject too small to be an obvious focal point.
How to prevent it
Physically move closer to your subject.
Use your camera's zoom feature.
Before you snap your shot, ask yourself: "What is the main subject of this photo?" and "Does my subject fill the frame?"
How to fix it
Cropping allows you to eliminate unnecessary or unwanted elements from your photo, bringing the focus back to the main subject.
Use cropping to "zoom" in on your photo after you've taken it.
Several HP printers, such as the HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One, let you crop photos directly from the printer's TouchSmart screen—no PC required.
Action shots are engaging, but can be difficult to take without blur.
If available, use your camera's Action mode to help avoid blur when your main subjects are in motion.
Choose the Photo Fix option from your printer's editing menu to automatically sharpen your photos.
Whether it's low lighting, a shaky hand holding the camera, or a subject on the move, blur can ruin an otherwise great picture.
What causes it
A camera moving or shaking—even the slightest amount.
Shutter lag (the pause after you trigger the shutter before a camera takes a photo) while your subject is in motion.
Insufficient lighting.
How to prevent it
Use a tripod or brace yourself against a stationary object so it's easier to hold the camera still.
Avoid shutter lag by holding the shutter button on your camera halfway down, waiting for your subject to make their move, and then pressing the button down the rest of the way.
See if your camera offers an Action mode for automatic shutter speed adjustment, or a Night or Night Portrait mode to help with low lighting. (A tripod is usually necessary for these modes due to the extended exposure times.)
An underexposed photo can leave your subjects in the dark.
Manually adjust the brightness of your photos using in-printer editing tools offered on many HP Photosmart All-in-Ones.
Exposure is the amount of light that passes through your camera lens. When a photo is underexposed, it appears too dark, making if difficult to see the subject clearly or to distinguish details.
What causes it
Shooting in a dimly lit space.
Standing too far away from your subject.
Setting your camera's shutter speed (the length of time the shutter stays open) too fast.
How to prevent it
If you're shooting indoors, move near a window or lamp to add extra light.
Move closer to your subject.
Manually adjust the shutter speed on your camera so that it's slower.
A photo taken in direct sunlight on a bright day can cause your subjects to look washed-out.
Find a source of shade to provide even lighting for your subject.
When an excess of light passes through a camera lens, the resulting photo can be too bright, washing-out the subject, obscuring details, and creating harsh shadows.
What causes it
The main cause of overexposed photos is bright light, whether it’s indoor lighting or natural sunlight.
How to prevent it
If you're shooting on a sunny day, look for a shady spot for your subject.
Use a flash to help even out the lighting and avoid severe shadows.
If possible, take advantage of overcast days—they’re ideal for outdoor photography.
How to fix it
Correct overexposure by manually adjusting the brightness of your photo in-printer on select HP Photosmart All-in-Ones, including the HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One.
You could also use the Instant Photo Fix feature, available on select HP printers, which will automatically reduce brightness and contrast for a softer, more balanced photo print. Find out more about automatically improving photos before printing.
Explore these five easy editing fixes to get additional tips for adjusting your photo's lighting using editing software.
You've learned how to avoid photography mistakes, edit your images, and get perfect prints; now it's time to show off your pictures! Find tips and ideas to share photos and get creative.
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