Tips for taking better photos

Although it only affects a small area, red-eye can have a big impact on the quality of your photo.

Take advantage of the instant Photo Fix feature on the HP Photosmart 7510 e-All-in-One for red-eye removal 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 7510 e-All-in-One, offer in-printer editing features, including instant Photo Fix, which will automatically remove red-eye from your photos before printing.
• Discover additional tips and techniques to remove red-eye from your photos.

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.

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.

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.)

How to fix it

• For small amounts of blur, use the Instant Photo Fix feature, found on select HP Photosmart All-in-Ones like the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One, to automatically sharpen the focus and improve your photos before printing.
• For more serious blur, try photo editing software such as Windows Live Photo Gallery or Adobe Photoshop.

An underexposed photo can leave your subjects in the dark.

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.

How to fix it

• You can also use the Instant Photo Fix feature, found on select HP Photosmart printers, such as the HP Photosmart 6510 e-All-in-One. Learn more about using this feature to automatically improve photos before printing.

A photo taken in direct sunlight on a bright day can cause your subjects to look washed-out.

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

• 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.