Tip:
For best results, avoid taking photos when the sun is directly overhead. This can cause harsh shadows.
Also, try to shoot with the sun behind you. This prevents loss of detail caused by bright light.
Cloudy/Overcast
Get creative on gray days
Less-than-ideal weather conditions won't keep you from getting that perfect shot. Cloudy skies produce unique
photos:
Get interesting highlights with enhanced mood
Make colors pop in contrast to the gray sky
Shooting on a sunny day creates shadows and highlights on the boy's face and arms.
Partly cloudy skies give you even lighting and glowing colors, with less dramatic contrast.
Notice how the boy in the foreground pops out in contrast to the overcast sky.
Tip:
Shooting in the rain can be fun, but be careful not to damage your camera. You can waterproof your
camera by wrapping it in a plastic bag and cutting a hole for the lens to poke through.
A great time for some photo magic
Sunrise and sunset are what photographers call the "golden hour" or "magic hour." Photos taken at these times
are rich and dramatic:
Get "golden" light instead of blinding midday sun
Your photos will have warm and inviting colors
This photo looks like it was taken mid-day in bright sunlight.
This photo is a bit darker, but it still lacks the warmth of the golden hour.
This photo was taken a bit too late in the day.
This photo was taken too late in the day to benefit from the golden hour.
Notice this photo's warm, rich colors and dramatic lighting.
Tip:
Using the golden hour is especially good for people shots so you avoid harsh shadows on faces caused
by midday sun. Experiment with angles and zoom to find the perfect balance of light.
Flash
Get more effective flash photos
The flash is a great tool if you know how to get the most of it. The key is keeping your distance:
Your camera's flash has a range of about 10 feet
Too far? Your photo will be too dark
Too close? Bright light blows out detail
This photo was taken from too far back while using a zoom. The photo lacks light as the flash was too
far away to reach the girl's face.
Yikes! The flash fired right in front of the girl, causing her face to be harshly lit.
Yes! The girl is at a perfect distance from the flash, resulting in a bright and clear photo.
Tip:
The best way to avoid overexposed flash photos is to step back and zoom in to your subject. This way,
the flash is a good distance from your subject, but you still get your close-up.
Keep annoying "red-eye" out of your photos
The flash reflecting off the retina of your subject's eyes is what causes the common problem of red-eye. Reduce
red-eye by following these guidelines:
Move outdoors or into brighter light
Have your subject avoid looking directly into the lens
Notice how red-eye occurs when the flash is used and the subject looks toward the lens.
Notice how red-eye occurs when you use the flash and the subject looks toward the lens.
Red-eye is more common in low-light situations; you can reduce red-eye by increasing room light.
Red-eye can be avoided by having the subject look away from the lens.
The easiest way to avoid red-eye is to turn off your camera's flash; you can also increase room light.
Use your camera's red-eye reduction flash setting to help avoid red eyes.
Tip:
Many HP cameras offer in camera automatic red-eye removal.
Move your subject for more compelling photos
You don't have to center your subject in every photo you shoot. Create more visual interest by using the
Rule of Thirds:
Divide your photo into a tic-tac-toe grid
Place the main "interest" at grid intersections
Use photo software to crop later if necessary
Placing the subject in the center of the photo isn't ideal. Try moving the subject to either side.
This placement works well by using the hillside to emphasize the subject.
Placing the subject here provides an interesting, eye-pleasing composition.
Tip:
You don't always get the perfect shot to begin with, so keeping the Rule of Thirds in mind, try
cropping your photo after you've shot it using HP Photosmart Essential software for the same effect.
Add more visual appeal to your shots
Sometimes the best way to draw attention to your center of interest is to create a frame around it.
A "frame" helps the subject stand out
Add drama, depth and interest
Use scenic elements like trees or other objects
This photo lacks the visual appeal it might have if some framing elements were included.
See how the tree adds drama and interest without dominating the photo?
Using the tree and the grass as framing elements makes this a remarkable photo.
Tip:
Once you've situated your subject in the area where you want to shoot, always view your subject from
several different angles to locate objects you can use to frame your photo.
Add depth and create interest with lines
Create interesting perspective and enhance ordinary shots by using straight or curved lines within the frame.
Lines lead the eye to the center of interest
Look for brick walls, sidewalks, fences, and edges
Shoot lines at an angle for unique shots
The sidewalk on the left and the curb in the center draw attention to the girl and add depth.
Notice how the horizon line and the lines of the pier draw the eye into the photo.
See how placing the boy on a line adds depth to the photo?
Tip:
Get creative with lines in your photo. Position your subject at a corner where a fence intersects,
or use a long sidewalk to "point" to your subject.
The right background makes a better photo
Backgrounds can play a huge role in how interesting your photo is. Consider these points when choosing a
background:
Watch for clutter and other distracting elements
Don't use a busy or competing background
Remove objects that connect to the subject
Not quite, notice the lamppost sticking out from the subject's head.
Almost. Placing the cluster of buildings directly behind the couple causes visual clutter.
Keep trying. In this shot, the tree appears to be sprouting from the girl's head!
Perfect! The couple stands out because there are no distractions in the background.
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