There are many ways to fail to execute a good photo shoot, and, at some time or another, I've done most of them. In fact, most photographers have blundered in almost every way at least once. The trick is to ensure that the same mistakes don't happen twice. Sometimes to learn how to do something well, you first need to learn how to do it poorly. So here is how NOT to make a good photograph:
1. Auto-meter off something light or dark
Built-in camera meters assume that everything in the world that you want to take a picture of is medium-gray. However, most things aren't. A solid blue sky is the same tone as medium-gray, as is green grass (usually), and some tree barks, and some rocks. And when the tones of all the colors of a scene are averaged, the result is sometimes equivalent to a medium-gray. But if all those factors aren't perfect, you'll get a bad exposure. So if you want to expose the scene incorrectly, then take your meter reading with a lot of light or dark areas included in your frame, such as large white clouds, or spans of deep-blue ocean. Because those are not medium-toned, you'll end up either over- or underexposing your film.
| A photo such as this would be difficult for a camera to auto-meter: the great egret is too light, the water too dark. (Galveston, Texas; Nikon F5, Nikkor 600mm f/4.) More Wildlife Pictures. |
However, if you want an accurate exposure, then spot-meter off something that you know is medium-toned, such as the objects mentioned above. If your camera doesn't have a spot meter, then temporarily fill the frame with medium-toned objects that are in the same light, and use that meter reading.
2. Hand-hold the camera
Regardless of how stable you think you can hold your camera, I guarantee you that you'll get more motion in your shot by hand-holding than by using a tripod.
Always use a tripod if you can. At least use a
monopod or some other method of making your camera more stable. If a photo is worth taking, then it's worth applying the extra effort to make it as sharp as possible.
3. Don't allow for a masked viewfinder
Most cameras' viewfinders show only a portion of the scene that will appear on film. Even many pro cameras will show only 90 to 95 percent of what's actually coming through the lens. If you disregard this fact, then you'll find that your images will have more space around each edge, which, if you've composed carefully, will often be dead space or space that introduces unwanted elements.
But to fix this problem, look in your camera's manual to learn what percentage of the scene your viewfinder shows. If your manual doesn't tell you, call the manufacturer and ask, or shoot some test frames to find out for yourself. Once you know what's missing in your viewfinder, you can easily compensate for it by adjusting your framing.
4. Don't consider using a filter
Some photographers never use filters, and some always do. Most photographers are somewhere in between. But if you don't even consider using a filter, then you may be missing an opportunity to make your image better.
If you're photographing sky or foliage, consider adding a
polarizing filter. If you're shooting in the shade on a sunny day, think about using an 81A warming filter. If you're working in overcast light, try using an 81B warmer. You don't need to carry a bag full of extra filters, but learning the uses of the most basic filters can help you make some just-decent images extraordinary. (In addition to those mentioned, learn how to use split neutral density filters, too.)
5. Don't look before you shoot
If you want to throw away more film when it gets back from the lab, then don't bother taking one last look before your open your shutter in the field.
However, if you want to save yourself from possible aggravation later, then learn to be alert to subtleties in the environment; there are many things that can weaken an image that you may not think about while you're distracted with exposures and filters and lens choices. So, when you think you're ready to expose the film, take a few seconds to look for these things in your scene:
Distracting elements. Is there a branch you didn't notice? A person in the background looking at the camera?
The four corners. Does every quadrant of your frame contribute something to the composition?
Trash. Nothing else can better ruin a good nature shot. Picking up the trash will probably improve your photo, and will definitely improve the environment.
