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PHOTO TIPS & TRICKS

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An example of camera shake Too close
HOW CAN I AVOID TAKING BLURRY PICTURES?
Moving the camera as you press the shutter release is the most common cause of blurry photos. To combat this problem, learn to hold the camera in a stable position.

If your photos are out of focus it may be that you are too close to the subject. If the photo is all blurred and out of focus the problem is probably caused by the movement of the camera while you were taking the photo.  This is often called camera shake. Take care to keep it steady when shooting try using a tripod. A dirty lens can make your photos look dull or foggy.  Clean your lens regularly with optical tissue or a lens cleaner.
Unfortunately nothing can be done in the laboratory to improve on blurred photos caused by camera shake

ARE YOUR PRINTS TOO DARK? = UNDER EXPOSURE
That's because not enough light has reached the film
under
Possible Causes Solutions
Not enough day light Use a faster speed film e.g. 400 ISO or use a flash
Subject is in the shade Use a fill in flash or Move subject
Subject is to far away for the flash to impact Camera flash is not fully charged. Check your camera batteries or Move closer to the subject
Shutter speed too high or Aperture too small  Become familiar with the appropriate settings required for different light conditions on a manual camera
Wrong speed setting on the camera Check that it is correctly set for the film in use
ARE YOUR PRINTS TOO LIGHT? = OVER EXPOSURE
That's because too much light has reached the film

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Possible Causes Solutions
Subject is too close when using a flash

Be aware of your minimum flash distance. Normally it is 4 feet - check your manual
Wrong speed setting on the camera Check that it is correctly set for the film speed in use
Using a higher speed film than your camera is designed to take Check camera capabilities
Shutter speed is acting too slow or Aperture is too large  Become familiar with the appropriate settings required for different light conditions on a manual camera
Shooting into the sun Think about where the sun is before you shoot.
Camera malfunction Have camera serviced
PAY ATTENTION TO THE SUN
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Sun flare on the lens causes sun spots All detail has been lost creating silouettes
If you take photos into the sun it will create exposure problems. Too much light will over expose some areas and you will under expose other areas because of the strong shadows. Keep the sun behind you or wait for the right time of the day when the sun will no longer interfere with your photo. Alternatively, you could try using flash if your subjects are people and if they are close to the camera.
Unfortunately little can be done in the laboratory to improve on noticably under or over exposed results.
HINTS FOR USING A FLASH 
without with flash
  1. Read your camera manual to find out how close or far you can be from your subject to get the best results.
  2. When your flash does not work, usually a battery problem is the cause. Always carry spare batteries.
  3. Wait for the ready-light to come on before firing your flash.
  4. Bright sunlight can cause shadows on your subjects. Use your flash to lighten these shadows, otherwise you will lose the detail.
  5. It is important to always use your flash indoors. It will counteract any backlighting (windows) and cut out any shadows, providing a well exposed photo.
  6. We recommend the use of a faster speed film. A 200 or a 400 ISO film will increase the effective range of your flash and give you improved depth and colour reproduction.
  7. Watch out for shiny surfaces, such as windows, mirrors and glass which will reflect the flash. Stand at an angle or move the subject to prevent capturing this on your photo.
  8. If the subject is in the shade - use your fill-in flash.
  9. If you don't use a flash indoors electric lights will give your photos an orange hue.
  10. If in doubt always use your fill-in flash
HOW CAN I AVOID RED EYES IN PHOTOS?
When you take a photo, the camera's flash is reflected off the retina of the eye, which can make eyes look red. Since light travels in a straight line, to avoid this problem you need to create more of an angle between the flash and the camera lens. As this is not possible with point and shoot cameras, it is best to ask the subject not to look directly at the camera lens. If you have a Red Eye reduction camera, ask the subject to look at the light which illuminates just prior to the flash going off.