Save My Shot - Save My Shot Submission from Jeff McMillan

From Liz Masoner, former About.com Guide

Jeff McMillan asked us to "save my shot" with this after the game scene.

The Problems

Overexposed Foreground
Composition
Horizon
Blurry Details

The Digital Editing Fix

• Overexposed Foreground Fix
  Shooting from the angle the photographer chose meant the flash was much stronger on the back of the coach than any other part of the scene. There is no way to completely fix this but by selecting the coach and using levels to dim the coach's back the effect can be minimized.


• Composition Fix
  There isn't a good focal point for this image. The coach is out of scale compared to the rest of the crowd and much of the crowd is looking away from the coach. Cropping out the foreground player in helmet and the cheerleader looking away helps strengthen the image a bit as does reducing the amount of the coach in the image.


• Horizon Fix
  Using the straighten tool in your digital editing program to straighten the horizon based on the building in the background will help with the image impact.


• Blurry Details Fix
  There was likely a bit of haze in the air with this time of night combined with an unstable shooting position and low lighting to create some focus blur. Sharpen the image to minimize the blur effect.

The Before the Shot Fix

• Overexposed Foreground Fix
  Three options for fixing the overexposed coach in this case. One is to shoot from the side of the scene so that the coach isn't closer than most of the crowd. A second choice is to stand further back so that the flash isn't as strong against his back. Third, you can not use a flash by dialing up the ISO.


• Purple Fringing Fix
  Purple fringing is an unfortunate side effect of certain lenses. Minimizing the conditions it most often occurs in is the best fix. In this case, framing the image so that the brighter fence is not shown.


• Composition Fix
  For this scene I would really recommend shooting from the side of the scene. It will allow for capturing everyone's faces and reduce the exposure problems. If that isn't possible zoom out so that it is even more of a crowd scene and the coach isn't so large in the frame.


• Horizon Fix
  Some cameras now have a level built in as a menu option. Other than tools like that practice is the only thing that helps with keeping horizons straight.


• Blurry Details Fix
  A large F-Stop (small aperture) would help increase depth of field. Also, a higher shutter speed would help prevent camera shake blur. If a higher shutter speed isn't possible consider using a monopod for extra support.