Mistakes Many Photographers Make, Example II

Mabry's Mill, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

If you haven't been to see my images, take a look here.  You might find something that interests you.  Thank you.

One of the most common mistakes photographers, on all levels, makes is not examining the entirety of the contents of their viewfinder.  Lessor experienced photographers may do this much more often than pros, but I believe everyone, at one time or another, is guilty of not "seeing" the entire contents of their viewfinder.

Surprise!  That is the reaction some get when they view their images in print or on a computer screen and say to themselves "How did I not see that?", referring to something that is in a corner of their viewfinder, such as an errant wire, one leaf from a tree in an upper corner or, if in a studio, part of a light panel or other object.

Of course, the answer to this is to take time to consciously and fully examine the contents of your viewfinder for anything that may not belong or anything that may take away from the image.  No poles growing out of a subject's head.  No wires in the corner.  No background clutter that may take from the main subject, etc.

I wrote consciously and you have to be aware of everything that is or is not in your viewfinder.  Why? One, you save work in your editing process not having to remove something not intended, two, you may make a good image instead of one that may not be usable and, three, you exhibit professionalism in your work and a detail orientation that is necessary for good photography.

Thanks for looking.  Enjoy!

Dennis Mook


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