Missing Distractions
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp)
Keywords: photography, sins, tips, distractions, fixes, jrp, seven_deadly_sins
This is the fourth part of the series The Seven Deadly Sins in Photography
Quite often, our excitement about a scene or subject makes us forget to look around in the viewfinder, all over the scene, so we can compose avoiding distractions that usually demerit a photograph. Using a tripod always helps to make it easier to check for distractions.
In portraits, often checking the backgrounds can make a difference between a good or a bad photograph. For example, a distraction can become a deadly sin when you allow tree branches or a lamp to look like growing up from the head of the subject. By asking your model to move or positioning yourself at another angle solves most of the possible issues. Being aware of your background distractions can sometimes make a fun picture.
“Chief” Danny Levenson (TiggerGTO) by Brandon Curiel (CO1969SHARK)
Jackson Lake Lodge. Grand Teton National Park. ANPAT 7th
Nikon D70, Nikkor Zoom lens @ 29mm, f/4, 1/250
In landscapes, distractions can also ruin or demerit an image. If you check for them you can almost always recompose. If recomposing doesn’t solve the problem, then the cloning tool becomes your friend.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise - As shot
Acadia National Park, Maine. ANPAT 17th in the Fall
Nikon D3X, 28-70mm f/2.8D AF-S @ 70mm, f/18, 1/30s, ISO 64
Click for an enlargement

To read the rest of the article, please log in. This article is available to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Nikonians members. If you are not registered yet, please do so. To discover the world of Nikonians and the advantages of being a registered member, take our short discovery tour.
More articles that might interest you
G
6 comments
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on August 30, 2018
Bruce, most kind of you. Thank you.
Bruce Henderson (hendo55) on August 30, 2018
Yet another great article, it’s an issue I am often guilty of especially when rushing to capture a bird or something in the bush
J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on August 30, 2018
Alan, Michael, Marsha. Thank you for your comments. I was born an expert at not noticing distractions. It took me quite a while to avoid them before shooting. But I now pay more attention... finally ;-)
Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2) on August 29, 2018
Ramon, This is a great reminder not to be in such a rush to make the shot that you neglect some obvious things that can be corrected at the time of shooting. Nice examples too of sidestepping problems.
Michael Hurder (MKHurder) on August 29, 2018
Guilty! ;~) These tips help remind me to "measure twice, cut once", so to speak. I have dozens of family pics showing the gaudiest appendages growing from heads, behinds, arms, and hips. I'm getting better at checking first and then I'm also getting better at doctoring those distractions out when I can't avoid them. Thanks, JRP. Keep 'em coming, please.
Alan Dooley (ajdooley) on August 29, 2018
All these things are well said JRP! Sometimes we are in a hurry. Sometimes we just don't pay attention. But being reminded is helpful! Thanks!