FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). One of these questions could be yours! (Sorry, we do not pay royalties, but you will receive the satisfaction of knowing that your question will help many others!)

]taking better pictures]    [digital cameras]   [flash]   [other questions]

Taking Better Pictures

Why are my pictures dark and grainy?
This problem is caused from under exposure. There was not enough light when the picture was taken. Next time try higher speed film, and get closer to your subject. Also be sure to inspect your camera settings to make sure the camera is set correctly for the film that you are using.

Why are my pictures flat in contrast, light and have poor color?
This problem is caused from over exposure. There was too much light when the picture was taken. Try a slower speed film and check your camera settings.

Why did the top of the subject’s head get cut off?
All printers “bleed” a small amount of image off the edges of the photo paper. Please be sure to always allow extra space above the top of heads or any other subject you want completely in the picture.

Why do my child’s classroom pictures have a green tint?
Florescent and sodium lights produce light that is greener than daylight. This problem can be rectified by using a flash and getting as close as possible to the subject.

What is backlighting and how do I correct it?
When the light behind the subject is brighter than the subject, this causes backlighting. Shooting indoor with a window behind your subject is a good example of backlighting, which causes the subject to be underexposed. Simply use your flash when bright windows or other light sources are behind your subject, or move your subject to another location.

When I am taking a picture through a window there is often a glare?
The glare in your picture is caused by the flash from your camera. When shooting through windows, set your camera to infinity focus to prevent the camera from focusing on the window and making your real subject out of focus.

Why is the sky white in the photograph, but it was blue when I took it?
In the printing process, we will intentionally expose for the subject not the sky. When exposing correctly for the subjects sometimes the sky will be overexposed.

Why doesn’t a reprint exactly match my original print?
There are many variables that can cause colors and density to shift slightly, even with the same equipment. You should order reprints and enlargements when you first get your negatives to minimize this potential problem. However, if you forget please be sure to bring in the print along with the negative for the technician to match.

How is Photos Plus different from the large chains like Wal-Mart, the drugstores and the wholesale photo labs?
In many, many ways, but to name a couple first of all each of our prints (your pictures) is quality controlled. This means that we will adjust the color, the density, etc., etc. for each picture to make it look its best. Many times we will print the photo a second or third time before it reaches our high standards. Other stores “press the print button and walk away”. Secondly our people and equipment are the best available, which when combined with our local ownership, means that we really, really care about your prints. This is all we do, so we do it well. 

I am interested in printing in black and white what should I do?
Many photographers today are printing black and white from color negatives or color digital files. With our state-of-the-art printer it looks great. If you are interested in learning more, just speak with one of our technicians, or ask them to print a couple of your pictures as a sample. 

What causes red-eyes in people and animals?
Red-eye is caused by the flash bouncing light off the retina of the eye and recording on the film. The same problem with your pets can cause green-eye or blue-eye. This potential problem can be easily corrected by using a remote flash, or by better lighting.


Digital Cameras

Why should I bring my digital photos to a Lab? I can print them at home!
We find that many of our customers started out printing at home. Then after they used a few cartridges of ink, they realized that our price is actually much less than it cost them to print at home. Also with our printing process and special paper, our images will last for 100 years, the photos from most PC printers will fade with time. Ours is less of a hassle, less expensive and better quality. Plus now you can order your prints online too.

Can I retrieve a digital image that was deleted by accident?
There is software available that can recover digital files that have been deleted. Do not take any more pictures on that media. Search the Internet for recovery software. There may even be some free evaluation software available online.

My digital camera does not take clear pictures, what should I do.
Review the quality and compression settings for your digital camera. Set the camera to create the largest file possible and check your white balance. Pictures will be off color when the white balance is set for the wrong white point.


Flash

Why does the wall behind the subject look darker and slightly off color?
If the subject is exposed correctly, the intensity of the flash will fade as it travels past the subject. This leaves the wall underexposed, and therefore darker than the subject.

Do I need a flash at outdoor events?
You do if you are within the range of your flash. However if you taking a picture from a distance you will get better pictures by using high-speed film and turning the flash off. This will only work if the lighting at the event is bright enough.

When should I use my flash outdoors in the daylight?
When photographing subjects with shadows from the sun. To compensate for this, turn your flash on, and get close. Your flash will fill in shadows and put highlights in the eyes of your subjects.


Other Questions

What should I do if my film is jammed in my camera?
Bring the camera into us and let our technician help (no charge of course). We can often remove the film in a darkroom without damaging the negative