A common belief among users of digital cameras is that if an image isn’t captured perfectly, it can be fixed with software. Yes, there are plenty of competent software packages that can perform magic on images that are in need of help.

I’ve been “saved” more than a few times by Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements, PaintShop Pro and Picassa too). But the idea that I can “fix it in Photoshop” should not be a license for me to practice lazy camera techniques.

Today’s digital cameras have a vast array of adjustments for capturing quality photographs under a wide variety of lighting conditions. Adjusting the camera for the best capture produces a better image than a sub-optimal capture that has to be fixed by software post-processing. Starting with a properly exposed image directly from camera should be the goal, even if you choose to enhance the color, tweak the contrast or lighten the shadows with software afterwards.