What not to do. Seem my blog ranting about backwards lens hoods.

What's wrong with this picture? (Hint, it's a pet peeve, and I'm not alone.)

Focus and lighting are run of the mill, but not wrong (not too keen about the shadow on my hand, though). Composition won't win any awards but suits this blog. No fancy color grading, but the white balance is on point.

It's the lens hood. It's on backwards and that is usually (not always -- see below) a bad idea. Yet, I often see photographers (and fauxtographers -- the slang term for wannabes -- check the link) do this, and I don't get why. Maybe they think it's a "thing" they're "supposed" to do if they're pros. Whatever, if that's you, for heaven's sake, stop! You nearly always want to have the lens hood on properly for three overriding reasons.

1. It prevents lens flare (it's original purpose), which may be obvious, but often isn't. I had to fix the contrast in this shot because of subtle flare (the spectrals in the lens would not be there if the hood were on).

2. It prevents damage. Your hood does a great job as a front bumper protecting your lens, and that's not theory. Many photographers and I have been pleased to replace smashed, gashed and trashed lens hoods because they saved us big bucks by protecting the lens itself.

3. With many lenses, having the hood on backwards restricts or prohibits access to some of the lens controls.

Admittedly, there are some reasons to shoot with the lens hood on backwards:

1. Often, lens hoods must be reversed to fit in cases. When photojournalists, nature photographers, sports photographers etc. have to shoot with zero warning, fast, they don't waste time flipping hoods forward. They get the shot -- and right the hood when they can.

2. Once in awhile in cramped quarters, you can't get the angle you want with a hood but can without. This is rare, and be cautious because this is also when lenses get bashed.

3. You can add lens flare in Photoshop more reliably, but at times, real flare is artistically more desirable.

4. You actually hate the lens and by damaging it beyond economical repair, you can rationalize buying the one you prefer.

5. You're a fauxtographer and can't help it.

PS: For those interested, this is a camera self portrait created using two mirrors, a softbox floating above and kicker to image upper left.