Held the camera vertically while shooting video. Some video editing software will rotate video.

Incorrect timed exposure for night photo. Take shot at several different exposure times.

Left lens cap on. Everything looked great in the viewfinder. Check the LCD.

Backed away to avoid getting own shadow in the photo but forgot to move the tripod!

Didn’t see own shadow in the viewfinder when taking the shot. Watch for shadows when the main source of light is coming over the back of you; take photos at different time of day when sun isn’t directly overhead.

Too much light coming from the sun off to the right. Strong backlighting due to the source of light coming from behind the subject. Next time, lock exposure on the darker areas of buildings, then recomposed (or use spot meter). To obtain more detail, move closer to the subject before shooting.

Photo taken in Maun, Botswana. Submitted by James of South Africa.

Walked away during photo shoot and left the camera bag on the ground. This could be a very costly mistake! Realized soon enough to retrace steps and, fortunately, found the bag.

Remember that your flash will reflect in windows and mirrors back into the camera lens.

It can ruin a shot such as this example of a Steller’s Sea Eagle photographed through glass with the flash enabled. Foible submitted by site visitor.