Meaning of "Wash Out"?

[Sinker]

hi,
I'm shooting slides (velvia 50) with a 60mm lens and a frequent comment is that the colours of my pics appear to be 'washed out". is there a specific meaning to the phrase or is it a general phrase covering a spectrum of meanings?
Sorry, really new to photography...

[sammy888]

Originally Posted by Sinker hi, I'm shooting slides (velvia 50) with a 60mm lens and a frequent comment is that the colours of my pics appear to be 'washed out". is there a specific meaning to the phrase or is it a general phrase covering a spectrum of meanings? Sorry, really new to photography...

I usually use that term to mean "watered down" meaning the colour is not as vivid or saturated as you would see on the actual object or scene you shoot. It is like the colours were tone down somewhat. And it also relates closely to being abit too bright from being shot overexposed.

[+evenstar]

It means that your photo is over-exposed and the details are lost/ too much highlights (blown out)

[Sinker]

okay, thanks! now gotta figure out how to not get them 'washed out'.

[zekai]

1st step, put on your lens hood, 2nd step, check your exposure.

[Cactus jACK]

Originally Posted by Sinker I'm shooting slides (velvia 50) with a 60mm lens and a frequent comment is that the colours of my pics appear to be 'washed out"

when you shoot slides, do not forget that you would usually view them through a high powered projector, so general rule is to underexpose a little (i usually go for about 1/2 stop).

i would fool around and fine tune with negs first before moving onto slides, purely becuase film is much cheaper when "debugging"!!