[Daisy]

I am a point and click photographer. I am not at all technically minded. So if a photo goes wrong, I have absolutely no idea why.
Does anyone know what is happening here?







The third photo, was taken just a few seconds after the second.
I simply moved one step to the side.
Why is that one not fogged, whilst the previous one is?
Answers in words of one syllable please.
Daisy

[MikeHardman]

I suspect that's sun on the lens, Daisy.
Same thing with the bottom-right quarter of the top photo.

Always something to watch out for.
In many cases, you can use one hand as a hood to prevent the problem. Rest the hand on the camera (not over sensors), fingers together (as if making a 'paddle') and angle it down until you see it in the viewfinder, then angle it back up a bit so it just disappears.
Without losing composition too much, you may also be able to adjust your position so something else casts a shadow on the front of your camera, eg. a tree trunk, telegraph pole.

[Daisy]

Thanks for that Mike. I understand.
And thanks for explaining it in simple language.
When it comes to technology, that is what I need!
Daisy

[MikeHardman]

You're welcome, Daisy.

Two things to add:

- Fogging is much worse if the front of the lens is dirty (dust, fingerprints, smears...) - so it helps if you keep it clean (but be careful about cleaning; better to avoid contamination in the first place).

- It can be tricky to see if the front of the lens has the sun on it when you are composing a picture. But you can make a good and quick inference by looking at the back of the camera: if the sun is on the back, it probably won't be on the front!