Avoiding Blurry Photos the Low-Tech Way

Photograph:
A dewy green leaf on the McKertcher family farm. I took this photo just after sunrise on June 19th.
© Anima

On my journey to becoming a better photographer, I'm setting some very simple, very basic goals. My plan: hone one skill at a time until it's instinctive.

Now that I've mastered carrying my camera around and taking pictures of everything that strikes my fancy, it's time to get really ambitious. It's time to work on taking pictures that aren't blurry. Don't laugh. Camera shake is a real challenge for me. According to my husband, Ter, my photos look like they were snapped during a minor seizure.

Why Such Blurry Pictures?

Apparently, there are at least 4 reasons for blurry pictures:

• The focus is on the wrong item
• The subject moves when the shutter is open
• The camera moves when the shutter is open
• The depth of field is too shallow

I'm going to stick to my one-goal-at-a-time/keep-it-simple-stupid motto and worry about the camera moving while the shutter is open.

Avoiding Camera Shake

Digital Photo Secrets is my starting point with these tips on avoiding camera shake:

• Hold your camera with both hands
• Keep the camera close to your body
• Bring your elbows to your side
• Hold your breath
• Lean on something for extra stability

I'm also trying these pointers:

• Keep your feet planted shoulder-width apart when standing
• Press, don't stab the shutter release button
• Don't move the camera for a moment after your shot is complete
• Take your time with each shot
• Practice

I keep reading that a tripod is the best solution, so eventually I'll buy one. But for now, I'll be avoiding blurred photos the low-tech way.

More Articles on Preventing Blurry Photos

Here are some other resources on avoiding blurry photos:

• Darren Rowse on How to Hold a Digital Camera
• Natalie Norton on 'How to Reduce Camera Shake - 6 Techniques'
• eHow on 'How to Avoid Blurry Digital Photos'
• Cameras.co.uk on 'How to Avoid Blurred Photos'
• Liz Masoner on 'Camera Shake'
• DigiCam Help on 'Preventing Camera Shake'

Related Articles

• 2 Step Journey to Becoming a Better Photographer

Share your blurry photo tips and stories.

Labels: photography, tips techniques tutorials