A common problem that many photographers have is images seem
blurry –caused by camera shake. This happens
when the camera is not held still enough when the shutter button is pushed.
This frequently happens when there isn't enough light and the flash isn’t used.
Just the small movement of depressing
the shutter button on the camera can cause blurry images and the only real way
to eliminate it is with a tripod and a remote.
Another contributor to camera shake is the technique of
holding the camera at arm’s length away from you as you take your pictures –
often with one hand. This method makes your camera very vulnerable to camera
shake.
So, what can you do about it? Tripods are the best way to
stop camera shake. However they can be
bulky and inconvenient. If you don’t
have one, or don’t want to haul one around with you, then you can simply change
the way you hold onto the camera… use two hands.
While it is tempting to shoot one handed, especially with a
smaller camera, two hands will increase your ability to hold the camera still.
How you should hold your camera depends on what kind of
camera you are using and you preference. There is no real right or wrong way,
but here’s a technique that you may find helpful:
1.With your
right hand grasp the right side of your camera. Lightly rest your forefinger
above the shutter release button, wrap your other around the front of the
camera. Your right thumb grips the back of the camera. This should feel
natural. Hold it gently, but firmly. You
don’t want to hold it so tight that you cause shake.
2. Use your
left hand to support the weight of the camera and lens by either placing it
underneath the camera or under the lens, if the camera has a large lens.
3. I
recommend using the viewfinder in the camera (the little window you put your
eye to) over using the LCD to line up your shot. When you are shooting using
the view finder you’ll naturally have the camera close to your body, which adds
extra stability. If you prefer using the LCD (or have a camera that doesn’t
have a view finder, or it’s really small and hard to use) make sure you hold
your camera close to you. Hold your elbows in by your sides and hold the camera
out a little from your face, 3-5 inches.
4. Support
yourself by leaning against a solid object (fence, car, or wall) or by sitting
or kneeling down. If there isn’t anything there to support you and you need to
stand to get the angle you need, putting your feet shoulder width apart will
give yourself a steadier stance. The more you can hold your body still the less
camera shake you will get.
Holding a camera in this way will allow you to being able to
line up shots quickly and will help you to hold still when you press the shutter
down to release the shutter.
Breathing can cause camera shake. Before you push that
button take a gentle breath, hold it, take the shot and then exhale. Being
conscious of your breath can help you overcome camera shake.
Take some time to practice and find your own techniques that
you are comfortable with. Get familiar
with your camera.
There are of many other things you can do to decrease camera
shake that should be used in conjunction with the way you hold it. Shutter
speed, lenses with image stabilization and of course tripods can all help – but
those are for another post.
Want to learn more? We offer a variety of classes. email Jess for more information.
