Beginner’s Guide to Sharper Photos
This tutorial is designed for the novice photographer who is experiencing the frustration of slightly blurred photos.
INTRODUCTION One of the most common disappointments in photography is realizing that a photo that looked great on your camera’s screen is actually slightly blurred when you view it at actual size on your computer.One of the most common causes of blurred photos is what’s known as ‘camera shake’. This occurs when the camera moves as you are taking the photo. Regardless of how careful you might be, there will always some movement of the camera when you press the shutter button.There are four basic techniques to avoid camera shake:Hold the camera properly.Set a faster shutter speed. Using a faster shutter speed will eliminate camera shake.Brace your camera, or yourself, against an immovable object such as a wall or heavy table.Use a tripod (with a remote shutter release). Holding the Camera Amazingly, just making yourself hold the camera properly can eliminate camera shake for many people. Get a firm grip on your camera with your right hand, and support the camera from beneath with your left hand. Keep your arms against your body, and press the shutter button either before or after you have taken a breath. Tip: If there is a low wall or table available, rest your elbows on it for further support. Shutter SpeedSet a faster shutter speed. To do this, you will need to allow more light to hit your camera’s sensor. This can be accomplished either by opening your aperture wider or by using a flashgun. The general rule to follow when hand-holding your camera is to set your shutter speed at 1 divided by the focal length of your lens. In other words, if your zoom is set at 200mm you should use a shutter speed of at least 1/200th of a second. Or, if your lens is set at 50mm, you should use a shutter speed of at least 1/50th of a second.Bracing Your Camera If you don’t have a tripod with you, try bracing yourself (and/or your camera) against a tree, a wall, or a heavy table. This can be particularly important if you are using a point-and-shoot camera. If you aren’t resting the camera on something immovable, but hand holding it, pay particular attention to your breathing. Every rise and fall of your chest will move your camera slightly. Use a Tripod This is the most effective solution. A sturdy tripod set on a firm surface will make a noticeable difference in eliminating camera shake. If you have one, use a remote shutter release. Even on a tripod, you could get slight movement if you press the shutter with your finger. |