Preventing Blurry Photos

 

Regardless of whether you use a compact point and shoot' camera or a DSLR, it is essential to hold your camera correctly to avoid the problem of blurry photos.

People often confuse blurry images with 'out of focus' images. How do you tell the difference?

If part of image is sharp, but not the part you wanted, it is probably a focus issue. If the whole image is blurry, it is a movement problem. Your camera will faithfully record what you ask it to. If you happen to move your camera whilst taking the image, that movement will also be recorded, and the result is blur.

Simply, the best way to ensure your camera is steady, is to use a tripod – and yes, even compact cameras have a thread in their base so you can attach a tripod. However, using a tripod is not always practical. So here are some tips.

The further you hold your camera away from your body, the harder it is to hold it still. If there is a viewfinder that you can look through – use it! By using the viewfinder, you are also using your forehead/eyebrow to support the camera.

If your camera only has the preview screen, then you need extra effort to ensure stability. Try resting the camera on something – a post, seat, car roof etc, and using the 'self timer' to release the shutter for you.

The bigger the camera, the harder it is to hold steady – especially if you start adding large zoom or telephoto lenses. When using such lenses, a faster shutter speed is required to compensate for any movement that will be introduced.

Generally speaking, if your camera/lens does not have an "image stabiliser" system, you should not hand hold the camera at a shutter speed slower than a 1/60th of a second. With stabiliser, you could probably shoot at around 1/15th of second – depending on how long your lens is.

Continually check your shutter speed. As the light becomes darker, whether because of the time of day, or perhaps because you have moved to a shady position, be aware, that unless you are using 'shutter priority' your shutter speed will become slower.

Stand with your feet spread apart, and ideally have one foot in front of the other. The front foot should be under the arm holding the most weight.

Become familiar with the 'auto focus' points, and ensure you are focusing on the subject, not on something behind. This is especially important if you photographing two people standing next to each other, as the central focusing point may focus between them, onto the background.

Happy shooting.

 

Paul Swan

© 2009 www.swanphotographics.com.

Swan Photographics Gold Coast Australia