One of the most common problems that new photographers have is ‘camera shake’. This is when images seem blurry because the camera was not held completely still while the photo was being taken.

There is no real right or wrong way to hold your camera but here are a few things that I have found greatly reduce camera shake and blurry photos:

1. Hold the camera with both hands! You can use your right hand to grip the right side with your thumb around the back of the camera. Your forefinger can comfortably sit lightly above the shutter release and your other three fingers can curl around the front of the camera. Use a strong grip with your right hand but don’t hold it so tight that you end up shaking the camera. Use your left hand to support the weight of the camera, it can sit under the camera or you can wrap your fingers around the lens.
2. Pull the camera close into your body. This add’s extra stability. Tuck your elbows into your sides and lean the camera out a little from your face (around 30cm).
3. Use the props around you. You can add extra stability by leaning against a solid object like a wall or a tree or by sitting or kneeling down. If you have to stand and there isn’t anything to lean on for extra support place your feet shoulder width apart to give yourself a steady stance. If you are kneeling and want to place the camera on something use the meat of your leg as opposed to your knee. The knee allows for movement while the leg is more stable.
4. Take a breath. Just before you depress the shutter release button breathe in and hold the breath until you let go of the button. The stiller you can keep your body the stiller the camera will be.

Good luck and happy shooting!
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Category: Basic Photo Tips, Elizabeth Chavez - Photography