Do Your Photos Have Camera Shake?

When taking photos you may notice that some of them are blurred. This is normally caused by camera shake and is something that is all too common. If you are serious about taking high-quality photos, then you will need to find a way to reduce the camera shake so that your photos come out like you want them.

What Causes Camera Shake?

Camera shake occurs because you move the camera when taking a photo. When you press the button down half way the camera focuses, and then when it is fully depressed the shutter is opened to allow light into the camera. If you move even slightly when taking a photo it can result in camera shake.

Camera shake will only normally be experienced in low-light conditions. This is because the shutter needs to be held open for much longer to allow enough light to enter.

Resolving Camera Shake

The key to resolving issues with camera shake is to make sure that your hands are as steady as possible. There are a few different ways that you can do this.

Tripod

Using a tripod or a mono-pod is one of the best ways of keeping your camera perfectly steady. This will only be possible in certain situations, however, it is one of the few ways to completely remove the risk of camera shake. A mono-pod is suitable if you can't carry a tripod around with you.

If you're using a tripod, then you can use a remote shutter release. This is only typically available on digital SLR cameras. These are small buttons which can be pressed away from the camera to make it take the photo.

Stand with Your Feet Apart

Make sure that you have a solid base by standing with your feet slightly apart. this should allow you to balance much better and avoid shaking.

Tuck in Your Elbows

Hold your camera firmly and securely by tucking your elbows up close against your body. This will mean that the camera shouldn't move even when you move your arms.

Use a Bean Bag

You could use a small bean bag to steady yourself on any surface. You can also use the beanbag to protect your camera when taking photos by putting the camera on a wall or fence.

Digital SLR

A digital SLR is one of the most popular types of cameras for professionals at the moment. This is so useful because it allows you much more control over your pictures. However, a digital SLR can also create a small amount of camera shake.

A digital SLR uses a mirror so that you can see the image you are going to take through the viewfinder. This mirror will move out of the way when taking a photo and then spring back into position when you've finished. This means that even if your camera is mounted on a tripod a very small amount of camera shake can be caused by this.

Many digital SLR cameras feature a function called mirror lockup. This prevents the mirror from moving which means you won't be able to see the shot, but also there is no risk of camera shake.