Indian Photographic Society Members' Blog

Many-a-times we complain of the camera producing blurred or out of focus images. What we fail to realize is that most of these images are caused due to poor hand-holding or camera shake. In fact, if you were to magnify the image, you would easily see 'flow lines'.

1. Ensure that you’re holding your camera correctly.

2. Now, carefully keep the shutter button pressed halfway

3. Check on the shutter speed – Note that the ideal shutter required for hand-holding is 1/focal length or higher - i.e. if you’re shooting at 50mm then your ideal shutter speed will 1/50 sec or higher. However, if you’re using a compact camera and are unable to change the shutter speed, then ensure that the ISO is increased such that the shutter speed comes closer or is higher than the ideal shutter speed.

4. Check if the Image Stabilizer (IS) is ON. This is because; some of the current models offer up to a 4-stop* advantage for better hand-holding. * This concept is applicable as long as subject is not moving with considerable light conditions.

5. Hold your breath during clicking.

One could also lean against a solid surface to add stability. Just before you press the shutter, exhale.....the body is the most stable and relaxed right after we have exhaled. 

One more way is to use the timer mode, this actually would help when button press action creates a shake when shutter is open.

With 2 sec timer on, it gies that extra edge just before shutter opens u can even hold ur breath as swell and avoid any shake whatsoever