Using proper camera hand holding technique, even a long lens can give you sharp images. © Scott Thomas Photography. All Rights Reserved.
In Secret to Sharp Photos, I talked about holding your camera steady and linked you to a video to an advanced way to hold a camera when dealing with low light. I did not go into too much detail on how to hold a camera steady for normal shooting.
Like anything in life, you start with the basics and build your skills upon them. A good friend of mine, Tim Devine of The Magic in Pixels, spends a lot of time in his workshops and meets demonstrating to people how best to hold a camera. I think many people feel it is not that important. Believe me, it is VERY important. The first thing I ask when people tell me they get blurry photos is how they hold their camera. They seem a bit bewildered by the question but just by holding the camera correctly can and will cut down on most of those blurry photos.
I ran across an excellent article from the Digital Photography School which goes into detail on how to hold a camera called, How to Hold a Camera. See, basic and direct. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced shooter, it is a good idea to review and practice the basics from time to time. It will help you to make beautifully detailed and sharp photos.
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You forgot to mention that little detail of lenses that work correctly. (Just kidding….) Remember I was having trouble with my sharpness and wondered if it was my camera? Looks like I was on to something. I was using my 18-55mm yesterday and I wasn’t happy with the autofocus focus…switched to manual and went to take the shot. The motor kept grinding as though it was trying to autofocus and the shutter wouldn’t release. Grrrr. Looks like a trip to the local camera shop is a must.
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I suspected as much when you complained about this earlier. Might be a good time to trade up? 🙂
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You are absolutely right about how important it is holding the camera steady if you want sharp images.
This is certainly necessary shooting animals like this goat with long lenses.
–I wouldn’t like to bee too close to him with that look 🙂
Very good image, I must remember to say!
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Good morning (or afternoon for you), Carsten! This is a relative of the goat, he’s a Big Horn Sheep or Ram, at our local zoo last winter.
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What?? I thought the secret to sharp photos was “unsharp mask”! 😉
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Hey! Let’s not confuse people. Besides what do you think Part IV will be about? 😉 One step at a time, one skill at a time.
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I had a problem similar to kanniduba’s: my zoom lens would not focus at long focal lengths. It turned out that the front lens element had come loose and partially unscrewed. Tightening it back up restored normal function, but I am at a loss as to how it happened.
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Thanks, Dennis! Which lens did you have the problem with?
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It was my Nikon 18-200. The problem appeared during my December trip to Disney World. Needless to say, I’ll be sending it to Nikon for a checkup.
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Will have to check mine tonight. Though it’s due for a trip to Nikon, too. The rubber grip you twist to zoom has come loose on mine.
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I will have to fiddle with it and see if it’s a simple problem like that. Thanks!
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That’s a beautifully detailed image, Scott. He seems to be as interested in you as you were in him.
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I am sure the huge single eye of my 400mm lens must be quite a sight. I get this look from a lot of zoo animals and wildlife when I use it. 🙂
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Thanks for the props, Scott. You are so correct that properly holding the camera will solve a LOT of issues. Not all, but way more than people would tend to think. Nice work.
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You are most welcome, Tim. It is something people tend to not think about and your emphasis about proper hand holding opens a lot of eyes at your meets. Oh, and much head shaking. I am sure many lightbulbs go off when you demonstrate it.
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That is one super sharp image and wow the detail of that ram! I had watched that video quite some time ago, yet I still hold the camera wrong when I get in an excited hurry and not using the tripod. Sometimes my zoom photos come out not-so-sharp. I’ll definitely read “How to Hold a Camera”. Great post!
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I did the same thing, Anna. Then I’d grip about my blurry shoots. Now, if the shutter speed goes below 1/30th of a second in my viewfinder, I do Da Grip! 😀
Thank you! Glad you liked the article.
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LOVE the ram, Scott! That li’l bit o’teeth just makes it! Oh, wait? The point is about sharpness? 🙂 Great tips as we all need to be reminded!
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Thanks, Tracy!
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I like that shot, Scott! I seldom pass up a shot at a ram.
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Terry, your rams are a bit harder to get close to. 🙂
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This photo is SO sharp, you must have kept yourself and the camera steady like a rock…I think the Ram is impressed, too. Impressing animal!
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The lens helped with it’s VR technology but I still needed good hand holding technique as VR/IS only goes so far.
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Excellent info, Scott, thanks. That photo is absolutely stunning, to boot. Really amazing, really.
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Thanks, Dave!
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Thanks for post Scott, my lens is a bit heavy and I have to hold it with both hands, comes to find out I got it right. I still have a problem with low light, even by being very still doesn’t seem to help.
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Nye, that’s when you have to get out a tripod. I know it’s a pain but the results are worth it. Or, maybe a monopod would work better for you.
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Thanks Scott, I’m thinking about the monopod also, it would also come in handy for shooting video.
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The detail on this ram is remarkable. I agree with you that holding the camera properly is essential. I had a situation recently where I had to take my heavy 50-500mm lens off of the tripod and hand hold to capture a subject from a tight spot. It was difficult, but possible because of the advice you’ve referred us to. Thank you!
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Wow…now, that’s a zoom lens, MJ. Glad some of my advice helped!
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As sharp as his eyes looking at you ! What a beautiful capture. Thanks for all the advice and I will have a look at “How to hold a camera”.
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Thank you, Isa! What kind of critters are found in the Alps?
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