How to Reduce Camera Shake - 6 Techniques

[sjasis]

I don't know about you all, but I have some problems with "camera shake". I have recently purchased a tripod, but haven't really used it yet, except to try it out. I will have to get used to taking it around with me and using it, but for those other times when I am using a hand-held camera, I found some of these tips to be very helpful.

How to Reduce Camera Shake - 6 Techniques
by Natalie Norton

I’m a mover and a shaker in general, and this is particularly true when I’m on a shoot. I’m twistin’ and turnin’, climbin’ and jumpin’ and to top it all off, I DO NOT have a steady hand, plain and simple.

As often as possible I opt for lenses with VR (Vibration Reduction) or IS (Image Stabilization). You pay a pretty penny for this feature. For me, it’s worth the extra cost, and for the point I’m at in my photography it’s a reasonable expense. But that wasn’t always the case, and what about uber slow shutter speeds with no tripod. No IS or VR can hold up under pressure like that. . .no matter how magical they may be. . . and magical they are, trust you me.

Here are 6 options for avoiding camera shake and achieving crisp, delicious images no matter the length of the lens, no matter the shutter speed.

Shooting wide open? NO PROBLEM; I’ve got your back!! Enjoy!

1. Elbows In
As often as possible pull your elbows in to your body and exhale completely before depressing the shutter. When you’re working with a wide aperture or low shutter speed (or both), even a breath can introduce shake. Pulling your elbows tight to your body can really help keep you steady. I also press my elbows firmly into my chest for even greater stability.

2. Raise Your Left Shoulder….
I am definitely a right eyed photographer, but this tip that I learned from “The Moment It Clicks” by Joe McNally, requires that I shift for a moment to my left eye. What I’m doing here is raising my left shoulder, and bracing my left elbow into my rib-cage (no arrow for this one). For further stability, you can pull your right elbow in to your chest. As always, exhale completely before depressing the shutter to avoid introducing shake.

3. Create a Tripod With Your Knee
You can create your own tripod by resting your elbow on your knee while in a seated position. Again, bring that other elbow in for greater support.

4. Lay Down
These two images illustrate perhaps the most obvious way to avoid shake without a tripod. Lie flat and let the lens sit directly on the ground. The problem with this is that you’re likely to have quite a downward tilt to the lens and unless you’re aiming to photograph the pavement, you probably won’t end up with the shot you’re hoping for. In the first image you’ll notice that I placed my hand flat against the cement and balanced the lens on top of it to give myself some height. In the second image you’ll see that I created a fist with my hand to give myself even greater height.

5. The Machine Gun Hold
This next technique is sometimes referred to as the machine gun hold. I rarely use this technique as I find it awkward and difficult to maintain for more than a second or two. Just because it doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t for you. . . give it a try.

6. Cradle It
In this next image you’ll see that I created a sort of cradle for the lens between my shoulder and my wrist. I also stabilized the hold by balancing my elbow on my knee.

Well there you have it. That’s how I avoid “The Shake” (I’ve named him that because he’s like an evil monster who comes in and ruins my otherwise perfectly delicious images). Please share YOUR tricks and techniques in the comment section below, and as always. . .

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-avoid-camera-shake#ixzz0Q5R7Ij5Z

[thymewarp13]

This is definitely an important issue for me. I used to think I had steady hands, but not anymore. Even IS no longer seems to do the trick. Years ago when I was using an SLR and shooting with film I never thought twice about taking along one of two two tripods, a necessity especially when with a long and heavy lens attached. Of the above hints, I rarely get beyond #1. I'll have to remember the others and read more on the topic.

[Keith]

Thank you Susan. I have a window mount, as well as the tripod, and for the zoom shots, or even those hummers on the wing, that tripod made those shots possible, even at 1/4000.

Ms Norton's tip #4 would have been great for those fox shots, I actually thought about it, but thought it just might scare the critter off. I've also thought about a monopod (much more portable, thus utilitarian, than a tripod) but have yet to invest.

Great tips!

[GTO]

If I don't have a tripod with me, I always try to lean on something whenever I shoot anything with my 75-210.....that's what I did for some of my Concert shots...leaned up against the pole of the light and sound tent in front of the stage

[sjasis]

I've done that as well - or I've put my actual camera up against the side of a tree trunk, or pole to make it steady!

[Andy P]

This is great, SJ. Who can not use help with 'shake'.
I used a cement wall and a fence post today.

[Ron Kruger]

These are fairly good tips, but I always try to find some kind of rest when shooting hand-held. It's just like shooting a rifle. Anything solid you can use to brace the camera will help a lot. With a short lens, I place the side or bottom of the camera against the solid object. With a longer lens, I rest the barrel of the lens against it.
And, just like a rifle, breating is important--or more appropriately--not breathing. I always work up a sweat when shooting. That's because I spend so much time holding my breath. And, also like shooting a rifle, I squeeze the shutter, never slap it. As I squeeze it, I try to concentrate upon remaining as motionless as possible, moving one finger only. When I'm shooting, I'm really focused--put intended.
One thing I learned the hard way, is cheap tripods aren't much help. I didn't realize this until I finally invested in a good one. I have both a Manfrooto monopod and tripod.
With a tripod, using a 2-second delay, a cable release or a remote really helps as well.

[GTO]

good tip Ron...one tip from me if you have glasses..... remove any glasses if you're manual focusing on a subject so that you get the best focus on the subject before the shutter goes

and another tip, always check the lens for any dust before you shoot...will save you a lot of time trying to clone out spots

[Al Mullen]

Good tips, I usually only use a tripod at night or near. I was also told to press the camera against your face too.