Limiting camera movement is key to producing clear, crisp images. Camera movement while taking a photograph causes blurred images and can even render the contents unrecognizable. Photographers have various tactics that can be utilized when attempting to deal with camera movement.
1) Increase Shutter Speed
Decreasing the amount of time the shutter is open will also decrease the effect of camera movement. Decreasing shutter speed requires increasing the ISO setting used or increasing the amount of light available (or a combination of both). Increasing the amount of light available is usually not a viable option, which leaves increasing the ISO setting.
Increasing the ISO setting has its own drawback. High ISO settings can lead to grainy images. This effect can lead to interesting results, but can also lead to unacceptable images. Still, this may be the only way to successfully take some pictures when dealing with low light conditions.
2) Get Closer
Using a telephoto lens (or the zoom feature) increasing the effect of camera movement to an extent equal to the amount of magnification. This magnification effect can make taking photos using telephoto lenses difficult in low light conditions, even using higher ISO settings. Move closer instead of zooming in whenever possible. "Whenever Possible" being a key operative phrase. Don't place yourself in a dangerous position just to get a better picture. Moving closer also assumes the photographic opportunity will last long enough for you to move.
3) Brace the Camera
The most obvious method is utilizing a tripod. These are specifically designed to limit camera movement. Using a tripod is a perfectly viable option when taking photos at home or a scheduled event, but who wants to lug one around all the time? Even light weight, aluminum frame tripods can seem heavy when walking long distances.
Try resting the bottom of the camera on a flat surface instead. Tables, chairs and ice coolers all offer flat horizontal surfaces to rest a camera against. Walls work well when taking vertically oriented pictures. Flat surfaces aren't always available or may not be properly oriented, but work well when they are.
The ground can also be used when it is flat enough. This may require tilting the camera upwards to avoid the ground taking up half the picture. This increases the likelihood of camera movement. Rest the camera lens on your left hand to provide support for the elevated lens. Rest it on your fist for greater elevation. This does require laying on the ground. Be prepared to get dirty.
4) Brace Yourself
Bracing yourself against a stable vertical surface will aid in limiting camera movement. The surface does not need to be flat for this tip, nor does it need to be properly oriented. A rounded surface, like a post, will work when bracing yourself as well as a wall angled away from the subject. This also allows you to use a vertical surface as a brace when taking horizontally oriented pictures.
5) Use Correct Posture
This tip applies when you are unable to brace the camera against something while standing upright. This can be the vast majority of the time for some people. Stand straight with feet placed a comfortable distance apart. Keep arms tucked against the body. Arms should only be extended to the extent necessary to view the LCD. Extending the arms away from the body increases the strain on your arm muscles, which increases movement.
Use the viewfinder if you camera has one. (Remember to keep your elbows tucked into body.) Pressing the camera against your head slightly will add stability and limit camera movement.
Note: some photographers suggest a less orthodox stance as an alternative. This stance starts with the left hand placed on the right shoulder. The left arm is raised horizontal to the ground and the lens of the camera is placed so it rests on the upper part of the left arm. The right arm goes over the left.
You will need to use your left eye if using the viewfinder instead of the right when using this stance.
This leads to a related tip: try using your left eye when looking through the viewfinder instead of the right. Keep the left elbow tucked into the body. Try this with the camera held a little to your left side instead of directly in front.
6) Use Light Pressure on the Shutter Release
Using light pressure on the shutter release limits the chance that it will cause movement. As an alternative, try using the self-timer. Any camera movement occurring as a result of triggering the shutter will occur before the picture is actually taken.
7) Breathe
Don't hold your breath when taking a picture. This causes extra tension and can exacerbate camera movement. Time your picture to occur between breaths while breathing normally. Exhale, hit the release and then inhale. (This may be a bit problematic when combined with the tip about using the self-timer above.)
If you need some visual aid when it comes to the above tips, try these articles:
How to Properly Hold Your Camera
How to Avoid Camera Shake
