There are several things that occur while taking a photograph that can produce unwanted results. Often I will find images would have been much better had they just been sharp! Sometimes we can use blur to our advantage, but when we don’t need it, well we just don’t need it. Here are 6 Tips to Getting Super Sharp Photographs!

Use a Tripod

Everyone who takes photography seriously should own a tripod. A traditional tripod is a three legged stand with telescopic legs that attaches to your camera mount. This will allow for your camera to remain steady while the shutter is open during the photographic procedure. The uses for a tripod are abundant, most importantly however, it will enable you take photographs that come out sharp. If you don’t own one, go get one, now…seriously! A tripod essentially gives your camera a steady foundation that will help you eliminate camera shake. Camera shake is the number one reason for blurry images. Their are hundreds, if not thousands, of different makes and models. Your best bet is to choose one that is sturdy and has a level. I used to say “Find the heaviest one you can carry!” but with the advent of newer technology in materials used to create tripods this really isn’t the case anymore. They are lighter and sturdier now than ever before.

Use a Faster Shutter Speed

If you are taking photographs outdoors with plenty of light, you may not need a tripod. Bump up that shutter speed and click away! Basically, the faster your shutter speed, the shorter amount of time the shutter is open, the less camera shake will be a factor in your final images. This really won’t work for you all of the time. You do need plenty of light and having a faster lens will of course help here as well.

Use Your Body Wisely

I’ve been caught before without a tripod, wishing I had one. You have to be able to improvise with your body the best that you can. Use a wall to lean against. It’s not the best, but it will help. Keep your elbows tucked in as close to your body. It’s similar to shooting a gun. You want to have a stable foundation, so make your stance wider. Don’t push down on the shutter, squeeze it. I find that taking a slightly deeper breath and then holding it in while a take the photograph will help.

Use Your Environment

Use anything you can find around you to set your camera on. In my camera bag I carry a small towel. You can use one to help angle your camera as it’s setting on a rock, ladder, ledge, car… anything really. Just be careful! Stand close to your camera in the event it starts slipping. Placing a camera in a precarious position is hazardous to it’s health, and your pocket book!

Use the Timer

Almost all digital cameras come with a timer. Consult your manual on how to set it. Then use it. You can use it to reduce the camera shake that is created while pressing, or squeezing the shutter button. This is best utilized while the camera is on a tripod, rock, ladder, ledge, car, etc…

Disclaimer… using the timer while riding on the back of a camel will not, in fact, help reduce camera shake.

Post Processing

Almost all image editing software programs will have a sharpening function. Some are automated, some manual, and some have a combination of both. When trying to sharpen images in an software program don’t over do it. You’ll produce a halo effect which can ruin an image. Play with those settings until you get a satisfactory result. Remember that this is a last resort which should be used sparingly. You really want to do your best to create sharp images during the capture, not during post processing. Sharpening images after the fact can only do so much.

Photograph Triple tripod selfportrait by dhammza

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