I rely on my tripod to help me produce sharp, jiggle-free pictures. When I'm at home photographing still objects or rooms settings, I always use a tripod. Then I have no worries about shaking the camera. I've learned that rescuing a photo that is blurry due to camera movement is next to impossible.
If you are out and about, it may not be practical to set up a tripod. That's when you'll need to point and shoot. Be sure to keep the camera as steady as possible. While shooting, you are more likely to move the camera when holding it away from you and framing your picture within the LCD screen. To keep my camera from shaking when I press down on the shutter button, I look through the camera the old fashioned way, through the view finder. Having the camera resting against your face will keep it steadier. Just remember to hold your breath while releasing the shutter.
If you don't have a tripod, it's worth investing in one. Used in conjunction with your camera's timer, a tripod will enable you to join the picture, perfect for when you want to be a part of family group photos.
Although it may seem easier and certainly quicker to grab your camera and start shooting, it really is worth taking the extra time to set it up on a tripod. Just don't forget to use your camera's timer, too. I'll talk more about timers in my next post.
Susan
A bean bag (not too squishy-firmer is better) makes an excellent camera support.
Plonk it anywhere, fits on anything (including a tripod), camera stays still, great for using a timer (or not), and best of all, it's super quick to move around.
Posted by: Steve Worthington | July 13, 2009 at 08:53 AM
I wouldn't know where I would be without my tripod. It makes taking photos for the shop much easier.
I love those photos of you.
Have a lovely weekend
love
Alison
x
Posted by: Alison | July 11, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Loving your photo tips! I so do want a new camera! I'm still bugging Dear Husband to buy me a new one ...I keep telling him it could be a business write off for his business. So far he's not seeing the humor!
Posted by: Alice | July 10, 2009 at 08:49 PM
I'm glad you're enjoying the photo tips Lorraine! My tripod is fairly lightweight. It's very steady though, so no need to buy a heavy duty one.
Posted by: Susan | July 10, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Love these photo tips, Susan - please keep them coming! Are there features I should be looking for in a tripod if I will be shooting mostly indoors - should the tripod be a certain weight, for instance?
Posted by: Lorraine | July 10, 2009 at 02:59 PM