When the camera is out of focus, the picture will be blurry. Whether this is due to a lens blur or motion blur does not make any difference for this article. However, if you’re unsure of the difference between these 2 forms of a blur, it might be worth reading our article on focal depth first.
This can have many different reasons:
- The most common one would be that the camera was not held steady enough by either you or some kind of support device.
- Other possibilities include wrong settings on some aspects of your digital camera.
So what are you supposed to do about it? Well, there are several simple techniques that are easy to understand and implement with just a little practice. Here’s our explanation of what causes blurry pictures and how to avoid them.
What is the main cause of blurry shots?
There are several reasons for slightly unfocused images, but there’s only one principal reason:
If your camera doesn’t “track” the subject that you want to shoot with it, then you will probably end up with a blurry picture.
If this happens, here are some useful tips which you should apply next time:
- A steady surface provides excellent support if using handheld cameras (tripods also work well)
- The “Eagle Eye Technique” guarantees the best chances of getting sharp photos every time
- Before clicking on your shutter release button, be sure to lock focus first! Especially useful when photographing in very low light situations
- If you want to achieve bokeh effects (more about that in a moment), then shoot with your lens wide open (smallest possible aperture)
As you can see, the main cause of blurry images is that your camera moves during shutter actuation. Most of us are aware of this, but usually do not pay attention to it. And with most lenses being so lightweight these days, this becomes even more problematiс.
It’s almost like with golf: the narrower your swing angle (a tiny movement in the wrong direction can screw up a perfectly aimed shot), then the better you’ll score. How about that analogy?
What equipment supports me if I want to hold my camera steady?
There are several tools available on the market for this purpose: tripods and monopods both provide good support under normal circumstances. However, there are also specialized devices that work even better for specific purposes. The most common one of these is called a “monopod” or just “pod”. This device enables you to take pictures in low-light situations (using faster shutter speeds without blurring) and also stabilize your camera when panning, like when taking pictures in sport/action photography.
Another very efficient piece of equipment is the human elbow: when supported by the other arm, this provides great support if it comes to tracking moving objects (tracking). It can be somewhat tricky to get used to at first, but once mastered will provide excellent stabilization.
Beware though! Be careful not to lean against walls or out-stretched branches while your human elbow is supporting your camera! If you do so, then results will be just as blurry as if you had been holding the camera without any support at all.
What is the “Eagle Eye Technique”?
It has been proven that keeping your camera steady and using just one hand to do so, gives you very good results. Your other hand should hold the side of the camera which houses your viewfinder and use it as a kind of brace. You can also rest your elbows on a steady surface for even better stability if shooting from a standing position. This way you will be able to make full use of all available light and get slightly faster shutter speeds too.
Intentional blur: Bokeh is a Japanese term for the out-of-focus areas of your pictures. These are usually found around the main subject and are meant to be blurred. This is often done by setting the aperture ring on your lens at its widest opening or by using special lenses called “Fast Prime” models which allow for this effect.
How long should I hold my breath?
Most photographers would recommend that you hold your breath while taking your next shot, but it doesn’t always work! There are many factors involved in how well you are able to keep steady when holding your breath, including age, fitness level and whether you have consumed any over-the-counter drugs too. If necessary switch breathing patterns instead (inhale before capture and exhale when pressing the shutter release button).
How can I avoid this in the future?
The most important thing to remember is that you should use some kind of support device or at least learn how to steady your camera hand. We recommend the “Eagle Eye Technique” because it’s both simple and effective. If you want to take better pictures, invest in a tripod ASAP.
A frequent cause for unsharp images is incorrect to focus settings on your digital camera. Digital cameras usually allow for separate settings on auto-focus and manual focus modes, so check which one your camera is currently using (or use both) before taking another blurry picture!
There are also certain tricks which professionals suggest: Use open lenses (“Fast Prime” lenses), shoot at your camera’s shortest focal length, and use a shutter speed of 1/focal length, e.g., if using a 50mm lens then use a shutter speed of 1/50 sec or faster.
Conclusion
If you’re new to photography and your pictures are still slightly blurred, then there’s no need to get frustrated. All it takes is a little practice and you’ll soon get into the habit of taking super-sharp photographs every time!