how do I prevent my hands from shaking while taking pictures?

Question

I'm having trouble producing sharp photos because of my shaky hands. I would want to know if there are any techniques to minimize camera shake without the use of tripods. Like when taking pictures during a party or gathering. I think it would be awkward to bring a tripod along.

Answer 1

put the camera on something and only touch it when you press the button to take the picture.

Answer 2

If a tripod is not practical, try holding your elbows close to your body. That way, your arms and hands are stabilized by the greater mass of your torso. Look at "pfotoace's" avatar. His left elbow is hard against his chest and belly. In that position, there will be no "up and down" movement of the camera. If he's standing, he probably has his feet spread to, about the width of his shoulders. One foot is probably a little in front of the other, and the back foot is probably pointed, a bit, to the side. This minimizes side to side motion.

Your left hand should be cradling the camera's center of gravity. For example, if you have a long lens, you don't want to be trying to steady that heavy weight, way out in front, by "holding" it clear on the back. (imagine holding a spade by the tip of the handle, and then imaging how much steadier you could hold it if you grabbed the handle closer to the blade) The right hand should be holding the right side of the camera steady as you "squeeze" the shutter, instead of "punching" down on it.

Brace yourself by leaning on some steady surface, such as a wall or heavy table. Like aiming a firearm, there are many other techniques available. Especially when I shoot telephoto images, I like to breath as steadily and evenly as possible. Just before triggering the shutter, I take a slightly larger breath, release a bit of air, hold and shoot.

Answer 3

Well if you rather not use a tripod, than I would say make sure whatever you are taking is well lit or use a flash. Typically, I find when pictures are blurred, it is because the shutter is too slow because the aperture is trying to gather all the light it can for the photo, thus capturing the movement you make also. So making sure the lighting is effective may cut the blur down. Practice.

Answer 4

Get a tripod, I have one that has just a single leg compresses into a 12 inch cylinder, when you want to take a shot you just push a button, the leg drops down and point and shoot.
I had a similar problem where my camera would pick up my heartbeat.
The other way is to simply support the camera on something nearby what you are going to shoot.

Answer 5

this will sound funny, but it has actually helped me in the beginning. take a breath in and as you let out your breath snap the shot. If it still is a problem a tripod would be your next answer. I know some say leaning against something has also helped them.