Camera shake, which can occur when you're not holding / supporting the camera correctly, can really spoil your shots, however it's a problem that can be easily fixed. Here are 5 quick suggestions on how you can limit or even remove all together the shake that blurs your shots.
How to produce shake-free shots such as the one above, taken by David Clapp at Lands End.
Photo by David Clapp - www.davidclapp.co.uk
Use A Tripod
This may seem like a really obvious thing to be telling someone but it really can make a big difference to your images. Fastening your camera to a tripod will keep it still and as a result, shake will be kept to a minimum. There are various tripod models available which range from pro tripods such as the Manfrotto 055 series
to tripods such as those available in Manfrotto's 190 series
which thanks to the wide range of models and versions, make it a useful tool for hobbyists and pros. If you don't want to carry a tripod everywhere you go, consider carrying a smaller support such as those available in Manfrotto's Pocket Series
. They can be fixed directly under your equipment, giving you an always-ready support without the bulk of a full-blown tripod.
Use A Remote Release
Even if you use a tripod, the process of you actually pressing the shutter button and moving your hand away can shake the camera so next time you take a shot, try not to be too heavy-handed with the shutter button. You can also use a remote release to start the exposure or use your camera's self-timer if you don't have one as even though you're still touching the camera, the timer should mean the camera's stopped moving by the time the exposure begins.
Use Objects For Support
If you don't have a tripod, use a near-by solid object as a support or lean against a wall, tree or whatever object you can find that won't move.
Stance And Breathing
When working without a support, always hold your camera with two hands, quite close to your body and make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart. Hold the camera with a firm grip but don't squeeze too tightly as this can actually cause the camera to move and if you're using the screen rather than the viewfinder to compose your shots, keep your arms/elbows tucked in close to you.
Being conscious of your breathing can further minimise shake. Some suggest taking a deep breath, holding it, taking your shot and exhaling while others prefer to do it the other way around. It's not something that's recommended for very long exposures though!
Try and use the quickest shutter speed you can when working without a tripod as it's rather difficult to keep still for long periods of time. If you're working in low light, switching to a higher ISO can quicken your shutter speeds, although not all cameras produce good-quality shots when higher ISOs are used so the safest option is to take your tripod with you so you can use longer shutter speeds without having to worry about shake spoiling your shots.