 Heidi R. Geise |
Camera Shake I seem to have problems with the clarity of photos. I can't always pull out a tripod or monopod. I am working on arm strength and holding the camera properly. Any other suggestions?
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- Usman M. Bajwa Contact Usman M. Bajwa Usman M. Bajwa's Gallery |
Heidi, you haven't mentioned which camera/ lenses you usually shoot with. Here are a few things that come to my mind: 1. Raise the ISO and shoot in shutter priority set at a higher value, preferably not less than 1/250s. This should take care of slight movement while shooting. 2. Also, avoid shooting in low light situations, as it usually requires low shutter speeds, which requires a steady hand or a tripod. 3. Best yet, buy yourself a point & shoot, they are very light and come in decent features/ quality these days and are easy to carry too. Hope you regain strength in your arms. Good light to you.
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Heidi R. Geise |
I shoot with a Canon 7D and the typical issue is when I use the Tamron 70-200. I guess when I use it I just need to up the speed or ISO.
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Heidi, to supplement what Usman said...there's a simple rule of thumb for determining the minimum shutter speed to use, to prevent camera blur. It's based on the focal length. If your focal point is 105mm, then you need 1/105th sec shutter speed. If you zoom to 200mm focal length, then you need 1/200th sec. At 400mm, it's 1/400th sec. Most likely, you want sufficient depth of field too; e.g., F8. And the more depth of field you need, the more light you need for proper exposure -- which means a longer shutter speed and more chance for blur. That's where Usman's ISO tip comes into play; adjust ISO higher until you get shutter speed to match the focal length. But with higher ISOs come more noise...everything is a trade-off.
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- Natasha Pliss Contact Natasha Pliss Natasha Pliss's Gallery |
Heidi, I have the same camera and very often use Tamron 28-300 mm lens. The shutter speed for this lens I determine by doubling the focal length. So if your focal length is 200 mm the shutter speed should be at least 1/400, faster is better. Adjust the ISO and aperture accordingly. I don't use a tripod very often. Hope it helps.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
What's your camera-holding stance that you're using? Maybe that can be improved upon. Do you use your left arm up against your body, elbow resting on your ribs, forearm coming up to make a v. Adding an extra battery grip might help if you need a bigger area to spread you hand out. Just use the grip without a battery in it.
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Heidi R. Geise |
Thank you for all of the responses. I am going to try them on this week as I practice my skills. I have the depth of field routine but I forget to check for shutter speed. I often am just trying to keep my balance and hope that I can get up when I go to get those low, unique angles of whatever I am shooting. I think I am OK on the stance most of the time. I will see what these suggestions result in. Thanks again.
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- Greg McCroskery Contact Greg McCroskery Greg McCroskery's Gallery |
Heidi, All of the responses above give excellent advice. That said, keep in mind that it is easy to fall into the trap of ignoring tripod/monopod use -- in general, there is no better stabilization method available. Even a lightweight tripod is generally better than no tripod, unless subject matter dictates hand holding. I use (among other tripods) a Benro 'MeFoto' tripod that is wonderful and is extremely compact and lightweight. One of the legs actually detaches and converts to a monopod using the center column.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Heidi, You might also try this: Chain Pod www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/chain_pod.pdf. This thing will fit into a film can. You can take it with you anywhere. Thanks!
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- Greg McCroskery Contact Greg McCroskery Greg McCroskery's Gallery |
To John S. (and Heidi), John, funny you posted this, as I was going to suggest the chain pod concept, but felt it took to long to explain it. It's great that you have a PDF with instructions. I saw this concept demonstrated at the Texas School of Photography in Kerrville, TX, about 15 yrs. ago. It is a very handy device, cheap, compact, and light weight It really helps, especially if you can use it while leaning against a tree or building. Great suggestion John!
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Heidi R. Geise |
Cool idea. I think I will try this. I adjusted the ISO this weekend and got better results. Now I just have to learn not to go too high. Thanks for all the help.
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John H. Siskin |
I originally saw the chainpod at Nikon School back in the '70s. Been using one since. They're great. Here's a link to more DIY stuff at my site: http://www.siskinphoto.com/cameraeqp.php. I hope you find something you can use. Thanks.
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Bob Cammarata |
Operator-related movement is most prevalent when pressing and releasing the shutter button. A trick I learned a long time ago (..from someone here at BP), is to set your shutter to burst mode. Shoot a burst of three or more frames. Then delete the first and last ones in the series. The ones in the middle will be sharpest. Another tip is to sit on the ground and prop both elbows on your knees. It looks a little funny, but you can achieve great results with surprisingly slow shutter speeds from this position.
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