Photography Tips

Camera Shake

Camera-shake occurs when you hand-hold a camera at too slow a shutter speed for the camera lens combination you are using.  In general terms, camera-shake is more of a problem when using longer focal lengths (long lenses) or very slow shutter speeds.  There are three ways to avoid camera-shake:

1: Use a faster shutter speed if lighting conditions allow.

2: Use an image-stabilisation lens if you have one.

3: Use a form of camera support. 

Let's cover camera support now........

Using a tripod

A tripod is probably one of the most useful additions to your camera that you can buy.  Not only does it allow the user to produce images without camera-shake at slow shutter speeds, it also slows down the picture taking process.  This means that the photographer has more time to think about the photograph they are taking.  In my experience, using a tripod really improves a photographer's image taking.

Supporting a long lens

When using a lens with a long focal length, for example 300 - 500mm, camera shake is a much bigger problem than when you are using a wide-angled lens.  A tripod would be an obvious choice to combat camera shake.  However, it is not always practical to use a tripod. Sitting in a hide or at a sporting event are examples where space to use a tripod would be limited.  In these situations a beanbag or monopod would be useful.

Beanbag

Beanbags are simply small cloth bags that are filled with beans, rice , plastic balls etc.  Lay the beanbag on a stable surface; a hide's window frame for example, then rest the lens on the beanbag.  This will give you a surprisingly stable platform for your photography.  Many of the bird and mammal shots on this website were taken using this combination.

Monopods

Monopods are similar to tripods in as much as they have an adjustable head for the camera to be fitted onto which tilts and swivels to allow precise framing.  The main difference is whereas not surprisingly, the tripod has three legs, the monopod has one.  Monopods are good in situations where space is limited but they do not offer the same stability as a tripod.

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