Tips for Taking Sharper Photographs

When I look at the work of my favorite photographers, I am always amazed at the vividness and sharpness of their photographs. Sharpness seems to separate a good photograph from a great photograph. Whether in color or black and white, a sharp image is stunning.

Many factors influence sharp photographs. Here are some tips for getting sharp photographs:

• Avoid camera shake. Moving the camera while taking the photograph will produce blurred photographs. To avoid camera shake, grip the camera by its body tightly and gently squeeze the trigger on the camera. Keep your arm steady.


• Use a tripod for stability. Another way to avoid camera shake is to use a tripod to stabilize the camera. A tripod allows the camera to remain absolutely still while the photograph is taken. While not always practical, using a tripod will give you sharper photographs. If you do not have a tripod handy, use a table, car window or other support.


• Use a low ISO number. Your choice of film speed (i.e. ISO number) will affect the sharpness of your photograph. In general, photographs will be sharpest with the lowest ISO numbers such as 200 or lower. However, low ISO settings only work when your shutter speed is fast enough to stop the action of the subject. So whenever possible use slow film or the lowest ISO setting on your film or digital camera. I took this photograph of Half Dome with a low ISO setting.
  ISO 200 f/8.20 1/250


• Take advantage of the still moments. To get a sharp photograph at a low ISO, you need to take the photograph at the right moment. Be prepared to take the photograph when your subject stops their movement, if even for a moment. Anticipate that instant and take the photograph at the right time. Here I took a photograph of my daughters just as they had finished moving in close together.
  
  
  
  ISO 100 f/8.0 1/200


• Use the middle aperture and zoom settings of your lens. You can get sharper images by using the middle apertures and zoom settings of your lens. The optics of a lens is the best in the middle, creating sharper photographs.


• Try manual focus. With manual focus you can pick exactly the sharpest point. This becomes especially important with an aperture such as f/2.8.


• Use an IS or VR lens. A lens with image stabilization (IS) or vibration reducing (VR) can greatly improve the sharpness of your photographs. The internal systems of an IS lens can detect camera shake and compensate for it. IS does not prevent blurring of a fast moving object but prevents blurring from anything moving the camera such as your hand or the wind. Unfortunately, IS and VR lenses are expensive.

Remember sharp photographs depend on a stable camera. To increase the possibility of sharp photographs, use a low ISO and good timing when appropriate. If you need to use a higher ISO depend on a tripod and your middle aperture and zoom settings. Also trying using manual focus. IS and VR lenses, if affordable, can make a big difference.

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