Blurry Pictures? Sometimes, taking good pictures may be something as simple as..

Taking good pictures may be greatly affected by something as simple as how you hold your camera.

Have you ever really paid attention to how you hold your camera when taking photos?

Do you just grab and shoot with the greatest of intentions only to be disappointed with the results?

Contrary to a belief which seems to have emerged with the digital age, many apsects come together to create photos you can be proud of.

One aspect in taking good pictures and making them great may be as simple as examining your photos to determine if camera shake may be the culprit.

How can you tell?

If your pictures appear blurry throughout, camera shake is likely the issue. If they appear blurry in specific areas this is more likely from less than optimum focusing on the subject.

If you look closely at the two images below the image on the right is an example of definite camera shake.

Do you hold it securely with elbows braced against your body and your feet a comfortable width apart?

If not, do this next time and see if you notice a difference.

Shooting vertically can make taking good pictures a bit more challenging, especially hand holding.

Some photographers find it easier to have the right arm as the "up" arm while others use the left. You may find it helpful to experiment and find out which position feels more comfortable and stable.

The images below show posture examples when hand holding a camera.

If you utilize this feature check your manual as it will very likely advise turning it off for use with a monopod or tripod.

Shooting with a slow shutter speed, making it more challenging to hold the camera steady for a longer period of time, can also introduce camera shake. In addition, it naturally makes taking good pictures a lot more challenging.

What else can you do to eliminate camera shake?

Additional equipment can certainly help, such as a cable release, tripod or monopod.

You may also decide to utilize the "timer" feature on your camera, especially if using a tripod.

How will this help?

Activating the timer allows you to "step away from the camera." The photo is taken without any further action by you as the shutter is automatically activated at the end of the timer cycle.

Your manual will explain how to set this if you're not sure. Just remember to reset the timer to off when you're finished.

Cable release and monopod.

The cable release, see photo below, is another method for taking photos without pressing the shutter at the time of image recording. One end inserts into the camera, the other end has a button you press in place of the shutter. It may also have a lock feature for long exposures. You simply lock the button and release it when the exposure is complete.

For example, you may want to use a one or five minute exposure, perhaps a couple of hours or even longer. Just lock the button and unlock at the end of the exposure to complete the process of taking the picture.

The monopod, while not as steady as a tripod, is also very useful. It can help you steady your camera when it's difficult to set up a tripod or perhaps you simply don't want to carry one.

It offers additional stability beyond hand holding and is more flexible than a tripod, meaning it's quicker and easier to change positions.

An example would be shooting a sport event where you want the additional camera support with the ability to quickly follow the action, compose and take the picture.

It holds the camera securely and allows great benefit to composing the subject, especially if it's not moving, such as a flower or a building.

It can be of great benefit for beginner photography and a valuable tool for learning, such as examining the subject for photography rules of composition.

When shutterspeed is not a factor, due to a stationary subject, as long as your exposure is correct it doesn't matter how long it takes to record the images. Another value of the tripod.

The camera may be easily positioned for vertical or horizontal.

Also, there is good flexibility as to the height of the camera, due to the adjustment capability.

It also allows for one or two legs to be longer or shorter, depending on the terrain.

As you examine and experiment with photography techniques and taking good pictures keep in mind that even with a tripod camera shake can be evident, especially if you raise the center pole.

A few very helpful tips regarding tripods!

If you're thinking of purchasing one consider a height, with the camera mounted on the tripod, six inches above your eye level.

What's the big deal?

If it's not at least even to eye level and you are bending over, even ever so slightly, it becomes very tiring on the body.

This is one piece of advice I wish I'd listened to before purchasing my first good tripod! Taking good pictures can feel like hard work sometimes and making it physically easier can reap great rewards in the end result.

As previously mentioned, having to raise the center pole increases the odds of camera shake simply because stability is compromised.

Check if the center pole can be removed and the camera still able to be secured on the tripod.

This is very helpful for shooting close to the ground.

Below are some examples showing the center pole raised and also in the way, not permitting a lower shooting position.

However, some models allow the pole to slide horizontally so it can be out of the way and still very usable. This can be very helpful for macro photography when minute focal adjustments are required.

When researching monopods or tripods remember to ask about different styles of "heads" which mount your camera to the tripod.

As with all equipment purchases don't be afraid to ask tons of questions and get a feel for the product.

Taking good pictures can require a lot of patience at the best of times. Although it takes longer to get set up and organized with a tripod the rewards can certainly make it worthwhile.

Other examples of tripod positioning with the center pole removed.