Stop Blurry Images
It’s one of the biggest problems that can occur with cameras - Blurry Images. Angela, a tips subscriber, emailed me last week asking if her camera was working OK. She had taken a lot of shots of her daughter’s 21st birthday, and they were all blurry.
Have you taken shots like this before? Blurry images are usually a by-product of taking a shot using your camera’s auto mode, but without using the flash when there is low light (such as when you are indoors or at night).
An even bigger problem for Angela was that she did not know about the blurry images until she uploaded the images to her computer a few days later. She had been using the LCD screen but didn’t realise that because it’s so small, it won’t show if any images are blurry.
Why does the image turn out blurry?
Well, technical reason is that the camera moved while the shutter was open. In low light the shutter needs to be open for longer so the camera gets enough light to properly expose the shot. That’s why holding your camera in your hand works OK in daylight - because they’re more light and the shutter is open for less time.
How do I fix it
While it’s impossible to fix an already blurry image, there are a number of ways to ensure future images are ultra sharp - each with it’s benefits and disadvantages.
1. Turn on the flash! Modern cameras warn you if they think a flash should be used - usually by flashing a hand symbol (which basically says you’ll get a blurry image if you take the shot while holding the camera in your hand). A flash will provide enough light for the camera to use a quick shutter speed and stop the blurriness. The disadvantage of using a flash is the flash light ‘dies away’ quickly, so only the subjects close to the camera are fully lit. The background will be very dark.
2. Use a tripod. This will steady the camera while the shutter is open. When shooting people, you also need to ask them to be still while the shutter is open. You also need to be aware that your finger depressing the shutter button will shake the camera, so you should use either the timer, or a remote trigger, so the camera is still when the shot is taken. This method works well when you want to take shots of inanimate objects, but not so well when taking shots of people, such as in this photo.
3. Use “Shutter Priority Mode”. Some of the more expensive cameras have a shutter priority mode that you can use to override the camera’s default shutter settings. Using this mode, increase the shutter speed as far as you can go. The camera will compensate by opening the aperture more (to let in more light) and also increasing the ISO value (so the camera needs less overall light to get an acceptable image). If you use this method, your images may turn out to be too dark, so either take a few shots at different shutter speeds, or increase the EV level to brighten the image. This method also tends to increase the ‘noise’ in the image.
I also recommend practicing. Practice taking some more indoors shots using each of the tips above. Make a note of which settings you used for which shots, and then check the images on your computer. Note which ones turned out best and use those settings next time you need to take shots in that situation.
Learning how your camera works beforehand can go a long way to ensure photos of your special occasions don’t end up in the digital dustbin.
Other relevent tips: Alternatives to a Tripod, Advanced Modes
I have 9 other tips for steadying your camera in my 267 Simple Tips for Sensational Photos book. It's full to the brim with handy tips and techniques for lots of common situations.
Great stuff you’re supplying. I recommend your items. Vic
October 9, 2006 @ 1:06 am
David,
I am a 70 year old cancer surviver and have just started photography to keep my mind active and tease it away from thoughts of what might be coming. Your tips have been invalauable to me so far and your interview with Martin Wilmot was just great.
Thank you for your superb generosity in sharing your talents and experience to help others,
Joe Richardson
Cornwall, England.
October 12, 2006 @ 5:09 am
You’ve been of immense help and I believe if I am at least near to taking if not great pictures, it s because of your tutorial on photography. Hats off to your tutorial. Thanks a lot.
Rgds,
Bala
October 14, 2006 @ 12:00 pm
Thanks! You’ve helped me to understand and conquer why my photos are blurry, especially in low light. Cheers.
October 28, 2006 @ 6:23 pm
Using shutter priority is a fine tip. To supplement - in taking shots without tripod you should use shutter speeds of at least 1/60 seconds. If light permits, use 1/90 sec or even faster. Slower shutter speeds makes it difficult to get clear images when shooting hand-held.
Of course, when increasing shutter speed to 1/90, you get less depth-of-field, but for portraits this is generally what you want anyway. On a DSLR camera you would actually do the same.
Less depth of field means that the subject is clear but background gets more blurry.
October 30, 2006 @ 10:10 pm
I’ve found that too many people rush when taking photos and don’t utilize the focus lock on their camera. This has made a world of difference for me. Simply depress the shutter halfway and allow the green brackets on your display to lock in the focus. Then you can take your shot by depressing it all of the way.
I really like the tips David. Thank you and keep them coming.
November 12, 2006 @ 6:03 am
You are awesome! Thank you so much on those tips. I will use them for a wedding I have to do this Sat..
November 18, 2006 @ 12:47 am
Hi David, I’d like to thank you for sending me all those very useful tips. My photography has definitely improved because of them. Thanks again - Martin.
November 20, 2006 @ 5:18 am
Dear David, I am very grateful to u for ur wonderful tips which clarified many doubts. In fact recently I got three such images and searching for reasons. Thank u
November 30, 2006 @ 7:25 pm
Thankyou David for your many great tips that you have shared. Your user friendly advise which is so easy to understand has not only inspired me, but my 3 young teenage children are now picking up the camera & trying to put your infomation into practice.They have found a real love for photography, For that I am also thrilled, we all are.
Merry Christmas & a Healthy 2007 to You & Yours
Lisa, Gidget,Saxon & Tyron
December 11, 2006 @ 1:12 pm
Thank you Dave. This is really good for my students. It is clear and straight-to-the point. Now they will really take my words for real!:P
Merry Christmas !
December 30, 2006 @ 4:01 pm
Hi David!
Thanks for all your useful tips!
In the first place I thought it was tips for a short period, a month or so.
But I keep on receved mails with tips every day! THANKS..
Sincerely Leon
January 19, 2007 @ 6:38 am
Your comments are most valuable, but regarding blur, there are other solutions: Holding camera steady ! rest elbow on something or at least squeeze to the body, or lean against something. Cameras with 2.5″+ LCD screens are now affordable, this shows up blur instantly.
January 23, 2007 @ 2:29 am
Gracias por toda su ayuda.
Thank you for all your help.
February 2, 2007 @ 6:09 am
I would recommend using a remote control or a self timer as well, when you shoot with a slow shutter speed, because pressing a shutter button may also cause vibration of your camera.
March 6, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
David,
Thank you for your tips. I am using a
Canon IXUS 850 IS. Most of the time
my pictures are blurry. I will improve
it with your help and tips.
Once again Thank you.
March 11, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
If I use shutter priority, at what shutter speed will I start getting camera movement?
May 17, 2007 @ 9:21 pm
hi david, i learned a lot of your tips.
i truly appreciate your superb generosity in sharing your knowledge about photography.
thank you so much…
indeed your tips are of great help for beginners.Ü
May 23, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
THANKS,THANKS,THANKS VERY MUCH THANKS FOR TO YOUR HELPS.WONDERFUL THİS YOUR HELPS.SO I WİLL TO MORE LEARNİNG THİS SUBJECTS WİTH YOUR HELPS NOW.
I LOVE DAVİD.İF YOU COME TO TURKEY,YOU CAN ABLE TO STAY OF MY HOME TO SAMSUN-BAFRA WİTH YOUR FAMİLY.YOU ARE BEST AND BEST FRİEND FOR TO ME.
ALL WİTH MY LOVES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMİLY,
Mahmut Alan
LOVES FROM TO TURKEY
July 21, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Thanks David… Now i can improve my skills
July 24, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
My son is getting married Setpember 14 at 6:30 p.m. in an outdooor wedding. The days are shorter then and I am wondering how should I be shooting for the light situation. How can I get the proper amount of light? I have a Nikon D70S with an off camera flash (stroboframe) I have never done anything in low light so I am a little concerned.
Thank you
July 28, 2007 @ 7:42 am
Dear Mr. Peterson,
I have met only a handful of people like yourself who freely share with others the knowledge that is usually only gained through time consuming experience and practice. A friend said to me that a true leader is one who creates other leaders. Thank you for kindly sharing pearls of information with strangers like myself. You have my admiration and sincere best wishes.
Santiago I. Robles, Idaho
August 18, 2007 @ 5:39 am
Its really worth. ur all tut’s are really useful and have taught me photography.
thanks a lot.
August 18, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
Hi,
Well, another way, is just putting your ISO-value to a higher one.
Sometimes it is on ‘auto’ with the poss. to go much higher and sometimes you just have to choose it yourself.
If you have a good digital camera such as the Pentax K100D, this is doing a lot of trics already.
You can also use the special indoors-holdtheflash program which for example this camera has.
August 30, 2007 @ 7:20 am
David, first of all, THANK YOU for your wonderful articles!
Now the question.
Being a poor unemployed person (such as myself) there’s a whole bunch of free photo processors out there.
Which would you say is the best.
September 2, 2007 @ 3:59 am
Jessie
Hope you got good wedding photos. I realise I have missed the event, but for others in the future, here is my advice.
Put the camera to as slow a shutter speed as you think you can hold steady or if you can place it on a flat surface or tripod even better. However at most weddings the photos are of people so generally you still want the shutter speed to be fast.
Either use shutter priority mode or use a wide aperture (small f number).
Check the exposure on the camera meter and take a few shots. It is worth ckecking the histogram also and altering. Use flash if you need it and if your camera has the facility then change the power output to give a softer appearance.
At the stage of dancing, some blur can be used to effect…………
Hope this helps!
October 13, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Can you let me know what’s the best way to take photos at a concert where it is dark and the artists are constantly moving around…how could i get a good shot? Pls. email me =) thank you for your many tips.
November 9, 2007 @ 1:34 am
Hi Sharon,
Yes I have a tip on concert photography coming up. Stay tuned!
David.
November 9, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Thanks David, I learned a lot of your tips.
November 12, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
I suffered thru many blurry images in my many shots when I was starting out and not knowing the workings of low light photography (e.g. night/
indoor/twilight/museum/galleries etc.) I learned the hard way. There’s another tip I want to share is that when a tripod’s not available and besides using techniques like pressing both elbows on the side or leaning on wall or post is to take a sturdy piece of string (a long cotton shoe lace type) and make a loop at the end for you to step on and tie the other end to your camera securely. Test the slack with your left hand and pull up to the proper height needed to frame your shot and when ready with your right hand take the shot. You will find this eliminates the movement and the blurry photo.
November 24, 2007 @ 7:35 am
Thank you for your tips which i have found very helpful, i am looking into getting some filters for my digital camera have you got any suggestions, i look forward to your advice. thank youTony
March 9, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Thanks on behalf of many for providing such useful information becoming a better photographer.
I would also like to ask about the benefits of a histogram. Is a histogram still necessary if one has a high resolution live view lcd. Can one not adjust exposure by looking at the live image as exposure adjustments are made rather than looking at a graphical representation to facilitate those same adjustments?
March 15, 2008 @ 5:24 am
Hi David.. by help of your tips now i can get good and nice snap without any blurr.
Thanks alot for your tips..
March 25, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
Hi David, thank you very much for
e-mailing digital photo secrets. I am at an age i have to keep the brain active and this helps me as i am limited with a lot of physcal work, my photos of my grandkids and everything else helps me forget my pain. thank you again. Irene
May 20, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Great tips! I learn a lot from from you guys. Was a retired Philippine army officer , used to looking through nightscopes and shooting enemies down. Now, I’ve changed to shooting pictures, and prefer my flashes instead of suppressed flashes hehe. Keep the lectures coming. Thanks so much!
June 9, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
It would be nice if you’d write a book / more tips just for SLRs, cos 90% of that tips were only fittin’ compact cameras….. unfortunately.
After all, the hint you made below this box (”XHTML:
July 13, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
I am going to see Disney on Ice and it will be indoors, so pressume there will be lighting available. Just wondering how can I take the best shots. Should I use AF or MF with my camera - DSLR Olympus E-500. Also do I need to take a flash with me.Could you please give me some quick tips.
Thanks a million
July 18, 2008 @ 8:51 am
hi! david i have problem with most of my shots they came with a shade in them ,all of those shot are taken in doors ,i am using a canon eos 350d
regrads
Sinqobile
July 23, 2008 @ 8:14 pm