Best Tips to Take Sharp Photos

Why are my photographs not sharp?

The quality of your photos can depend on several factors, including the camera used, the lighting and the settings, the subject and the type of film or digital sensor used. If you take great care when taking your photographs, most problems can be resolved. The following checklist will help you decide how to resolve a photograph problem.

• Check to see whether the problem is with the camera itself or the lens.
• Do you have a faulty camera? Check for problems such as dirty sensors and/or lenses.
• Are you using the correct settings? Check the aperture (the size of the opening in the lens), the shutter speed, and the ISO (the sensitivity of the sensor).
• Are the lighting conditions correct? Check the light source – if it’s the sun, it may be too bright; if it’s a flash, it may be too close or the flash may be too weak.
• Are there objects or people in the shot which cause shadows or reflections?
• Is there dust on the sensor? If so, use a clean cloth or brush to remove it.
• Check to see whether the exposure settings have been changed manually or automatically.
• Does the film/sensor have a date stamp on it? If so, the film was exposed correctly and you can either take new film or re-use the old one.
• Has the film been exposed properly, and is the correct film format/type being used?
• Is the camera set to the correct focal length?
• Is there a problem with the lens? Check the focusing ring and the focus indicators. A lens with no markings may have become misadjusted.
• Have you tried a different camera setting?
• Have you tried different types of film?
• Have you checked whether your camera has been dropped, bumped or shaken?
• Have you tried changing the memory card?
• Is the camera turned off completely and the batteries removed before attempting to take the pictures?
• Have you tried shooting in RAW?

If you’ve never taken pictures before, there are several things you need to know before you can begin to snap those memorable shots.

Use the correct camera.

There are two basic types of digital cameras: point and shoot, and SLR (single lens reflex). If you want to take sharp photos, you need to use a SLR. It is easy to get confused when looking at these cameras as there are many different brands and types to choose from. The most important factor to consider is whether you have the flexibility to zoom in or out as needed.

Point and shoot cameras have fewer settings but can produce sharp images. Some of these are known as ‘automatic’ or ‘programmed’ and can take great pictures with the press of a button. However, they do not have a variable zoom function and are often heavy and bulky.

A more flexible alternative is the SLR (single lens reflex). These have a range of settings including exposure, color, focus, aperture, and other features. Many also include a built in flash and a viewfinder. Some cameras can record video too, and this can be very useful for making movies. If you are using a compact digital camera, you’ll need to invest in a good lens, which can be expensive. Some cheaper alternatives are also available.

Keep the subject in focus.

All cameras have an auto setting which takes care of most of the focus problems, but you should always check the manual to see how far you can zoom, adjust your shutter speed, and position your subject in relation to the background. If you find yourself constantly checking that the background is in focus, it might be a good idea to buy a tripod to steady the camera.

Remember to stand still.

If you’re photographing a moving object like a child, you’ll need to make sure you’re not moving as well. Otherwise, you may end up with a blurred image. You can use a timer to ensure you take a picture at the same moment as the action starts.

Use a tripod

A sturdy tripod is a good investment. They can be expensive but you get good results. With a little practice you can get a steady shot in low light. Try using a remote trigger on your camera, this allows you to take a photo while the shutter remains open. A remote cord allows you to shoot pictures without the risk of tripping over the cable.

Learn to use a slow shutter speed

A slow shutter speed helps prevent blurring, especially in low light conditions. A good rule of thumb is to double the shutter speed of the ISO setting. For example, if you have a camera set to ISO 100, then a shutter speed of 1/40 second should be safe. This can be used as an alternative to using flash.

Avoid shaking your camera

Holding your camera still is important. If you do shake the camera, you’ll notice that the picture will appear slightly blurred. It’s best to handhold the camera, instead of holding it with your shoulder. It’s not hard to get used to.

Take pictures in RAW

This is the most important tip to know. RAW stands for Raw, the image file that can be opened in post production to make adjustments. JPEG stands for JPEG, the standard format, and it is created when you take a photo. RAW files take up more space on your memory card, but it allows you to make the most out of your image.

Experiment with different types of lighting

Light is extremely important. Take care when photographing in direct sunlight as it is too harsh. If there are no other options, try to take a picture during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is coming in from the side. Try to find a light source that is close to the subject, preferably from behind.

Use natural light.

The sun will provide the best lighting, even during the winter months. Take a photo early in the morning or late at night.

Make sure your image is clear

Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO can all be adjusted to ensure that the final image is clear and crisp. Make sure you can see through your lens and that there are no problems with the auto focus.

Focus on your subject.

Your camera may come with autofocus, so you can take photos without needing to adjust the settings. But it will only work when you have a clear picture of your subject. To ensure this, focus your camera on the subject you want to capture and then press the shutter button.

Get the right exposure.

If you are using a tripod, there’s no need to worry about exposure. Your camera will ensure that your image is exposed correctly. But if you’re taking photos without a tripod, or the room is changing, the settings will need adjusting. Choose an aperture and shutter speed that allows you to take photos with a clear background, and you’ll get sharper results.

Use the timer.

Use the timer to take a series of shots that you can select later. You might take a few photos of your child, but switch to the timer. Press the shutter button, and the timer will automatically take a series of photos. This will save you time and allow you to select your best image for printing.

Use the viewfinder.

The viewfinder is essential for taking sharp photos. Use it to check the position of your subject, and to check the composition of the photo. Make sure the background isn’t distracting.

Go slow.

Shooting quickly won’t enable you to take great photos. Slow down, and take your time. Take a few test shots, and then get feedback from family and friends.

Make sure your camera is secure.

Don’t store your camera on a surface that will scratch it. Place it in a case, or put it in a safe place.

Use Photoshop.

Sometimes your photos can become blurry and fuzzy. Fortunately, there are a range of different programs that can help you improve the quality of your photos. You can make them look more attractive, remove unwanted details, add text and other graphics, and much more.

Only use a flash when it is necessary

Flashes are designed to illuminate objects in front of you, and so can make the background quite bright. This can cause a number of problems, including making it difficult to focus on your subject.

Take advantage of the web.

It is now possible to upload and download your photos directly to the web from your digital camera. Many websites may also allow you to share your photos with friends and family, and to download them into a variety of file formats. You can learn and observe how other photographers are doing and their photos to apply new ideas into your photography skills.

Keep learning.

With so many digital cameras on the market, it is likely you will find you can get even better results by experimenting with different settings and practicing your photography skills.

You can keep studying new skills, methods, and techniques to make your photography skills better.

Be patient

It takes a bit of patience to get a great shot. Try to practice everyday and gradually you will master photography skills.

Practice!

If you are going to be taking a lot of photos, you’ll need to practice your photography skills. You can practice on a range of different subjects, such as a series of still lives, your own face, a photo of your favorite pet, or a family group portrait. You’ll soon find that you’re better at snapping a photo than you thought, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice.

Some other tips

A photographer who takes sharp photos can be a great asset to any event. Sharp photos mean clear, crisp images that give you a true reflection of the day. A wedding photographer can capture your special day beautifully, while a portrait photographer can bring out the best in you and your family.

Shoot

There are two main methods of taking sharp photos: digital and film. When choosing between the two, look at the cost and ease of use. The cheapest option is digital, but it is important to consider how it will develop and print. For portraits, you will need a fast, high-quality digital camera.

Digital cameras allow you to take thousands of pictures, but it’s important to know that a high-speed memory card is vital. Try to choose one that offers as much storage capacity as possible. The best option is a CompactFlash card, which is easy to find, has plenty of storage space and is reasonably priced.

To take photos, follow these simple steps.

Set your camera on ‘shooting mode’, which automatically chooses the correct aperture and shutter speed. This is the distance between the lens and the subject and the speed at which the shutter opens.

Position your subject appropriately and adjust the focus using the auto focusing button on the camera. If you have problems focusing, then adjust the distance to the subject until it snaps in focus.

Hold your camera steady and take a photo. The most important thing to remember is to look at the screen, not the scene in front of you.

Use the memory card reader or USB port to download your photos to your computer. This means you can edit and share your pictures more easily.

Editing

Once you have your pictures, it’s time to edit them. Here are some simple tips for doing this.

Keep it simple. Don’t clutter your pictures with extras, such as people or props. Instead, keep it simple. Keep it clear, keep it white and keep it still.

Use the best settings. Your camera will have its own default settings, but you can always make adjustments. The best settings for a wedding or portrait include a slow shutter speed of 1/60 second, a large aperture of f/2.8 or f/4 and high ISO of 400 or 800.

Remember to shoot in RAW format. You will find that this gives you more control over your pictures when editing.

Conclusion

There are a few things that you can do to take sharp photos. One of the most important things you can do is to focus. In order to do that, you’ll need to use the rule of thirds. That means that you’ll need to place your subject in the third of the frame.

The other thing that you can do is to get closer to your subject. Closer means that you can zoom in on the subject without losing your focus.

And finally, if you’re looking to take sharp photos, I recommend that you go to a good photography school. You’ll learn a lot of valuable information there.