How to avoid blurry photos in photography?

Many photographers can’t help but feel frustrated by taking blurry photos. The lack of sharpness can be caused by a variety of reasons. In this article, I will introduce 10 tips on how to take clearer photos.

1. Prioritize single-point focus mode

Select the autofocus point wisely and focus on the main subject. Prioritize single-point autofocus

for each photo, moving the focus point to the main subject in the shot. For example, in portrait photography, you can easily and successfully take high-quality portrait photos by focusing on the eyes.

2. Use tracking mode only for moving subjects

AF-C tracking mode is great for capturing moving subjects, such as pedestrians riding bicycles across the street, and the camera will constantly adjust the autofocus , until the button is pressed. However, when shooting static objects (landscapes, portraits), please use the appropriate mode (AF-S) to avoid the camera not achieving the desired results.

3. Sometimes it’s better to abandon autofocus altogether

In some cases, autofocus won’t work at all (for example, when shooting a scene with insufficient contrast). Then, you should switch to manual focus control mode (manual). This approach is highly recommended when the distance to the subject is known exactly. For example, by manually focusing on a wall that a cyclist will pass by, you can ensure that autofocus is not confused by its movement.

4. Try correct manual focus

Manual focus is convenient, but it requires some practice. Use preview to increase your chances of getting a clear shot. This is especially handy if your camera has a focus peaking feature: it will highlight the area of ??the screen that's in focus. But even the more common Live View feature will be helpful in evaluating future photos on the camera screen.

5. Choose a faster shutter speed

In most cases, a tripod helps to obtain high-quality, clear images. However, if you're shooting handheld, remember that your shutter speed should be fast. Increase ISO in low light conditions. Regardless of your camera model, follow these rules:

The shutter speed value must be greater than the focal length of the lens (for example, 1/250 s for a 200 mm lens).

6. Choose an average aperture

Romantic blurred backgrounds are always impressive. However, you need to be careful when choosing your focus: areas that should be sharp (such as the face and hair in a portrait) should avoid blur. On the other hand, an aperture that is too narrow may require a slower shutter speed. Therefore, it is better to give priority to the average of the aperture settings - from 5.6 to 11. ?

7. Beware of noise

Higher ISO values ??allow faster shutter speeds. However, unnecessary noise may appear in the image. So don't overuse it with high sensitivity. In low light conditions, a balance must be found between shutter speed and ISO value, sometimes even using a flash.

8. Adjust the sharpness of the finished photo

In almost all photos you can use a photo editor to sharpen them, the main thing is not to overdo it: Note Edge, striking a balance between noise reduction and no graininess.

9. Don’t buy expensive first-hand lenses easily

Why? It’s simple that the better the lens, the more expensive it will be. If funds are limited, please consider buying a more professional second-hand lens, because Many amateurs usually save 30% to 50% by purchasing such lenses that they may almost never use.

10. Find support

Even if you don’t have a tripod, you can find another option:

Buy a cheap flexible mini tripod;