Steady Shots without a Tripod

Steady shots are possible hand-held with a slower shutter speed, but you need a few tricks up your sleeve.

Let’s face it: every photographer, whether a seasoned pro or an enthusiast just starting out, knows the frustration of blurry photos caused by camera shake. While a tripod is a great solution for stabilizing your camera and achieving steady shots, carrying one around isn’t always practical.

Fortunately, there are some techniques you can use to minimize camera shake without relying on a tripod. In this blog post, I’ll explore these methods to help you capture sharp, clear images no matter where you are. Let’s get started!

Use Image Stabilization, Vibration Reduction or SteadyShot

Most modern cameras and lenses have built-in Image Stabilization (IS), Vibration Reduction (VR), or SteadyShot features. These technologies help counteract small movements and vibrations, making it easier to capture sharp images.

How to Activate IS, VR or SteadyShot

• For Cameras: Look for a switch labeled “IS” or “VR” on your camera body and turn it on. You may also have to turn it on in your camera menu.
• For Lenses: Many lenses have a similar switch on the side. Make sure it’s set to “On.”
• Using the Menu: On some cameras, like Sonys, you’ll find it in the camera menu.

This technology is beneficial in low-light situations where a slower shutter speed might be needed. (But don’t turn it on if you’re using a tripod! I share another blog post with tripod tips below.)

Hold Your Camera Correctly for Steady Shots

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce camera shake is by holding your camera correctly. I like to call this “setting the table” with your hand.

Steps to Hold Your Camera

1. Grip the Camera Firmly: Use your right hand to grip the camera body firmly. Make sure your fingers are wrapped around the grip.
2. Support the Lens: Use your left hand to support the lens from below, creating a stable base. Your palm should face up underneath the lens, and your fingers should gently cradle it.
3. Tuck Your Elbows In: Keep your elbows close to your body to reduce movement and create a more stable shooting stance for steady shots.
4. Stand Steadily: Position your feet shoulder-width apart for better balance. Keeping your knees slightly flexed may also help.

Holding your camera correctly creates a more stable platform and significantly reduces the risk of camera shake.

Steady Your Breathing, Then Hold Your Breath

Believe it or not, your breathing can cause camera shake. To minimize this, steady your breathing before taking a shot and then hold your breath as you press the shutter button.

Steps to Steady Your Breathing

1. Inhale Slowly: Take a deep, slow breath to calm your body.
2. Exhale Partially: Exhale halfway to relax your muscles further.
3. Hold Your Breath: Hold your breath just before you press the shutter. This minimizes any internal movement that could cause shake.

I love the movement in this photo! I wanted to show the energy on this Shanghai street. People were rushing by, so I stopped to buy nuts from this street vendor. Then I “asked” to take a photo by holding up my camera and smiling. He happily complied. The shutter speed was ¼ second, so steady breathing really helped.

Use Burst Mode for steady shots

Burst Mode, sometimes called continuous shooting mode, is another way to achieve steady shots. It allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession with a single press of the shutter button, increasing the chances of getting at least one sharp image.

How to Activate Burst Mode

• For DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras: Look for a setting labeled “Burst Mode,” “Continuous Shooting,” or an icon resembling multiple stacked frames.

Using Burst Mode is particularly useful in dynamic situations where keeping the camera steady is challenging.

Use the Timer for Steady Shots

Using your camera’s built-in timer function is a great alternative. This feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the photo, giving any vibrations time to settle.

How to Use the Timer

1. Access Timer Settings: Find the timer function in your camera’s menu. A clock icon usually represents it.
2. Set the Delay: Choose a delay time, typically 2 to 10 seconds.
3. Press the Shutter Button: Press the shutter button, then wait for the timer to trigger the shot.

Additional Tips for Steady Shots

Intentionally Underexpose Your Photo

To increase the shutter speed, you can deliberately underexpose your shot by a stop. While this may result in a slightly darker image, you can correct the exposure in post-processing. This technique allows you to achieve a faster shutter speed, reducing the risk of camera shake and resulting in a steady shot.

You can do this by using Exposure Compensation. Later, in post-processing, increase the exposure by one stop to brighten the image.

Raise the ISO

Raising the ISO sensitivity of your camera sensor allows you to use a faster shutter speed, thereby minimizing camera shake and leading to a steady shot. However, be mindful of the trade-off between higher ISO settings and increased noise in your images. Modern cameras handle higher ISO levels well, so don’t be afraid to push the ISO if it means getting a sharper shot. In post-processing, you can apply noise reduction if needed.

I shot this photo in a tea shop in Shanghai with an ISO of 800 and a shutter speed of 1/10 second. I also used many other techniques to create a steady shot: I steadied my breath, held the camera properly, and turned on my Canon camera’s IS.

Lean against a support while taking the photo.

I shot this photo of the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City during the blue hour. My shutter speed was ⅛ second, and my tripod was back in my hotel room, so I leaned against a building in the square. I achieved a steady shot, and I love the movement of the people in the scene!

Now It’s Your Turn

Don’t wait to try this when you need a steady shot. Pull out your camera today and practice these steps. That way, they’ll come naturally when you need them.

Ready to improve your photography skills? Check out my online class, Camera Mechanics.

And if you have your tripod with you, here’s a blog post with tips on using it for steady shots.