Camera shake can severely degrade your focus. A sharp, or critical focus is one of the keys to achieving great photographs. A rule of thumb for taking a photo while holding the camera in your hands is 1/60 sec. exposure time, but I would extend that to at least 1/120 sec. to ensure better stability. Image Stabilizer (IS)/Vibration Reduction (VR) Lenses can extend this, but using a tripod is best in a low light situation. Using a very long focal length lens can also add to the problem, and a tripod is very important in this case.
When using a tripod you might need to switch off the Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction on your lens. With no shake for which to compensate, some older IS/VR lenses will actually introduce shake of their own. Check your lens -- newer lenses can detect when they are tripod-mounted and their IS/VR can remain ON.
Once your camera is mounted on the tripod, there are two ways to correctly release the shutter: use a remote shutter release, or use the camera's built-in delay timer. If you manually press the shutter release button on the camera without using the delay timer, you might as well not be using a tripod at all! Pressing the shutter release introduces camera shake; the delay gives the system time to stabilize.
Some cameras such as the Canon 60D have the remote control sensor in the front of the camera, probably to facilitate group shots that include the photographer. Newer models have sensors in front and back. You need to know which side senses the remote command.
Once your camera is mounted on the tripod, there are two ways to correctly release the shutter: use a remote shutter release, or use the camera's built-in delay timer. If you manually press the shutter release button on the camera without using the delay timer, you might as well not be using a tripod at all! Pressing the shutter release introduces camera shake; the delay gives the system time to stabilize.
Some cameras such as the Canon 60D have the remote control sensor in the front of the camera, probably to facilitate group shots that include the photographer. Newer models have sensors in front and back. You need to know which side senses the remote command.
Of course, if your focusing skills are not spot-on, most of the above won't matter much. Be sure to focus on the most important part of the scene. For a portrait, it is the model's eyes. Generally it should be the main subject, the point in the photo where the eye is naturally drawn. If there is no clear subject, it might be best to reconsider your scene composition.
Copyright © 2013 Philip N. Wheeler. All Rights Reserved.
Philip Wheeler Photography
Philip Wheeler Photography
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