How is it that some of the photos you see are so tack sharp and in focus? Are you struggling with getting that crisp photo? Here are some hints:

1. Use a tripod - I know, I know. It’s a drag to schlep around a tripod, but it does make a difference in the sharpness of your photos! Why? Because a slight jiggle may cause your photo to slightly off focus. Using a tripod will help eliminate most of the natural jiggles that invariably happen when you’re hand holding the camera.
2. Use a faster shutter speed – Make sure you’re using an appropriate shutter speed. There are a couple of things here. If you’re outside, it’s a sunny day, and you’ve got your camera on automatic or program mode you’re probably okay. Once you start shooting in lower light conditions you can increase your ISO setting so that your lens is “more sensitive” to light and thereby allows you to increase your shutter speed.
3. Use a proper holding technique – If you grip the camera properly it won’t wiggle as much. Following is a brief video from Joe McNally. He shows you his camera holding technique, “Da Grip.” Why is his a technique you may want to consider? Joe McNally is a world famous professional photographer who has made his career creating extremely high quality images for the most renown brands, including National Geographic, Life Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.
4. Use a lens with vibration reduction (VR) – It’s amazing how much technology can play a part in grabbing sharp photos. If you use a lens with image stabilization / vibration reduction (VR) it can make a huge difference. Look on the side of your lens.
   

   Example of photo taken with VR switched on

   Does it say VR? If you’re taking a picture of something that might move, like a snake, make sure you have VR switched on. If both you and your subject are moving, switch VR “on” VR “active mode” to “on.” No need for VR to be turned on if you’re using a tripod. Just remember to turn it back on again once you take your camera off the tripod!

   VR will also allow you to shoot at slower shutter speeds (in lower light) without having to resort to a tripod.

   Also, the quality of the lens is going to contribute to the sharpness. Can’t afford to run out and buy a $1,200 lens? Rent a few really nice lenses and you’ll notice the difference.

   One more thing, use the lowest ISO you can get away with. What’s ISO? Read this blog post about ISO.