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Minimizing camera shake

Elbows
Keep both elbows against your body. Extending them outward significantly increases camera shake.

Keep your body still
Take a deep breath and hold it as you press the shutter button down.

Shutter button
Professionals don't click the shutter button. They  slowly squeeze it.

Tripod
For my web page on this topic, click the Tripod link located farther down on this page.

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Animals

When photographing wildlife, be ready to press the shutter button. Try to anticipate where the animal will be and pre-set your camera. Take many shots to get a few good ones. Use a telephoto lens. Don't use flash - it scares wildlife. So do loud-clicking cameras. These guidelines apply equally to photographing lions in the Serengeti and robins in your backyard.

Don't stand when photographing your pet dog and cat. Get down as close as possible to pet's eye level. You will capture more of his personality and he will not appear disproportioned.

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Rain

Unless your camera is weather resistant, don't let rain drops hit it. If they do, quickly wipe off the moisture. Otherwise, it could migrate inside the casing through seemingly tight seams, causing permanent damage to electronics and mechanical parts.

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Sports

To capture a non-blurred image of, say, a speeding race horse or Grand Prix car, shoot it as it moves in your general direction. If you wait until it's passing you laterally, you could end up with a blur.

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Night shots

Unless a nighttime scene is amply lit, you will need a tripod, a fast shutter speed, a low f-stop number, or a high ISO number - or a combination of them. Nearly all the new digital cameras has programmed nighttime modes, but most are only marginally effective.

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Glass panes

If there is a window or mirror in the background and you're using flash, aim your camera off-angle from that object. Otherwise, a large flash-burst could appear in your photo.

When shooting an object in a glass case in a museum, reduce pane reflections by placing the lens against the glass (but first check the museum's photo policy).

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Airplanes

When taking pictures through a plane's window, diminish reflections by getting your lens close to the pane, but do not touch it. It vibrates.

Don't be tempted to review your stored pictures during takeoffs and landings. Regulations prohibit the use of electronic devices during those periods - and that includes LCD monitors.

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Ultra close-ups

Many objects make interesting close ups, including flowers and food. If you have a closeup lens or mode, be aware that the effect of camera shake is greatly magnified in close ups. So, you may have to use a tripod.

Also keep in mind that closeup lenses have a narrow depth of field. This means that only parts of your subject may be in sharp focus even though your lenses may be only inches away.

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