How to Take Sharp Photos – 13 Timeless Tips

 Tags: Shutterbug Photography, Rookie Photographer

By Josh Dunlop 

Imagine you wake up at 4 am and go on a trek to take fabulous sunrise photos. You come home with a camera full of photos you are excited to go through. You transfer your images and start going through them. Then you realize, they are all blurry or unfocused.

One of the essentials of good photography is clarity. If images are blurry, they are useless. And there is only so much you can do in post-processing. Of course, some photos are intentionally blurry for effect. But in general, sharpness can make or break a photo.

Taking sharp photos is easy when you know how. If you are wondering how to take sharp photos, these timeless tips will help you in your efforts. They are all very simple, with no Photoshop involved. 

 

13. Use a Tripod

When a fast shutter speed isn’t an option and your subject is stationary, it’s usually best to use a tripod.
This holds the camera steady and the various spirit levels on a good tripod will ensure that you still manage to get a level photo on uneven ground.

If you don’t have a tripod, try setting it on a level surface. Or, try to steady yourself by leaning against something. Try to breathe slowly and gently so that your movements don’t cause the camera to shake.

12. Use a Remote Release

Even with a tripod, the click of the shutter button can cause camera shake. This might not seem very noticeable to you right now. But, especially at long shutter speeds, it can make a big difference in whether you get a sharp photo or not.

The best way to combat camera shake is to use an external trigger, like a remote control or a cable release. There are many inexpensive options available in the market.

Another option to avoid camera shake is to use a timer. Putting a self-timer for even just 2 seconds will give the camera time to steady after you press down the shutter button. So when the shot takes, it will be sharp.

11. Use Mirror Lock-Up

Another source of camera shake is the movement of the mirror.

If you read the post on DSLR cameras, you will know that SLRs have a mirror that reflects the image into the viewfinder. Every time the shutter is released, the mirror flips up so that the light hits the sensor, and the image is created. When the mirror flips up, it can cause slight vibrations that move the camera system. This can also cause a blurry image.

Luckily, most DSLRs have a mirror lock-up setting. This keeps the mirror up in the retracted position so that when you press the shutter, it doesn’t move. This will help in creating a crisp image.

10. Shoot in Burst Mode

If you’re having trouble holding your camera steady to take sharp photos, try shooting in Burst mode.

This way your camera will shoot many shots at the same time. Pick an image from the middle with the least camera shake. You will usually get 1 or 2 sharp images from the bunch.

9. Pay Attention to Focus

Take the camera off auto selection and manually select the points on which you wish to focus, or use your camera’s focal lock. This will also help when you want to have a shallow depth of field.

When taking a photo of a person, I recommend focusing on the eyes. This is where our own eyes are naturally drawn to. If the eyes are in focus, you’ll generally get a good photo.

When using a camera on a tripod, I like to switch my camera to ‘Live View Mode‘ and digitally zoom in 10X to where I want to focus. Then, focus manually. Zooming in really helps in getting the correct focus.

If you use autofocus, switch to single point autofocus. Usually, the camera will try to create an image that is as sharp as possible. But if you switch to single point autofocus, the camera will focus on one point, such as the centre, and make that as sharp as possible.

Another tip to have sharp images is to press the shutter down halfway after you compose your shot. Once the focus is adjusted correctly, then press all the way to capture.

8. A Good Lens is Key

You might have a fancy camera, and you may be amazing at photography. But, your photos are only as good as the lens they pass through.
When you buy your first camera, I recommend upgrading to an inexpensive prime lens as soon as you can. A prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length and can’t zoom. You’ll find an immediate improvement in image quality as prime lenses are designed with only one job. They don’t have to compromise to cover a range of focal lengths.
I recommend a 50mm or 35mm 1.8.

7. Keep Your Lens Clean

A great lens is no good if it’s dirty. Smudges and fingerprints on your lens can affect your photos.

But remember, dust on the front part of your lens won’t make a difference to your image. It is the dust on the rear part of the lens, the part that is inside the camera, that can make a huge difference in your photo. If you aren’t getting clear images, remove your lens and check if there is any dust. Clean it carefully with a soft cloth or brush.

6. Turn on Image Stabilization

If you’re lucky enough to have stabilization in your lens, turn it on. In this mode, the camera tries to stabilize your image when you are shooting without a tripod. This will allow you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and narrower apertures.

If you’re using a tripod, remember to turn it back off. If the camera tries to stabilize the image when there is no shake, it can have a negative effect on your photos and actually make it more blurry.

5. Use a Fast Shutter Speed

When trying to take sharp photos, the last thing you want is motion blur. This is the most important step so make sure you get it right. In general, the faster your shutter speed, the sharper your photo will be.

As mentioned in our post on shutter speed, as a rule of thumb, the average person can take a sharp, unblurred image by setting the speed to a fraction of a focal length.

For example, if you want to take a photo at 30mm, you would set the shutter speed to 1/30 of a second. A slower shutter speed increases the chance of motion blur.

It’s worth noting, however, that this rule is only relevant to full-frame cameras. For a crop sensor, due to the magnification effect, you would be better off choosing a shutter speed of 1/45 of a second.

4. Use Your Base ISO

Set your camera ISO to as low as it will go, usually between 100-200, where you get the sharpest photos. The higher the value, the more noise there will be.

For really clear, crisp photos, you want as little noise as possible. Just remember though, that a low ISO will mean you might have to increase your shutter speed to maintain the exposure. It is all about finding a balance between the two settings. This will give you a properly exposed shot that is also sharp.

3. Find Your Lens’ Sweet Spot

The sharpest point in your lens is usually 2 or 3 stops smaller than the widest aperture. For most lenses, this will likely be between f/8-f/11. But too small an aperture can cause lens diffraction, which can also negatively affect sharpness. If you don’t understand aperture, I suggest you go back and read this post now.

Using a wide aperture gives you a shallow depth of field, which also results in a lot of blur. When you get to about f/8, you’ll find that the images are much crisper as the majority of what you’re shooting will be clearly focused.

2. Take Advantage of Light

To get sharp images, the more light the better. This will allow you to keep your shutter speed fast, your ISO low, and your aperture small. In addition, many cameras have trouble focusing in low light situations.

When I can’t use daylight but still want a really sharp photo, I use an off-camera flash. I try to bounce it off a wall or ceiling to make the photo feel like there was good natural lighting.

Lighting is key to taking sharp images.

1. Shoot in RAW

Shooting in RAW has many advantages: you can still adjust a lot of settings after you’ve taken the photo. One of these settings is sharpness.

If you are editing your images on Lightroom, you can increase the sharpness in the Develop module. Just go to Develop > Detail > Sharpening. If you are editing on Photoshop, you can add the unsharp mask. Just go to Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.

When done properly, it can add a really good final detail to a photo. But make sure not to overdo it! Photos that are too sharp are a strain to look at.

Taking good photos depends a lot on how sharp you can get them. No one wants to see blurry photos. If you are struggling with finding the right way to do it, just follow these tricks on how to take sharp photos.

Remember that every slight movement makes an impact. So even if it doesn’t seem like it will make a big difference, the final outcome will for sure reflect it. 

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“Tack sharp” is a term that we use in photography.

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• How the camera settings affect the sharpness of your picture.
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#Photography Poses for Women

30 Best Female Poses for Portrait Photography

By Taya Ivanova 

 

There are all kinds of female poses out there that can make or break an image. It’s important to experiment with different posing techniques to keep your images diverse.

Here are 30 of our best female poses and photography tips that can teach you how to pose models effectively. 

30. Hands in the Air

If you like dreamy female poses, this one’s for you! The model needs to raise her hands. She can close her eyes, lean on an arm, or look at the sky. Make sure her expression looks relaxed and natural.

You can shoot against the light to make your portraits look dreamier.

29. Flip Hair

All your model needs to do is flip her hair. Ask her to close her eyes so that you don’t end up with awkward facial expressions!

Make sure you use a fast shutter speed to take sharp photos. If you like dreamy portrait photography, you can use a slower shutter speed. This will create motion blur.

This is a very common female pose, but it’s still something you can include in a few of your photos.

28. Rest on Hand and Look Up

This is a relaxed pose to try at the end of your photoshoot. Ask your model to put one elbow on a table and rest her head on her hand. Next, she should look up at the sky.

This will create a sparkle in her eye. It will also create an even amount of light on her face. These two factors will allow you to take well-lit and dreamy portrait photos.

27. Lean on a Wall

This is a casual but effective female pose. Your model should stand with her back straight in front of a wall. Next, she should lean her head on the wall. This needs to be very subtle so her neck doesn’t bend back too much.

You can add sunglasses or other accessories to make this pose stand out.

26. Look Over Shoulder

Your model should look over her shoulder as she stands or sits.

This is a very common female pose in portrait photography. It works well in almost any location and lighting setup. Female poses like this create a feeling of confidence and superiority.

25. Rest on a Soft Surface

This is one of those relaxed photography poses that’s perfect for any model.

Your model should sit on a comfortable surface. This can be a bed, a table, or a couch. She can rest her head on both of her hands. She can also look into the distance or look at your camera.

For this female pose, you can shoot at eye level or go slightly higher. Shooting at eye level will make your model look comfortable. Shooting from a higher angle will create a feeling of sensitivity or vulnerability. These emotions work very well in emotive portrait photography.

24. One Hand on Hip

This is one of the most confident female poses out there. Your model should put one hand on her hip. The other hand can hold something, like a drink. She can also put her free hand on her leg to create a more relaxed pose.

This pose will accentuate your model’s curves and make her look cool.

23. Knees Up, Hands on Feet

This is an effective female pose for studio portrait photography. You’ll need to use a comfortable stool for the best results.

Your model should bring her knees to her chest. She should also rest her head on her knees and put her hands on her feet. This is an elegant pose that’s ideal for dancers. You can also use it in surreal or conceptual portrait photography.

Feel free to add props to this pose. Flowers, curtains, and smoke bombs can all make the pose look more elegant.

22. Hands in Pockets

If you’re looking for casual standing poses, this idea is perfect for you. Instead of standing awkwardly in front of the camera, your model should put her hands in her pockets. This will instantly make her look edgy.

Standing female poses like this are often used in lifestyle photography. You can use it as often as you like without making your pictures look boring.

21. Casually Place Elbows on Table

Casual poses are ideal for lifestyle or studio photography. You might also like to use them in minimalistic portrait photography.

For this pose, all you need is a table and some fun props. Your model should put her elbows on the table and tilt her head to the side. This will make her look relaxed. You can put a book, a drink, or some fruit on the table to tell a story about the model.

20. Squat (AKA Baddie Pose)

This is one of the most popular female poses on social media. You might have seen it on Instagram, where celebrities like Kylie Jenner like to use it often. It can give your portraits a cool, edgy look.

All your model has to do is squat. Ideally, she should lean on one leg and stretch the other one out. This will create a balanced pose and make her look slimmer.

19. Lie on Floor

This is one of the simplest female poses you can use in your photoshoot. Despite its simplicity, it’s very effective for all kinds of portrait photography.

Your model should just lie on the floor. She can put her hands in her hair, lift a leg, or do anything that makes her look casual and relaxed.

18. The Cosy Pose

If you’re looking for more female poses for autumn or winter, this one’s for you! The model should cross her arms. It should look like she’s hugging herself.

To make this pose look more relaxed, make sure your model closes her eyes and slightly lifts her head.

17. Hands in Hair

This is a common pose for those who want to learn how to pose as a model. You can use it in photoshoots with beginner or test models who need more experience. It’s simple and works well with every body type!

The model should put both hands in her hair. She can also slightly lift her chin to look more confident.

16. Stretch Arm Out Towards Lens

This is a great female pose for creative portrait photography. It’s an easy way to make your photos stand out without trying too hard. It’s also a very easy pose for all kinds of models.

All your model has to do is stretch her arm out towards your lens. She can hold something, like a cup, as she does this. Use a large aperture and focus on the model. This will keep her face in focus but blur out her hand, creating a foreground.

15. One Leg in Front of the Other

There are many standing model poses out there. This is a popular one that can make any female model look great.

Ask your model to put one leg in front of the other. She can lean on her back leg and raise her front leg a little bit, as pictured above.

14. Hands on Cheeks

This is a great female pose for portrait photography close-ups. Your model should put both of her hands on her cheeks. The more symmetrical, the better.

She shouldn’t push on her face too hard to avoid unflattering marks.

13. One Hand on Mouth

This is a variation of the previous pose. This time, your model should gently place only one hand on her mouth. She can also tilt her head to the side and slightly open her mouth.

This female pose is great for emphasising hands, nails, and lips.

12. Sit on Chair, Toes Pointing Out

Take a few photos of your model sitting on a chair or couch with her toes pointing out.

Her legs should be slightly bent to create a flattering curve on her body. She can turn away from the camera to create a sense of mystery.

11. Lie on Stomach

This is an easy female pose for indoor portrait photography. Have your model lie on a clean surface, such as a wooden floor.

She should lift her legs up behind her. This will make her look relaxed.

10. Hide Under Duvet

Some female model poses require the use of props. These are often simple and affordable. You can use them over and over again to make your photography poses stand out.

Ask your model to wrap a duvet around herself. You can experiment with different facial expressions

9. Lie on Side

Ask your model to lie on her side. She can rest her head on her arm and look straight at the camera.

This is one of the best model poses for casual pictures.

8. Lie on the Edge of a Bed

This is a great pose to add to your list of fun photography poses. It will work wonderfully if your female model has long hair.

Ask her to lie on a bed or a couch. Her head can be on the edge so that her hair can flow downwards. This will emphasise her hair length and give you very creative results.

7. Take a Few Steps Forward

This is a common pose in lifestyle portrait photography. Focus on your model, making sure you lock the focus. Then, ask her to move a few steps forward. Move with her so that all of your photos remain sharp.

The model can either look at you, straight ahead, or down.

6. Put One Leg on Top of the Other

You should try this pose at least once during your photo session. It can give your model a boost of confidence and make your portrait photos look striking.

All the female model has to do is put one leg on top of the other. She can put her arm on the bent knee and rest on her hand for a more relaxed look.

5. Lean Back

This is a pose that you can combine with other portrait poses. Your model should stand sideways to your camera and slightly lean back. She shouldn’t lean on anything.

This will accentuate her curves and make her look elegant.

4. Hands Behind Neck

This is a great pose for elegant female photos. Your model should look straight at the camera while she holds her neck with one or two hands. Make sure she does this gently so that she doesn’t look aggressive!

When you take close-up photos, try to shoot at eye level to avoid making your model’s face look too large. This is a female posing technique you should keep in mind at all times!

3. Hide Behind a Scarf

You can use this to emphasise the colour of your model’s eyes. All she needs to do is hide behind a scarf or a colourful piece of fabric. Ideally, it should complement her skin tone and eye colour.

You can use a zoom lens to make this model posing trick comfortable for your model. This way, you won’t get uncomfortably close, and she’ll have lots of space to experiment with different expressions.

2. Sit Sideways to the Camera and Look Forward

Take photos of your model sitting with her side to the camera. She should look straight ahead as you shoot her profile.

This is one of the most striking portrait poses for atmospheric and dreamy photos. Try shooting from a distance so that you can capture the model and her surroundings at the same time.

1. Pull Hair From Both Sides

If you like playful female model poses, you’ll love this tip! This will work best if your model has medium-length or long hair.

Ask your model to pull her hair from both sides. She can also experiment with different facial expressions.

The female model posing tips this list are great for all kinds of portrait photography. You can use them as posing guides in every portrait photo shoot you have.

The more female poses you experiment with, the more diverse and eye-catching your photos will look. This will make your subjects feel more comfortable when they work with you.

Most importantly, it will give your portrait photography portfolio the boost it deserves.

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How Do Aspect Ratios Affect Your Photographs?

Tags: Shutterbug Photography, Aspect Ratio, Rookie Photography

By Imran Zahid 

What Is an Aspect Ratio?

The aspect ratio of an image is the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratio is 3:2.
This is the aspect ratio of 35mm film cameras and has been around for a long time. It became the standard for modern full frame cameras as well.
Besides 3:2 aspect ratio, there are other ratios that are gaining popularity like 4:3, 1:1 and 16:9. They all have their own uses. Some are more popular on social media. Others fit better on modern day monitors when viewed in full screen.
Also, if you are shooting with the aspect ratio in mind, you can use your camera’s sensor to its maximum potential. You won’t lose details while producing big prints.

What Are the Most Common Aspect Ratios

There are quite a few aspect ratios that are common these days.
Let’s see why they became so popular. And which aspect ratio you should use when.

3:2 Aspect Ratio

First of all, this is the closest to the golden ratio, which makes it visually appealing and more balanced. Painters and artists used it long before even photography was invented. It’s also the ratio of a 35mm film.
Although now 4:3 aspect ratio is gaining traction, 3:2 is still the standard one. You can use your old film lenses on new DSLRs because they are designed for same ratios.

4:3 Aspect Ratio

4:3 aspect ratio is a common standard of modern day monitors and screens. So, this ratio looks much more aesthetic on screens.
Advertisers use this ratio all the time for digital advertising. Micro four thirds cameras also us this ratio as their standard.

1:1 Aspect Ratio

This aspect ratio was common with medium format cameras in the old days. It was becoming popular when Instagram became a sensation for photographers.
It is pretty much standard for social media nowadays. With this ratio, the image isn’t affected no matter which orientation you are viewing it in.

16:9 Aspect Ratio

This is the standard for HDTV and motion pictures. Because of this, it looks cinematic. Certain types of shots look particularly beautiful in this ratio. Although when it comes to stills, it is not a widely used aspect ratio.
Now let’s talk about how to choose the aspect ratio for specific work. And what to keep in mind while choosing one aspect ratio over another.

How Does Composition Affect Aspect Ratio

Sometimes, it is the composition that dictates the aspect ratio. If you are shooting a landscape in horizontal orientation, then 3:2 aspect ratio is the best choice.
You can use every bit of your sensor. It’s easier to the place horizon. And it’s much more balanced as this ratio is very close to the golden ratio.
But if you want a vertical orientation than 3:2 aspect ratio is a bit awkward. There is too much free space either for sky or for foreground. If you don’t have a lot of details in foreground or background, then 4:3 is a much better choice.
Think about your target composition and select your aspect ratio accordingly. This will let you frame your subjects with better balance.

Keep Your Target Platform in Mind

Gone are the days when the only output of a photograph was a wall mounted print. Now you have different platforms and you must tailor your shots to each one. Unless you have a very specific task like shooting for billboards, for example.
The square (1×1) aspect ratio best fits Instagram. Although the app supports rectangular format now too. But your first impression still comes from the main grid and it still depends on the square aspect ratio.
Instagram stories are another example that depends on the 9:16 aspect ratio, which is best suited for mobile devices.
The Youtube thumbnail image ratio is 16:9. Google+ and Pinterest work best with 2:3 aspect ratio. For a photographer, getting traction on social media is of prime importance.
Since photography is a visual medium, presenting your images in the best possible way on social media is the only way you can gain more visibility.
For some inspiration check out our top lists of female photographers, young photographers or photography websites.

Which Aspect Ratio Is Best for Prints

It’s always a pleasure to see a picture in its physical and tangible form. Nothing can replace an actual album or a picture frame.
Ask any wedding photographer and they will tell you what problems they face with aspect ratios while sending their pictures for prints.
The aspect ratios of most common printing papers and photo frames don’t match the default aspect ratios in cameras these days. You will find plenty of photo frames on the market that match aspect ratios like 5:4,5:7 and 8.5:11.
It’s a good idea to check with your client, and ask what their target aspect ratios are. That way you can produce results tailored to their needs.

How to Approach the Elephant in the Room?

There are multiple ways to fix this issue. One way is to shoot with enough space around the edges so that you can crop later on in post-processing. This works for aspect ratios that are close to each other like 3:2 and 4:3.
But what about scenarios when you want to shoot a square as well as 16:9 or 9:16 aspect ratio? There’s a huge difference between these two aspect ratios visually.
It’s always a better idea to shoot separate images with a different aspect ratio. That way, you will lose very little amount of resolution and you can adjust each composition perfectly.
Every time you can’t shoot multiple images for each aspect ratio, go with Raw+JPEG option. You will get accurate composition in JPEG the RAW file will give you some room to play around in post for ratios close to your actual one.

In the past, aspect ratio was something that you couldn’t control easily. It mostly depended on what type of camera you were using.
Nowadays, however, this is more of a creative decision rather than a physical limitation.
There is no such thing as the best aspect ratio. It’s always a good idea to shoot for a specific aspect ratio if possible. But a photograph is more than just pixels.
Make sure it is visually appealing for whichever aspect ratio you choose. After all, photography is all about the aesthetics.

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