Smartphone Cameras use slower shutter speeds than most digital cameras. Although not much of an issue in bright sunlight, in medium and low light conditions, it becomes essential that you keep your Smartphone steady, or your photos will be blurry. 

In Smartphone Camera lesson 101, you will find out how to always keep your camera steady and your pictures sharp.

As you set up to take a picture, look for ways to steady your camera. The most basic technique is to hold your Smartphone with two hands, elbows braced against your body, steady yourself, and slowly depress the shutter button near the end of a slow breath out. If you consciously think of not moving the camera when pressing the shutter button, you will have less camera shake than when being very deliberate. You may be tempted to hold your breath while taking the picture. Doing so will likely produce some slight shakiness as your body tenses up. 

A more advanced technique is to brace yourself or the camera against a solid object. When not possible, revert to the basic technique above.

An even more advanced technique is to use your Smartphone’s self-timer to take the picture. Please pick up your Smartphone. I know it is near you. Open up the camera application and find the self-timer function. Notice there are typically 2, 5, and 10-second options with the timer. Using the timer allows you to steady yourself before the picture is taken and removes the element of shaking the camera while depressing the shutter button. 2 seconds is about right for a simple selfie, 5 seconds for a two or more-person selfie, and 10-seconds for a group photo.

Pro Technique 

• Ensure a clean lens
• Compose what you are going to image
• Set the self-timer
• Steady the camera against a solid object or with a tripod
• Depress the shutter button to start the self-timer
• Then wait for the camera to do its thing
• Review the image
• Redo if not satisfied with the composition

Practice various ways to keep your Smartphone camera steady. With practice, you will be ready for the time you want to capture an image to be cherished.