Trying to save some money, might cost you a lot!
Whether it is in financial or photos that you missed, trying to pinch pennies when taking photos and buying accessories can be a bad idea if you’re not careful. If you are trying to “budget” how many shots you take, chances are you are going to miss the once in a live time shot while thinking about how many shots you’ve taken and how many you’ve allowed yourself to take for the day, week, trip or whatever! Furthermore if you think you are getting a great deal on an accessory for your system, chances are there is something that just isn’t right! It could be that the item might not be compatible in the case of some of the newer camera systems, or there could be something physically wrong with the item that is not initially visible! Be careful if the deal looks so good it’s hard to believe!

Remedy: -Don’t budget your shots, just shoot and have fun! -Buy from a reputable dealer with knowledge in your camera system.

Avoiding Camera shake and blurry photos!
First thing you have to do is check your settings on the camera and the conditions that you are shooting in! For example if it is an overcast and dull day, trying to shoot at ISO 100 and f/11 isn’t going to work! You must have a knowledge of these setting to adapt to the conditions, the auto setting does not always work for what you have in mind! Here’s a little example for shooting conditions!

1- Overcast day ISO 400+f/8 or lower
2- Sunny day ISO 200-Whatever works for the D.O.F.
3- Indoors with good lightingISO 200/400Flash should be used!
4- Indoors with poor lightingISO 800/1600Flash should be used within 25-30 feet,any
Further and the flash won’t be effective, get
closer if possible!

The other main reason for “shaky photos” is the lack of support! This can either be caused by using a poor quality support (plastic tripods) or by poor shooting stance. The first problem is easy to correct, use a good quality support, i.e. Manfrotto, Gitzo etc… The second problem takes a bit of practice and experimenting to get it right. The proper shooting stance and holding technique is going to depend entirely upon the equipment that you are using and your preferences. My personal favorite for off hand shooting technique is imagining that my holding hand is a tripod. Support the lens on both sides from below and the palm of the same hand should be directly under the body of camera, then slightly tuck your elbow into your body and you’re in one the most stable positions that you can hold the camera in! This technique also keeps your fingers away from the lens and away from the flash if you’re using it! Play around though and see what is comfortable for you and suits your equipment!

Don’t be afraid of your equipment!
Play around with ALL the modes and features of your camera. If you just leave your camera on “AUTO” you will never get the full use of your equipment! Take a day and just dedicate it to trying new techniques that your equipment is capable of doing!

Don’t shy away from other photographers!
You’d be surprised how willing other photographers are to give advice when asked or just discuss photography! Now with that said, if another photographer is in the middle of shooting, don’t under any circumstance interrupt them, instead wait patiently and take your shots after the first photographer is finished or lets you know it’s “safe” or alright with them that you join in! This will be much appreciated by the photographer and may lead to even more opportunities during the day!

Use what you have!
Don’t get caught up in the gadget game! Organize your own equipment and see what you have that you can use for the type of photography that you wish to do. You’d be surprised what you probably have around that can be adapted for photography. An old walking stick, can quickly become a monopod! Velcro straps can be used for numerous things, from organizing cables and cords to holding light modifiers on flashes. Kleenex can become a mini softbox. It’s endless what you can come up with, just use your imagination!