Blurry ??

When I'm Shooting something without the flash I cant seem to hold the camera still enough. I am 6 months pregnant and I know I've got a little bit of a shaking issue now. But before I did it too. Are there any tricks to holding it steadier ? I've got a tri-pod but hate having to use it for every shot w/o a flash

Thanks in Advance

The real key is to watch your shutter speeds. What mode do you shoot in most often?

In green box/auto there's not much you can do
In Av (ap. priority) you need to watch your calculated shutter speed, potentially adjusting your aperture as needed (watch for Depth of field issues), also make use of your ISO
In Tv, you'll need to watch your calculated aperture to ensure you get the dof you want. Also make use of your ISO

The most direct answer I can think of is to shoot in Tv, set your shutter speed to the minimum you can handhold and then make use of your ISO setting by turning it up. You've got to balance the blurryness fix against getting a correct exposure.

Tylers Mom wrote in post #9265569
=Tyler's Mom;9265569]When I'm Shooting something without the flash I cant seem to hold the camera still enough. I am 6 months pregnant and I know I've got a little bit of a shaking issue now. But before I did it too. Are there any tricks to holding it steadier ? I've got a tri-pod but hate having to use it for every shot w/o a flash

Thanks in Advance

Most people find that they need to keep the shutter speeds at a speed of ~ 1/(focal length * crop factor) to manage sharp handheld shots.

Some people are more steady, some are less so you need to find your own rule of thumb. Also, paying attention and really working to be steady can give you a lower threashold.

Me personally, when the shots really matter I often go to ~ double the focal length (i.e. 1/200 for a 200mm lens) to be sure.

I find that holding the camera firmly (but not too tightly) with both elbows tucked in to my sides helps. If that isn't enough, I will try and find something to lean on /against.

Also be sure to take a breath, then hold while shooting.

I have a small stature and can hold up a heavy lens with proper technique. I find that I can shoot at lower shutter speeds with this set up and get good results although I have to take more shots than usual of a stationary subject. You mentioned that you are 6 months in your pregnancy and more shaky as a result. Tweaking your settings can bring a less blurry image if you increase shutter speeds for well lit or out door shooting to stop motion. Indoors in low light try a monopod unless you are using a lens suited for that type of shooting and can try to re-learn holding your lens steady without pressing your elbow onto your tummy. I’d go with the monopod.

Adequate speed is the real answer, but in addition, if you shoot a burst the second or third shot will often be sharper than a single shot.

Ditto that.

tzalman wrote in post #9266818
Adequate speed is the real answer, but in addition, if you shoot a burst the second or third shot will often be sharper than a single shot.

All the advice so far is good, This is something that most people are not aware of. All I can add is that if your lens has IS, remember to use it.

Thanks, I plan on going to shoot a little tommrow So I'll take these into consideration and see if I can get it too work for me

Another thing to try if possible is to lean up against a stationary object such as a building,tree, even your car.
I have not tried this but some people here have had success securing a string to the tripod socket and stepping on the other end, you then pull up to make it tight this lessens the movement when you hit the shutter button

Why do you all feel that when shooting in bursts the 2nd or 3rd pictures are sharper? I am not questioning if you are right or not...but why do you feel that occurs?

I have never heard that before (a newbie as well), so I will have to try that.

LowSpark420 wrote in post #9269600
Why do you all feel that when shooting in bursts the 2nd or 3rd pictures are sharper? I am not questioning if you are right or not...but why do you feel that occurs?

I have never heard that before (a newbie as well), so I will have to try that.

Many people jerk or shake the camera a bit as they first mash the shutter button. This adds blur to the first shot. They often recover and are more stable as the camera bangs away.