How to fix shaky hands photography

frank50788
Dec 22, 2025
3 min read

Even experienced photographers know how frustrating shaky hands can be. A slight tremor can blur a perfect scene, whether it’s a moody coastline, a forest trail, or a distant mountain peak. As I’ve refined my photography technique, I’ve learned that stability comes down to how you use your body, how you set your camera, and the equipment you rely on for support. This matters even more when photographing places like New England landscapes, where changing light and weather call for steady, intentional shooting.

Why shaky hands affect your photography
How to fix shaky hands photography
1. Physical techniques to reduce camera shake
2. Camera settings that help prevent blur
3. Equipment that adds stability
Practicing your skills with New England landscape photography

Why shaky hands affect your photography

Shaky hands impact photography because even small, involuntary movements are magnified through the lens. Our muscles naturally tremble when holding a camera at arm’s length, when we’re tense, or when we’re fatigued. This tiny hand movement becomes especially noticeable in longer exposures, with telephoto lenses, or in conditions where slower shutter speeds are required.

Even if you’ve got steady hands, the way you hold your camera can amplify natural tremors. The result is images that are unintentionally soft or blurry, losing sharpness, detail, and the impact of the scene you want to capture.

How to fix shaky hands photography

Even experienced photographers struggle with hand stability, especially in low light, long exposures, or when carrying heavier gear. Improving stability requires three key approaches: how you use your body, how you set your camera, and the equipment you rely on for support.

a) Physical techniques to reduce camera shake

The way you hold your camera and position your body can have a surprisingly big impact on sharpness:

Tuck your elbows close to your body to create a stable “human tripod.”
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward, and knees softly bent for balance.
Brace yourself against a wall, tree, or railing to reduce movement.
Press the camera gently against your forehead for added stability.
Exhale slowly before pressing the shutter to minimize movement.
Sit down and rest the camera on your knee when shooting from a lower angle.
Pull the camera strap tight or wrap it around your hands to create tension and reduce shake.

b) Camera settings that help prevent blur

Once your stance and grip are steady, your camera settings play an equally important role in reducing shake:

Use a faster shutter speed, ideally faster than your focal length.
Open your aperture to let in more light and support faster shutter speeds.
Increase ISO to maintain sharp images in low-light conditions.
Turn on image stabilization in your camera or lens to counter small hand movements.
Use a remote or timer to trigger the shutter without touching the camera.

c) Equipment that adds stability

In some situations, the best solution to shaky hands is adding extra support through equipment:

Use a tripod for long exposures, low-light scenes, or situations where maximum sharpness matters.
Use a monopod when you need added stability without sacrificing mobility.
Add a flash to allow faster shutter speeds and reduce motion blur.
Choose wider lenses when possible, as they are easier to hold steady than telephoto lenses.

Practicing your skills with New England landscape photography

One of the best ways to build confidence and steady your shooting technique is through consistent practice. For me, New England's beautiful landscapes offer endless opportunities to do just that. From rocky coastlines and quiet harbors to forest trails and mountain overlooks, these landscapes encourage slower, more intentional shooting, which is ideal for refining your stability and technique.

More importantly, photographing landscapes you genuinely love keeps the learning process enjoyable, which is essential when making small adjustments and trying out new techniques. Over time, these habits become second nature, leading to sharper images and more confidence behind the camera.

Hi, I’m Erica Joy, and photography has been a way for me to foster connections, find my calm, and spark my creativity. Every time I set up my camera, whether I’m capturing a quintessential New England scene or wonders around the world, my goal is to preserve not only the beauty in front of me but also the emotions it stirs within me. Whether you’re interested in landscape photography, browsing my art prints, joining me for workshops or community events, or commissioning a custom print, I’d love to help you connect with the beauty of the world.