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Photographers; 3 ways to get sharper images

So, here you are, an intrepid wildlife photographer deep in the African wilderness and before you, a wonderful scene of an African Fish Eagle skimming the waters for its next meal. You wish to capture this scene but you know that in the past you have struggled to get your images sharp. Having spent the past four years as a Nature Guide (and the last two as a wildlife photographer) in the Sabi Sands Nature reserve, one of the most prestigious areas in South Africa with regards to game viewing and photography, I will go through three of the easiest ways to achieve what has for so long been so unattainable for you. A sharp image!

 I will make use of two fantastic articles I came across recently to help me do so and I hope that this will aid you in capturing that amazing scene as a memory that you are able to take home and share.

 The first article titled “How to Take Sharp Images” written by Darren Rowse editor and founder of Digital Photography School begins by introducing us to would be causes of our images turning out soft. He then proceeds to takes us through 11 ways that we as photographers can up our game and achieve what we so desperately seek, a sharp image! It is chock a block full of tips on how to get this right and also provides you with great links to more articles on how to get sharper images.


The second article titled “4 Simple Ways to Get Sharper Photos” written by Adam Welch who as he describes himself on his website is a “Photomaker, writer, outdoorsman, bacon enthusiast, master pintsmith, and reluctantly extroverted recluse” which takes us on a more simplified journey to our eventual goal by providing us with 4 excellent tips on getting the sharpest image possible as well as dispelling a myth or two about the fabled better lenses better images idealism that seems to bring many an aspiring photographer to their knees.

Having gone through these two articles at length and drawing from my own personal experience in the field I give you my top 3 tips on how to obtain your sharpest image ever!

  • Steady your camera
    • Most of our problems arise from a shaky camera, make sure it is as stable as possible and will not be moving to much while shooting.
  • Use a tripod
    • In aid of point one, we introduce point two! What better way to stabilise your camera than a tripod, if this is too bulky you can even use a monopod or mini tripod to great effect.
  • Faster shutter speed
    • Ever noticed at night that most of your mages are soft or blurred? This is because the camera slows your shutter speed down for extra light. Speed this up and your images will become sharper. An easy rule to remember - shutter speed should be equivalent to focal length!
So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and apply these new tips and see what wonders you come back with! But remember, don’t just look through the viewfinder, look around...


 My name is Sheldon Hooper and I am a passionate nature lover and photographer who wants to be able to share my love for wildlife through my photography as well as promote the conservation of this beautiful environment. I have been working in the guiding and tourism industry for some time now and have developed my passion for nature and its conservation while doing so.

 In my spare time I devote myself to bettering my photography, people, management, social media and guiding skills as well as my knowledge about these topics. Feel free to reach out or contact me on twitter @SHooperWildlife, Instagram @sheldonehooper, or Facebook Sheldon Hooper Photography. Alternatively sign up on my website shooperphoto.com and receive all my newest blogs as well as browse my image galleries or order a print.

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