Taking sharp photos
Securing sharp photos is a dance of precision, balancing focus, stability, and the right settings to crystallize moments with breathtaking clarity...
How to get sharp photos
1. Proper lighting
The first tip I have to ensure sharp photos is to have proper lighting.
Hands down, I believe having proper lighting in your scene or on your subject is the most important factor when it comes to getting sharp photos.
![Sharp photo due to good lighting Sharp photo of woman in black suit and hat.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fsharp-photo-due-to-good-lighting.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
If you examine what âsharpnessâ actually means, youâll find that it refers to the clarity of detail our eyes can notice and how well-defined the edges of subjects are within our image.
![Sharpness definition in photography Graphic of definition of sharpness.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fsharpness-definition-in-photography.png&w=3840&q=75)
Take note!
In other words, itâs the micro contrasts between the edges and transitions between different textures or colors within the image.
Examples of these micro contrasts can be seen in the detail in your subject's eyes, the pores on a subjectâs skin, or the feathers on a bird if you take wildlife photography.
![Can see sharpness in the skin texture and pores Woman with tattoos and wig in a sharp photo.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcan-see-sharpness-in-the-skin-texture-and-pores.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
So, if sharpness relies on these micro contrasts, then we need general high-level contrast in our image in the first place.
Contrast is created from the interplay of light and shadow, which creates depth and dimension. So, we need light in order to create contrast in the first place, but not just any light.
The quality, direction, and intensity of our light influence the contrast in our image, which then affects the micro contrasts in our image, which affects the overall âsharpnessâ of our image.
![Type of lighting influences contrast Graphic of the different types of lighting that influence contrast.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Ftype-of-lighting-influences-contrast.png&w=3840&q=75)
Speaking as a portrait photographer, I have been able to capture sharp images using purely natural light. But Iâve found that when I use artificial light, such as a strobe, speedlight, or other light source in my environment, Iâm able to capture my sharpest images.
![Natural vs. studio light for sharpness Two photos side by side one of natural light and one of artificial light.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fnatural-vs-studio-light-for-sharpness.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
This is because I created the quality of contrast with artificial light, which allowed me to have all of these micro contrasts in my image.
Being familiar with the different qualities of light, such as hard light and soft light, the different directions of light, like side lighting, Rembrandt lighting, backlighting, etc., and the intensity of light and balancing your exposure with it is the most fundamental aspect of ensuring you get a sharp photo.
So all in all, if you want âsharpness,â then you need micro contrasts in your image.
![Sharpness equals micro contrasts Graphic showing how sharpness equals micro contrasts.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fsharpness-equals-micro-contrasts.png&w=3840&q=75)
In order to have micro contrasts, you need general contrast in your image.
![Micro contrasts equals general contrast Graphic showing micro contrasts equals general contrasts.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fmicro-contrasts-equals-general-contrast.png&w=3840&q=75)
To create general contrast, you need to have an interplay of light and shadow in your image, which can only be created by having a light source.
![General contrast equals interplay of light and shadow Graphic showing general contrast equals interplay of light and shadow.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fgeneral-contrast-equals-interplay-of-light-and-shadow.png&w=3840&q=75)
![Putting it all together Graphic showing the definition of sharpness.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fputting-it-all-together.png&w=3840&q=75)
But you canât just have a light source and call it a day. You need to be aware of the quality, direction, and intensity of your light source, as that will affect the quality of contrast. Now, if youâre wondering, okay, well, what type of lighting is best for sharp photos?
There is no âbestâ lighting, but my favorite as a portrait and headshot photographer that has always led me to have sharp photos is to use my speedlight with an umbrella or my studio strobe with a softbox for soft light.
![Single strobe light placed 45 degrees from subject Photographer taking photo of someone with strobe light placed 45 degrees from subject.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fsingle-strobe-light-placed-45-degrees-from-subject.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Example image using that strobe light for sharp photos Man against gate with lighting from strobe.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fexample-image-using-that-strobe-light-for-sharp-photos.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
2. Proper focus technique
The second tip I have to ensure sharp photos is to have a proper focusing technique.
Youâll want to ensure you are focusing on the camera on the most important part of the scene. If youâre a photographer who photographs live subjects, then this is the eyes.
![Focus point on eye for sharp portraits Man against gate with a focus point on his eyes.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Ffocus-point-on-eye-for-sharp-portraits.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
If youâre a photographer who photographs inanimate objects, then this will be the point youâre trying to emphasize, such as mountains in a landscape.
![Focus point on point of emphasis for landscape photography Focus point on a mountain landscape photo.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Ffocus-point-on-point-of-emphasis-for-landscape-photography.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Using a particular autofocus point or technique will allow you to maximize your chances for a sharp image. So, as a portrait photographer, I often use single-point autofocus, place the focus point on my subjectâs eyes, and then compose my shot.
Iâm not a landscape photographer, but Iâve seen the hyperfocal distance focusing technique will allow you to maximize the depth of field and sharpness in your landscape. So, based on what type of photography you shoot, there are focusing techniques that will benefit you more.
![Hyperfocal distance focusing technique Hyperfocal distancing technique example.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fhyperfocal-distance-for-landscape-photography.png&w=3840&q=75)
If you focus on a particular point, single-point autofocus will help you achieve sharp photos. If you do landscape photography, hyperfocal distance focusing or focus stacking will also help you achieve sharp photos.
3. Fast shutter speed
The third tip is to use a fast shutter speed.
Shutter speed is one of the key elements in the exposure triangle that controls the exposure in our images.
![Exposure triangle Exposure triangle elements.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fexposure-triangle-elements.png&w=3840&q=75)
Shutter speed controls how long your shutter is open and can be used to control the motion effects in your image, such as intentional motion blur:
![Slow shutter speed Slow shutter speed example.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fslow-shutter-speed.png&w=3840&q=75)
Or a freeze-frame effect:
![Fast shutter speed Fast shutter speed example.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Ffast-shutter-speed.png&w=3840&q=75)
If you use a shutter speed that is too slow and youâre shooting handheld, then you can introduce motion blur or camera shake into your image, which will throw any hopes of a sharp image down the drain. This is especially important to remember as a portrait photographer, as I often shoot handheld and move around a lot.
![Blurry eyes due to camera shake Eyes on subject that are blurry due to camera shake.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fblurry-eyes-due-to-camera-shake.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
If you shoot handheld like me, they say a good rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed that is at least 1/the focal length of your lens. For example, if youâre using a 200mm lens, you will want to use at least 1/200 of a second.
![Focal length rule Graphic of the focal length rule.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Ffocal-length-photography-rule.png&w=3840&q=75)
Personally, I like to photograph a bit faster and usually shoot 1/two times the focal length.
Youâll want to make sure this is enabled, especially in low-light scenarios or if you are using a long lens.
Proper camera holding posture
The second way is to use proper camera holding posture.
If you photograph handheld like me, then itâs important that you develop a proper camera-holding posture. One that gives you a solid base while also being comfortable.
A tried-and-true holding posture is to hold the camera firmly in both hands, brace your elbows against your body to minimize any shake, and use your cameraâs viewfinder instead of the LCD to add another point of stability.
![Correct vs. incorrect camera holding posture A correct and incorrect camera holding posture.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcorrect-vs-incorrect-camera-holding-posture.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Another tip I like to use is to press my shutter button slowly and control it down instead of fast, slamming down motion so as not to introduce any jitter or shake when Iâm taking the photo.
![Press slowly and controller on shutter button Pressing shutter button on camera.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fpress-slowly-and-controller-on-shutter-button.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Tripod or propped up surface
The third way is to use a good old tripod or prop your camera on a surface. Tripods stabilize your camera, and you will have the safest image stabilization when you use a tripod.
![Camera on tripod for stabilization for sharp photos Camera on a tripod on rug.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcamera-on-tripod-for-stabilization-for-sharp-photos.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Certain photography styles, such as landscape photography, night photography, or long exposure photography, often require photographers to use a tripod as they have no choice when they use slower shutter speeds.
If you donât have a tripod and are in a situation where you canât raise your shutter speed to a fast enough setting for handheld photography, then you can also find a place to prop up your camera:
![Prop your camera on a surface for sharp photos Camera on a stool for stabilization.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fprop-your-camera-on-a-surface-for-sharp-photos.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
This could mean placing your camera on a ledge, a rail, or even sitting down and placing your camera on your knees.
![Prop your camera on knee for sharp photos Camera on knee for stabilization.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fprop-camera-on-knee-for-sharp-photos.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Just be sure you are using a camera strap so you donât accidentally drop or break your camera!
5. Know Your Lens Sweet Spot
The fifth tip for sharp photos is to know your lensâ sweet spot.
Many lenses have a âsweetâ spot regarding aperture and the f-stop range in which the lens will produce the sharpest images. For example, for my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens, the sweet spot is around f/2.8 to f/5.6, so since I like to shoot with a wide aperture, I usually use f/2.8 for my portraits and headshots.
![Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2FCanon-EF-50mm-f1.8.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Portrait taken with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens Portrait of girl taken with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fportrait-taken-with-the-canon-ef-50mm-f1-8-on-canon-rebel-t8i.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
For the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM, which is more of a zoom lens, the sweet spot is within f/5.6 to f/8.
![Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS lens Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS lens.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2FCanon-EF-24-70mm-f4L.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L beach photo Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS lens beach photo.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcanon-ef-24-70mm-f4l-is-beach-photo.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
So, I recommend searching online to find out your lens's sweet spot and shooting within that range, if possible, for sharp images.
One thing to also remember: There are quality levels in lenses, with some being more expensive which can impact the sharpness and distortion of the lens.
There are also different types of lenses better suited for your particular style of photography. There are lenses better suited for portrait photography, landscape photography, macro photography, etc.
Before you go out and drop thousands on a lens because you canât get sharp photos with your current lens, be sure not to blame your lens, and first take into account all the tips in this guide. I usually shoot with my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens which only cost me $125 and has produced some of the sharpest images in my portfolio, so if you canât get sharp photos, first ensure youâre following all these tips.
6. Watch your ISO
The sixth tip for sharp photos is to watch your ISO settings.
Like aperture and shutter speed, ISO is one of the three elements of your exposure triangle.
![Exposure triangle Exposure triangle elements.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fexposure-triangle-elements.png&w=3840&q=75)
ISO controls how sensitive your camera sensor is to light. Increasing your ISO makes it more sensitive, and decreasing it makes it less sensitive.
As mentioned in my exposure guide, higher ISO settings can introduce digital noise in your image, reducing perceived sharpness.
![Low ISO (No grain/noise) Man wearing suit in a no noise photo.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fheadshot-example.jpg&w=1080&q=75)
![High ISO (High grain/noise) DJ in a bar.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fimage-with-noise.jpg&w=1080&q=75)
Each camera has an ISO level, and if you surpass it, lots of noise will start to show.
Itâs important to know your ISO levels because if youâre approaching this level, you may want to make sure you made all the exposure adjustments in your aperture and shutter speed settings so you donât introduce any unwanted noise.
While there are noise reduction features in many post-processing software, these tools can make the image appear a little âblurry,â reducing any perceived sharpness.
Here's an image with high noise:
![Canon EF 50mm at ISO 6400 Example image using Canon EF 50mm at ISO 6400.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcanon-ef-50mm-at-iso-6400.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Here's an image with less noise:
![Canon EF 50mm at ISO 3200 Example image using Canon EF 50mm at ISO 3200.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcanon-ef-50mm-at-iso-3200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
7. Check equipment
The seventh and final tip for sharp photos is to check your equipment.
Youâll want to ensure your camera sensor and lens are free from any dust or smudges that can affect your image quality.
![Check for dust or smudge on lens Lens with dust and smudge on it.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fcheck-for-dust-or-smudge-on-lens.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Every once in a while, especially if I shoot at a beach or where there is dirt, I check my camera lens to ensure no dirt has smudged over it.
There are sensor and lens cleaning kits that have cloths and mini air blowers to blow any dirt out.
![Lens cleaning kit Lens cleaning kit.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Flens-cleaning-kit.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
I got a kit from Amazon, and it has made cleaning so much easier. I wear glasses as well, so sometimes I use the cloth I use to clean my glasses to clean my lenses.
![My glasses cleaning cloth Glasses cleaning cloth.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.imaginated.com%2Fmy-glasses-cleaning-cloth.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
And in conclusion, those are my seven steps and tips if you want to get sharp photos! I hope you learned a new tip to help you capture sharp photos every time.