I use the 'rifle-shooter's' technique. Breath in, then exhale very slowly and steadily and squeeze the shutter button very smoothly. This was taught to me by one of my friends who joined the army back in the 1970's. Imagine that you are shooting a rifle; stand with you left leg one step forward and turn your body into the shot. Brace your elbows against your body and hold the camera firmly against your face. And just like Mike, place your left hand (lightly) beneath the lens barrel. Job done! Train yourself to do this when you're taking a picture, and as Mike said; it will reduce camera shake. Thanks Mike. It's always good to watch your videos. Happy shooting everybody!

Being an old photographer watching Mike Browne, I can truly say he is the best here on Utube, giving advise. I am often here to see if there is anything new, probably when I'm bored, and there are many giving reviews and I do not know what, placing themselves by a microphone and blabbing away. Learn from Mike, he is really teaching you the basics in a most enlightening way, by showing you and being honest. No brand names or anything like that. Just plain solid experience shared. Lovely and refreshing! I salute him for that. He must be a great help to many out there! Lovely assistant too!

An excellent teacher. A great trainer. Your explanation is very clear. Your demonstration illustrates and helps the viewers understand your explanation further and better. You make learning about photography easy and fun. Thank you, Mike. Thanks to Natasha and Janie for making this series as well. (Hope I spelled them correctly.)

So true ... most people mistake fuzziness/softness as poor focusing instead of camera shake. Good vids!

Again, thank you for clarifying the relationship between high shutter speeds and apertures. I have a kit lens 18-140mm that I like and I always get blurry photos when I'm zooming in beyond 85mm but I think I can change it and get better now. Time to bring out my kit lens again!

Thank you. IS does help by about 2 stops depending on how long you set the lens and how steady your hand is. So lets say you're on 300mm, the subject's not moving and have a very steady hand, IS might let you get as low as 1/75th sec. Below that it'll blur. Also higher the zoom range lenses aren't great image quality when zoomed to full stretch.

I was shooting some flowers the other day @ 200 mm on a 55-200 lens, getting some "fuzzy" shots. Didn't know about the shutter speed/focal length rule. Another great video...very informative. Thanks.

Great personality, great teaching skills, vast experience, and the British accent. Doesnt get any better that this.

I am really enjoying watching your instructional vids they are actually sinking in and I am able to absorb what you are teaching. I love it. 10/10 will continue to watch your videos

Hi Mike, I am a first year photography student, and I have to say that your videos are so simply explained and demonstrated that I am learning a HUGE amount from watching, and my fears are now turning into excitement once again. Thank you so much for posting your tips, they are very much appreciated. Sharing you on Facebook right now :)

One of the best teachers you are from all the videos I have seen from you

Thank you. If you want be precise than I guess it does. This is only a rough rule of thumb though because some people have a steadier hand than others and can get away with slower speed / length combos. A VR / IS lens will help take it down another stop, possibly two depending on length and steadiness of hand.

I really like the way you explain your video. I look forward to seeing all your video's.

VR / IS will let you go about 1 stop slower shutter speed. Crop factor will play a part as your lens gets longer and longer but this is a general guide to help. If you're shutter is a bit below the focal length then you know the's a danger of camera shake so you can take precautions like leaning against a tree, careful breathing or increasing ISO to get the shutter speed up a bit.

Thanks Mike for the easy to comprehend video. I've watched numerous of tutorial videos about the myth of shake and blurred images, your by far was the easiest to understand. Also, the breathing part was so true! I always find my breathing was somewhat of an obstacle to my shooting. Now, I'll go shoot with your techique. Thanks Mike!!!

I don't know what it is about your videos Mike, but they are truly the best out there. You have a way that makes beginning photographers such as myself truly understand the fundamentals. Keep up the amazing work you're doing and a very big thank you :)

You are the best instructor in photography that I have seen on KZfaq (and I've watched many). Great instruction with very useful information clearly stated and entertaining without gimmicks. Thank you.

Ha - good question. No because in video you generally set a shutter speed of arondd 50th so the movement in the film is smooth to look at. You're not freezing motion in video - you're capturing it. To keep the shot steady as the lens is longer you'll have to use a nice sturdy tripod.

Mike-you are more inspiring than you might realize..sometimes I will walk around the house and using a British accent, saying things like" I think that's a lovely shot" , etc. and my wife will comment, " I guess you 've been listening to your buddy Mike Browne again " :)

Thank you great tip I still makes same mistake too low of shutter speed .. Will apply your rule from now on .. Thank you

As a Marksmen this is very similar to taking a shot as you suggested. If you have the time then breathe in, then out, then in, then half way out and squeeze (take) the shot (picture). You can physically feel the blood pumping in your body. Good tips.

i love how you demonstrate properly

Hi Mike, Thank you very much for explaining this! I've been having this issue and couldn't figure out why? Some shots turned out sharper than others which really baffled me. It even varied from shoot to shoot. I didn't know the whole "length of lense to shutter speed" deal. It was a real "ahhhhaaa" moment for me. You're a very good teacher! You're patience in explaining issues and techniques is very inviting to the photographer! So glad you're here!

Thank you for your videos! Why sign up for photography classes when I’ve got your educational videos right here at my fingertips! You’re great at explaining things so that even a beginner, such as myself, can understand. You are greatly appreciated kind sir!

cant believe you replied my comment, you are one of my heroes!!!! ill never close this window!!!!

Yes - good tip that will also work well. Provided your camera can shoot when in live view - which most newer DSLRs can. Thanks for sharing..

Hi Mike, I am novice and recently started taking pictures using DSLR. Fortunately I found your videos and they are really very interesting and full of knowledge. I am thankful to you for sharing the your knowledge.

Thank you for this, clear, informative, in a non condescending way, everyone has got to start somewhere. Excellent.

Practical tips for a real annoying problem. Increase shutter speed, make a support for the camera with the arm and chest. I like the Nikon ability to depress the shutter half-way, freezing the frame, then completing the shoot by pressing the shutter all the way down...

Like every tutorial that Mike does, this is an informative, professionally done job. I have now viewed at least 50% of them and the t'other half shall be watched in rapid time. Fantastic work, as well as entertaining - a top bloke !!

It's exactly the same as shooting. Thanks for posting

Mike ever since I found your videos, I stopped watching the other guys also teaching photography here in KZfaq. Thank you for making them easy to understand. Cheers.

Wow you've really slimmed down Since this video Mike! Great video as always...!

Mike Browne I've learned so many things from your videos,very well explained!! I am a newbie and I just got my Nikon D7000(my first dslr) last Boxing day here in Canada(December) and from watching hundreds of videos doing self study I must say I am learning the basics. And your videos is like a medicine to me.. I hope you dont stop doing this..Thank you..

Thank you Mike, that explained my blurry pictures with 18-200 mm.

Excellent Mike - got a Tamron 70 - 300 lens recently, was having problem of focusing at higher focal length, used this advice, got shot in focus! Thanks, much appreciated.

thank you mike i was having really problems with camera shake with my 75-300mm lens when shootin wild life just tryed your tips in the garden & hopefully you have solved my problem time to get out & take pictures

A great way to avoid camera shake when doing portraits is to have the handle of the camera on top. you get a much better grip on it and have more of your hand on the camera. You can also get a battery grip for the bottom of your camera and have it held correctly both landscape and portrait.

Thank you Tim. Please help us spread the word by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing on Facebook etc

That makes SO much sense to me now. Simple and clear. Thank you

Excellent instruction. Clear direction and very pleasant to watch. Thank you.

Thank you Seth. Please help us spread the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

Thank you so much for saying so. Please help us spread the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

Thanks Mike Never had this explained as simply and clearly as this. Makes sense when you think about it. I have started to watch more of your video clips as you have a great way of explaining and showing things. Thanks for sharing.

I've never seen a photography lesson so well explained! you're awesome, I'm gonna watch all your videos :)

Thank you - It does. Mike

Mike, You are a scholar and a gentleman, Your vids are simple, direct and to the point, I have learnt so much from you, Thank you very much for helping all of us out there, Thank you for giving us this AWESOME knowledge to help us get better at this. Kind regards Jason

Just got a camera to start taking pictures and videos as a hobbie, your tips are the best! Many thanks!

Thank you Serge (the reason why I found the channel). Great tutorial Mike.

Mike you are awesome as a teacher. I receive so much from your instructions on youtube. Thanks and good shooting.

They can give you up to 2 stops, depends on how steady the person is, if it's windy etc but 2 is about right. I think you mean go down to 1/125th from 1/500th - and yes you probably can.

So clearly explained!

Love this guy - great explanations - and showing the difference in shots makes for a clearer explanation.

Such wonderful advice. I’m working my way through your Ultimate Beginners Course, and I’m loving each step so far. In this video, you mentioned that the shutter speed needs to be the fraction equivalent to the facial length. So 50mm would need a shutter speed of 1/00 or faster. In the beginner’s course, the handout mentioned that the shutter speed needs to be a fraction that is doubled the focal length. For example, 18mm will need a shutter speed 1/40 of a second or faster. What have you found to be the better/proper principle? Thanks.

I'm always in need of a reminder about focal lengths....thanks!

Sir, You are an awesome teacher. Great lessons through demonstration.Thank you.

Thank you, My pleasure

Very useful information in just 6 minutes of video, thank you Mike!

Thank you JPYvideos. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

Thank you Richard

came for the photography tips (6 videos ago) stayed for Nat

Second video I see and I startibg to love this guy. I HOPE I can learb from him so much that I can consider myself a photographer. Since I dont have money to pay classes, I really hope I can learn from him. Love him!

GREAT GREAT GREAT!!! JUST TRIED IT RAISED MY ISO AND BOOM!!! I'm new at this and I'm not sure but I have a Nikon coolpix L820, and I think that my shutter speed is like 29 because that is what it said and it never changed even with a higher ISO, but the picture came out focused and clear!! thank you!

Thank you Mike

Thank you Candy.

Thank you - Mike

Actually, you HALVED the shutter speed. But we get it! Your videos are awesome, thanks for posting them.

For handheld shots of portraits especially, it's better to use a prime lens than a zoom. Anything slower than 1/60 shutter speed would be a challenge without a tripod.

Thank you kats peter. can't say i have - will give it a go..

Very well presented! And no ego like many other photography videos. Thanks a lot!

Pleasure - and thanks..

Mike, I'm from Brazil. I got a Canon T4i camera and I'm really enjoying watching your video. Great work!

Thank you.

This tutorial is very helpful thank you for sharing.

:-) Thank you Marcin. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

I really appreciate your videos. I've spent hours learning new tips and tricks and will continue to. Thanks!!!!

I am coming across videos on how to properly hold the camera for a portrait shot (vertically) to avoid shake. You use both hands on the bottom and for some reason I trust that to be true. Haha :) thanks for the video.

Thank you JerzZDog. Please help us spread the word by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing on Facebook etc

Thank you very much for excellent lessons sir. learn from you lot.

Dude, that is a way too simpler looking tip and very very handy, and that calculations part was so simple to remember (to which I used to ignore but not now😀) As a beginner I find it very useful. Thanks a lot👌👍

Hi - can't remember the model because the paint and labels have fallen off over the years. The make is Benbo and I love them.

Thanks, Mike! What a simple, yet memorable trick!

very very easy and smart way of explaining camera shake!

Hi Mike, great tutorials. You are the BobRoss of Photography for me!! Keep going on...I will watching your videos.

Thank you

thank you so much. You are concise and speak photog for dummies. I have understood everything you have recorded. thanks much.

love how you explain the stuff

dig it boss! shared this vid around as much as humanly possible. My lovely Uncle Al aka Exposure Master:), I am sure I have mentioned before, told me when I was starting out, to breath out and "crack it off right after you finish breathing out kid". Not going to argue with a pro from Canada:) You and he are dead correct. It really changed my images during first few months learning how to use a DSLR. Whenever I can use my tripod, phffff. I will use it! Love tripods! Brilliant video Mike

Cheers Mike for this. Good tips with this and all your vids. I'm an expert at camera shake so this will certainly help me. Now I'm learning manual mode and the triad of aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

I wonder why I didn't discover your videos time ago! Thank you!

wowzors, I actually hadn't found anobody talk about this before... gr8 tip!

Great Videos, I love the fact you have your family involved..Keep the vids coming

First video of yours I've watched and I'm hooked. Thanks!

Great video. It is true about the 'breathing', snipers also use this technique.

Thanks Mike... this video did help me understand what mistake I was making while shooting with a zoom lens. at a lower shutter speed.

Thank you so much! I love your videos! You are a fantastic teacher!

Your demonstrations and teaching organizing is par excellant!

There's another technique which consitst on using the lcd screen as the viewfinder and push the camera away until the neck stripe stretches completely. This allows the camera to be more stable during the shot..

Awesome presentation on the issue. Thank you so much.

I'm so glad I came across your videos and I am in awe at your ability to demonstrate and explain the photographic concepts that I've been trying to wrap my brain around! I have watched others and they pale in comparison. Now I need to "call in sick" at work so that I can go experiment with all that I'm learning from you. :-)