Why Are Photos Blurry and How to Fix Them: Photographer Tips

Why Are Photos Blurry and How to Fix Them?

Every beginner photographer has faced the frustration of a blurry photo. The good news? It’s almost always fixable or preventable! Let’s break down the reasons and solutions.

Why Do Photos Turn Out Blurry?

Camera or subject movement:
If your hands shake during the shot, or if the subject is moving, and your shutter speed is too slow, you’ll get a blurred photo.
Improper focus:
Autofocus sometimes locks onto the wrong part of the scene, especially in low light.
Too slow shutter speed:
A long exposure makes it harder to freeze the moment and increases the chance of blur.
Lack of stabilization:
Without optical or in-body stabilization, even small movements can affect image sharpness.
Low light conditions:
Poor lighting forces the camera to use higher ISO or slower shutter speeds, often leading to blurry images.

How to Avoid Blurry Photos

Hold your camera steady:
- Use a tripod or rest your camera on a stable surface.
- Hold your camera with two hands and keep your elbows close to your body.
Use faster shutter speeds:
- For handheld shots, your shutter speed should be at least 1/[focal length]. For example, a 50mm lens requires a minimum speed of 1/50.
- For moving subjects, use 1/250 or faster.
Focus properly:
- Use single-point focus on the main subject.
- Check that your camera “sees” the subject clearly, especially in low contrast conditions.
Increase light:
- Add lighting with a lamp or flash.
- Open the aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8) to let in more light.
Enable stabilization:
- Turn on in-camera or lens stabilization if available.

What If Your Photo Is Already Blurry?

Edit with software:
- Use Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance sharpness.
- Try AI-based tools like Topaz Sharpen AI for advanced fixes.
Embrace the blur:
- Sometimes blur can become a creative choice, giving your image a unique look.