Everyone wants to take better photos.

I don't know anyone who is just "satisfied"; all of us from the rank amateur to the professional want to take the next step to being greater at the craft than you were yesterday.

The simple truth is that many of the images I see on line are just plain out of focus.

Follow this tip, and you will set yourself above 95% of the camera carriers out there.

First, most cameras today have amazing auto focus. So why are our images blurry?

Excitement can be a part of it, looking forward to the next shot, hand shake and many other things can lead to a blurry photo. Let's cure this once and for all.

Capturing an image (not a "snapshot") requires a bit of thought and patience.

This technique was taught to me by a military sniper. Listen up - this works for anything that shoots...

First, compose your image in the viewfinder (or display, whichever). If you press halfway down on the shutter, you should see some indication that the image is in focus. Develop a meaningful relationship with your camera's instruction manual. It WILL help...

Here is where the patience starts.

Without moving the camera, take a deep breath. No, don't hold it. Let the air out of your lungs slowly until it's about 2/3 gone, then slowly squeeze the shutter. This is key; DO NOT MOVE until your exhale is done.

Why this works I don't know, but you can try this to verify I'm not blowing smoke. My hands shake naturally, but when I exhale slowly, about 2/3 out, the hands stop shaking. Then as the exhale completes, they start shaking again.

Try this new technique, and come back next week for Tip 2.

If you have a specific question, please either post a comment or send me an email! I'm looking forward to hearing from you!