By Bill
One thing I have found out through experience is that sometimes one should try doing a photograph even when one thinks that the shutter speed isn’t sufficient. My experience is to stick to at least 1/300 or so when doing a hand held shot. But, not always. If one takes enough shots, one may very well be in focus.
Like this shot. Done in Cuenca, Ecuador, inside the Panama Hat Factory. Yes, Panama Hats are made in Ecuador, not Panama. They got their name from all the workers who were building the canal. Wearing a hat in Panama is absolutely necessary, the heat will fry eggs on the street!
The shot was done with the Canon Rebel XTi and the Canon 24-105mm lens at 50mm, 1/15, f/8, ISO 400, hand held, natural light, no flash.
It could have been better if I had used a tripod. But, sometimes that is not practical as in this case.
So, give it a try, you might be suprised to find that even at 1/15 one can get a shot in focus.
I’m confused….twice, in reference to the posted picture, you mention focus and (it’s) relationship to shutter speed. I love the photo but I think you are confusing sharpness or lack thereof, caused by slow shutter shake, and focus. I think if you were to rewrite the article substituting the word “sharpness” for “focus” it would make more sense. In general, a photographer’s ability to focus is independent of his equipment’s shutter speed.
best regards
dave smail
Hi David,
I guess I use the terms “focus” and “sharpness” to mean the same thing. But you are correct. A shot can be in focus, but not be sharp.
Will be more careful about terms in the future.
Best regards,
Bill