How Do I Make My Photos Look Sharper?

Short answer:
Most blurry photos are not caused by a bad camera. They happen because of camera shake, wrong focus, or soft editing.

Let’s fix those — step by step.

Even tiny hand movement can make a photo look soft.

Do this:

• Use both hands

• Keep your elbows close to your body

• Gently press the shutter (don’t jab it)

Better idea:
If you can, use a tripod or place the camera on a table or wall.

📌 This alone fixes a huge number of “blurry photo” problems.

If the shutter is open too long, your hands move and the photo blurs.

Easy rule to remember:
Your shutter speed should be at least the same number as your lens.

Examples:

• 50mm lens → use 1/50 or faster

• 100mm lens → use 1/100 or faster

If people are moving, use even faster.

👉 I explain shutter speed in detail in What Camera Settings Actually Matter?.

Cameras don’t always focus where you want.

Common mistake:
The background is sharp, but the person isn’t.

Fix it:

• Use single-point autofocus

• Place that point on the subject’s eye

• Half-press to focus, then shoot

📌 Eyes should almost always be the sharpest part of the photo.

Big blurry backgrounds look nice — but shooting wide open can make photos soft.

If your lens is at:

• f/1.8 → try f/2.8 or f/4

• f/2.8 → try f/4

Most lenses are sharper when slightly stopped down. It is called the sweet spot of the lens, you can google this for your specific lens.

This sounds silly — but it matters.

A dirty lens:

• lowers contrast

• reduces sharpness

• creates haze

Quick fix:
Wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth before shooting.

All digital photos need some sharpening.

In Lightroom:

• Amount: 40–60

• Radius: 1.0

• Masking: hold Alt/Option and drag until edges appear

⚠️ Too much sharpening makes photos look crunchy and ugly.

Low light = slow shutter = blur.

Better light = sharper photos.

If you can:

• Step closer to a window

• Shoot outdoors

• Add a small light source

📌 Sharp photos love good light.