(Part of the Better Online Content” series of posts: quick tips on creating more effective content that takes advantage of the social web’s unique publishing environment.)

Here is how to use any available surface as a way to steady your camera….

Steadying a camera for a better shot (photo by Sheila Scarborough)

Blurry photos are sometimes unavoidable, but most of the time they are the result of not taking the time to hold one’s camera, including phone cameras, as steadily as possible.

This is particularly critical in low light, when people are moving or on the Macro (close-up) setting.

The answer is to prop your camera against or on something.

A wall. A door jamb. A telephone pole. A fence post. A Stop sign. A window frame, as author Becky McCray is doing in the photo above.

I’ve also taken photos from restaurant tables by setting my camera or phone across a water or wine glass.

Just don’t drop it IN the glass. One of my smartphones met its demise in a gin and tonic.

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