If your digital camera makes even a slight movement when you take a picture, the chance of blurred photo increases. This is known as camera shake.

Camera shake typically happens in low-light when the digital camera aperture is wide-open, or when using a long telephoto lens. The best way to prevent camera shake is to use a tripod or other flat, level support. When using a tripod, if you don't have a remote, use the self-timer to trigger the shutter button.

If you don't have a tripod, hold the camera with both hands and keep it steady by leaning and bracing yourself against a wall, tree or pole, the roof of a car, anything. You can also hold your camera in both hands and brace your elbows against your body.

Another way to help minimize camera shake is to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD when composing shots. Bracing the camera against your face helps steady it. 

Digital cameras with long telephoto lenses are more prone to camera shake when hand-held. Some cameras use image stabilization technology, which helps prevent images from becoming blurred due to camera shake.

Don't forget to depress the shutter-release button down in two steps. More photos are improperly exposed and focused, or blurred, because individuals do not use the shutter-release button correctly.