One of the easiest ways to take better pictures is to keep your camera still while taking the picture. Movement that occurs when the button on the camera is pushed translates directly into blurring of the picture regardless of the type of camera used.

The best way to make sure you camera stays still is to use a tripod. But most people don't want the added expense and inconvenience of a tripod, so what's the casual photographer to do?

It's easy: bring in your elbows. Look at someone taking a picture and you'll see they all look the same. The camera is up to their face and their elbows are sticking out from their body. When you elbows are out like this, your arms are completely unsupported and they are therefore far more likely to move when you snap your picture. To stabilize your arms, and your camera, just tuck in your elbows so that that are up against your body. If you use this simple trick when you are taking pictures, you'll find that your picture will generally come out looking better and sharper.