How to Get Sharp Images in Low Light Without a Tripod

Bad light? No tripod? No problem. These techniques will help you get razor-sharp images without the need for perfect conditions or optimum gear.

When you're faced with a low-light scenario and you don't have a tripod on hand, it can become a very frustrating experience if you're not used to dealing with such conditions or you don't have a camera that works particularly well under circumstances like these. You can try some standard things like increasing your ISO, but that often leads to increased digital noise. Or you can increase the shutter speed, but you might not have enough light to work with, or your depth of field might become too shallow for your needs. So, what are some options that will allow you to get the photo you want with the right exposure, and more importantly, as sharp as if you had a tripod at your disposal? In this video, there are six tips outlined with examples and visual instructions and explanations offered. I've used a number of them during my travels across Japan and Europe, especially finding a third point of contact to add another layer of stability to your camera.

What do you think? Are there any other creative methods you have for adding increased stability and sharpness to images despite having poor light and no tripod? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.