Need to keep your camera steady? The best solution is either a tripod or a monopod, but there are occasions where you either don't have one with you or you cannot use use it. So what is a photographer to do?

There are a few different tricks to getting a steady shot without a tripod or monopod. The first tip is to adjust the camera settings, if you can change you aperture, shutter speed or ISO, then that will be your best bet.

Another camera setting that is available to some photographers is in-lens or in-body stabilization. Some manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron offer in-lens stabilization, while others such as Pentax and Sony will stabilize the image using technology found in the camera. These technologies are complicated to describe, but they work in a way that either moves a lens element (in-lens) or the image sensor (in-body) to counteract slight movements made by the photographer. A downside to the use of stabilization is the increase in battery usage that occurs. Also, the in-lens stabilization technology tends to drive the price of the lens up when compared to a lens with out it.

But what if you can't change any settings? The easiest solution is to find a wall or a table to support your camera. This will work for any shot that does not require more than a half-second exposure. You'll still risk blurring on moving objects, but for the most part the scene will not suffer from as much movement.

When resting your camera on a wall or table, be sure that the surface is dry and clean. If you have a rag or a towel with you, you can use it to clean the table up a bit. Once done cleaning, fold the towel and you can use it as a support. The best way to use a towel is as a support item placed under the lens. This will keep the camera from rocking forwards. Along the same line, a small beanbag can also assist in keeping the camera steady.

There is a commercial product called the Puffin Pad, aptly named because the cutout is shaped likes a Puffin's beak. Its shape makes it ideal for balancing the lens using your car door. The pad works similar in function to a bean bag or a towel: place the lens on the pad and you will be able to limit the amount of shakiness involved in a photo.

The next option is to examine your grip. If you are holding the camera with your elbows away from your body, you're going to increase your chances of taking blurry photos. If this was a video, and you're filming an action sequence, then you'd be fine, because apparently that is what Hollywood wants: to make us all sick. But this is a still image, and a shaky camera does not produce sharp photos. So bring those elbows back towards the body.