As far back as I can remember, my hands have had a slight shake to them. Nothing dramatic. Just a bit of a tremble—like a gentle vibration running through my fingers. I never thought much of it growing up. In fact, I just assumed it was normal and that everyone’s hands did the same thing. It wasn’t until I was in school that someone pointed it out to me. I remember them asking why my hands were shaking. That’s when I realised, maybe it’s not quite so normal after all.
Fast forward a few years and in my early twenties, I decided it was time to get things checked out properly. The tremor was bothering me a little more than usual and I figured it was worth seeing the GP. After the usual poking, prodding, blood tests, and blood pressure checks, the conclusion was simple but a little vague: Benign Essential Tremor.
Now, let me break that down for you:
- Benign: Not dangerous, nothing to panic about.
- Essential: Doctors don’t really know why it happens.
- Tremor: Well, that one’s self-explanatory.
My Experience with Medication
I was prescribed Propranolol Hydrochloride, a beta-blocker often used to help with anxiety, heart conditions, and yes, tremors. It worked a treat on the shakes. Completely calmed them down. But the side effects? Not ideal.
At the time, I was working in door-to-door sales around Leicester. I remember taking my first proper dose and feeling like a lesser clued up character straight out of Only Fools and Horses. Slower than usual. Bit spaced out. Not quite myself. In short, I went from dealing with a tremor to feeling like I’d just stepped off the set of a sitcom as the “dim but lovable” background character.
After a chat with the GP, we reduced the dosage and things levelled out nicely. These days, I only take it occasionally, and I’m not suggesting anyone jumps on medication without proper medical advice. If your tremor is affecting your life, speak to your GP and explore the options. Everyone’s different and what worked for me might not be the right route for you.
Managing a Tremor Through Lifestyle
These days, I manage the tremor mostly through diet and stress management. Cutting back on caffeine, keeping hydrated, and not overloading myself mentally makes a huge difference. Sure, I still have the occasional off-day, but for the most part it’s something I live with comfortably.
Now here’s the kicker: I decided to become a professional photographer and videographer. Probably not the most obvious career path for someone with unsteady hands, right?
So, the big question…
Can You Be a Photographer with a Tremor?
Absolutely.
In fact, if you’ve got the right tools and techniques, you can still produce pin-sharp images and silky-smooth footage. Let me talk you through exactly how I manage, even on those “bad hand days” where my tremor is a bit more noticeable.
Tips for Taking Sharp Photos with a Tremor
1. Find Something Solid to Rest On
If I’m out and about and notice my hands are being particularly twitchy, the first thing I do is look for something solid. A wall, a bench, a knee, anything sturdy that can act as a make-shift tripod. Pressing your camera up against something can instantly add stability to your shot.
If you’re shooting low down, the floor works wonders too. Use your elbow or wrist as a brace, hold your breath, and gently squeeze the shutter.
2. Shoot at a Higher Shutter Speed
This one’s essential for anyone who struggles with hand movement:
- A faster shutter speed = less motion blur.
- Try to shoot above 1/250s for handheld shots. If your subject is moving, you might need to go even faster.
To compensate for the faster shutter speed:
- Open up your aperture (e.g. f/1.4 or f/2.8) depending on light of course.
- Bump up your ISO if you absolutely have to. On modern cameras you can do this a fair bit without reducing the image quality too much.
The trade-off? You’ll get more usable shots.
3. Use a Tripod
If you’re shooting static subjects, portraits, landscapes, architecture, a tripod will be your best mate. I always keep one in the car just in case.
And here’s a simple tip: use the self-timer or a remote shutter to avoid adding any movement when pressing the button. Some cameras even let you trigger shots from your phone.
Tools That Help Combat Camera Shake
There’s no shame in using the gear to your advantage. Modern cameras are packed with features that make life easier for people like us.
- In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) – Most newer mirrorless cameras have this built-in.
- Lens Stabilisation – Many lenses come with their own vibration reduction or optical steady shot.
- Gimbals for video – Devices like the DJI RS2 and similar models have changed the game. Even if your hands aren’t perfectly still, your footage can still look like it’s gliding on air.
How to Fix Blurry Photos in Post-Production
Let’s be honest, sometimes, despite our best efforts, the odd shot comes out a little soft. All is not lost.
Tools I Use:
- Adobe Lightroom – The sharpening tool can help bring out the detail in a soft image. But don’t overdo it, keep it subtle.
- Topaz Labs Sharpen AI – This software is brilliant. It uses AI to analyse your image and recover details in a way that genuinely works. A bit pricey, but worth every penny if your livelihood depends on image quality.
What I’ve Learned as a Photographer with a Tremor
Over the years, I’ve photographed everything from fast-moving motorbikes to slow-growing houseplants. I’ve filmed conferences, and equestrian events in all kinds of lighting conditions. And throughout it all, my tremor has come along for the ride.
But here’s the truth: your tremor doesn’t have to define your ability.
Yes, some shots might take more effort. Yes, you might need to think a bit more about technique. But in this day and age, with the tech we have at our fingertips, there’s no reason you can’t produce stunning, professional-quality work even with a bit of a shake.
Final Thoughts
So, can you be a photographer with shaky hands or a tremor?
Without a doubt. I’ve built an entire career around capturing sharp, engaging images while managing my own essential tremor. The key is to embrace your condition, adapt your workflow, and use the tools available to work smarter, not harder.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Use your environment for stability
- Crank up your shutter speed
- Don’t fear the ISO (too much)
- Invest in a tripod or gimbal
- Fix it in post if you have to as a last resort
Most importantly—don’t let a tremor stop you from picking up a camera. You’ve got this.
