Again - even when you’re using a tripod, just the act of depressing the shutter button can slightly
vibrate the camera. This in turn will instill a little bit of movement blur into the shot.
The problem is miniscule and you probably won’t notice it on the viewing screen – but it is
there. If you try to create an enlargement, you are going to be unpleasantly surprised.
Clearly, a good way to remove this blur would be to get your hands off the shutter button!
How?
Enter the timed shutter release.
Most of the better cameras offer a timed shutter release. Unfortunately, the only time most of us
ever use it is when we are planning to be in the photo ourselves. We set up the shot – set the
timer – then run around to the front of the camera and smile.
Yet, if you use it in your macro/close-up photography, it will get your hands off the shutter
button and eliminate that tiny bit of camera shake.
On the other hand, using a timed shutter release adds time to the shot. If you are shooting an
insect, it has time to crawl out of focus. If you are shooting a flower, a slight breeze may arise.
Again, ruining the final shot.
A timed shutter release is always a good idea in normal photos, but in macro/close-up work, you
are better off only using it indoors (no breezes), with subjects that can’t move.