My camera takes a long time to focus and take a photo! Why is this?

Slow down the shutter speed of your digital camera. Whenever you must take a photo in a low light environment decrease your shutter speed. It is virtually impossible to take a blurry digital photo with a an extremely slow shutter speed. Even if your digital camera has an automatic or semi-automatic mode, slowing down the shutter speed will still produce a better digital photo. <br /> Wait until your digital camera is completely focused. Most digital cameras will notify you that they are focus ready by a blinking light, on screen indicator or a noise. Confirm that your digital camera has locked onto your desired target before pressing the shutter release button. Some digital cameras may have trouble focusing on subjects easily. If this happens use an auto focus mode to produce a better digital photo. <br /> Prevent your digital camera from shaking. Shaky hands or sudden movement will definitely produce a blurry digital photo. When holding your digital camera, make sure the viewfinder is firmly pressed against your face before snapping a digital photo. If you do not have image stabilization on your digital camera, then think about investing in a tripod. This will allow you to steady your digital camera for the perfect shot. <br /> Make sure the digital image is definitely a blurry one and not just a soft image. On many occasions soft images are mistaken for blurry ones. Soft images occur often with digital cameras. When printing these images, the softness rarely shows through. You will be able to easily edit these photos by sharpening the details for a better printing experience. <br /> Take your time. Instead of rushing to take a digital photo, set aside enough time to shoot your image. Hurrying up will not produce an excellent digital photo. You don't need to be overwhelmingly slow when taking the photo, but try your best not to take a hasty one.