When you're shooting in fairly low light — whether by a window, by artificial indoor light, or at dusk outdoors — your point-and-shoot may have to set a fairly slow shutter speed to get enough light to the film for a good exposure. A slow shutter speed means that if you don't hold the camera steady, your pictures may be ruined either by a visible blur or (almost worse) just an annoying lack of sharpness — an effect called shake.

In low-light situations, advanced photographers sometimes resort to tripods — three-legged collapsible supports that not only keep the camera steady but allow you to control composition and your point of view more precisely. You can even use tabletop tripods — miniature versions that must be used on elevated surfaces and that let you angle the camera in any direction. But other (free) steadying strategies work as well:

• One is simply to steady your arms against your body, specifically, pushing your upper arms into your chest as your shoot. At the same time, you can spread your legs widely, turning yourself into a "bipod" — a human tripod.
• Or, if a vertical surface is near your shooting position — for example, a wall or door frame — you can lean against it as you shoot. While you're at it, take a deep breath and push the shutter button as you slowly exhale.
• Finally, if you can find a table, chair, ledge, or shelf that suits your point of view, you can rest the camera on it as you take the picture.

However you brace the camera, be sure to press the shutter button smoothly — no stabbing motion allowed. You can also set the camera to self-timer, take your hands off, and have the camera fire by itself.