SOLUTION
To rectify this problem, all you have to do is find something contrasty or sharply defined to aim at that is the same distance as your subject. Then you merely hold down the shutter button half-way and re-compose your scene in the viewfinder. 

A word of warning: Be careful to aim your focusing spot (usually in the center of the viewfinder) at the subject you are photographing. Sometimes when shooting a couple the focusing spot might be aimed at the background behind them -- which puts the couple out of focus. 

CAMERA MOVEMENT PROBLEMS
Blurry or soft photographs are usually the result of camera movement and poor focus (which we discussed in the page on focusing properly). But jiggled and unsteady cameras are the most common culprits for blurry photographs -- especially during low light shooting. 

SOLUTIONS
Making the camera stable can be merely a matter of thinking about the existing conditions and how they may effect camera stability. Also, you should hold the camera with your arms pressed against your body and the camera against the flattest part of your face, with both hands holding the camera securely. 

You can also use a wall, chair, or any sturdy object to lean against or support your camera. Pressing your camera against a malleable object and the wall works very well. 

For timed exposures at night, you can use a shoe, handkerchief filled with sand or dirt, or anything that you can use to position your camera to view the scene.