I was in Austin, Texas recently as a presenter for Sigma Photo Corporation at a show by Precision Camera. After dinner I noticed this ashtray bucket on the porch of the restaurant. It was late in the evening. Patrons had spent quite a bit of time outside smoking. They were gone by the time I made this photograph.

Tips & techniques
Be solid! Hold your camera the right way
Sharp photos start with a stable camera. When the camera moves, the picture it takes has some movement blur. High shutter speeds minimize the effect of camera movement, but they do not eliminate it. Here’s how to hold your camera steady.