• Get a good sturdy tripod.  The only job of the tripod is to keep your camera steady. 
• Some tripods do a better job than others.  Don’t skimp on quality.  A good tripod will usually start at $100 and go up.  A cheap tripod just doesn’t do as good a job of keeping your camera steady. 
• A good tripod usually doesn’t come with a tripod head like the cheap ones do.  This way you can choose what type of head that best suit your needs.  I find the ‘ball-head’ is one of the easiest & quickest to use.  With one knob I can adjust my camera into almost any position.  Also with the ball-head I don’t have to adjust my tripod so its level.  The ball-head takes care of that.  Mine also has a quick attachment & release, along with two locking mechanisms to keep the camera secure.
• A good tripod will also have a place in the center of it for a hook.  In windy conditions you can attach your camera bag, or any other weighted object, to help keep the tripod steadier.
• When traveling take a ‘good’ lightweight tripod, or a small tripod.  Yes, the cheap tripods are lightweight and easy to carry around.  But as soon as your camera falls off your cheap tripod (like mine did once), you will immediately go out and invest in a good lightweight one.  (Luckily my camera fell into soft grass).  Again this type of tripod is not cheap, but a lot easier than carrying around a heavier type tripod
• Beanbags are another very good alternative.  They are obviously very small and can fit almost anywhere.  They offer very good support for the camera and can be placed on almost anything: rocks, tree stumps, notches in trees, tables, cars; anyplace you can think of.  Just make sure the beanbag is big enough to support your camera.  (My daughter made mine by sewing up a good sturdy cloth and filling it with rice).
• Another alternative in the absence of a tripod is taking a multi-burst shot of the subject or object that you’re shooting.  Usually the second or third shot will normally come in sharp and clear.
• To get steady hand-held shots, wrap the camera strap tightly around your arm.  You can also place your arms, hands, or entire body against a tree, building, or anything else that will cut down on movement or vibration.

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