It’s true: If the camera moves during an exposure, the resulting image won’t be sharp; and if you handhold the camera, it will move during exposure. Some people can hold a camera more steadily than others, and faster shutter speeds reduce the effects of camera shake, but some shake—and thus some unsharpness—is always there with a handheld camera. The higher the magnification and the longer the exposure time, the more blurred a handheld image will be.

What to do with your old gear after the irresistible upgrade? It seems a shame to let a perfectly good camera or lens languish in storage while you cavort with your new fling. Better to let your unwanted gear find a new home and get some cash back in return. eBay makes it easy, but you need to pay attention to the details if you want a good price and a trouble-free transaction.

Night photography is one of those aspects of photography that always gets attention. People love to see night scenes—that mysterious mix of ambient light and city lights. The challenge is to compose them well.