Blurry photos in dslr camera?

Okay I have a nikon d5100

Whenever I go to take a picture of myself (the camera is in my hand btw) it turns up looking like a blurry piece of ***
where am I going wrong?

Normally they come out great. Just in self pictures it sucks the *** outta me

AND sometimes I'm taking great pictures okay woohooo and suddenly the camera decides to go completely outta focus and won't take the picture no matter how long I hold the button what's up with that?

Stop depending on automatic! Why own a camera if your not gonna take the photo yourself.

Learn about your camera!

Read your manual! Read it several times, and practice in between. If you don't have a book, download a new one from the manufacturer's website.

Attend a class, read some books, read/watch online tutorials.

The major camera manufacturers (like Canon, Nikon, Olympus etc) all have very useful sections on their website for learning about photography.

http://www.nikonusa.com/...index.page

http://www.olympusamerica.com/...center.asp

http://www.usa.canon.com/...omePageAct

http://photographycourse.net/

Understanding at least the basic principles of photography (as well as being familiar with your camera) will enable you to make the most of your gear, and will make a HUGE difference to your images.

If you have the kit lens & you are trying to take a self portrait with the camera in your hand, then it's likely the camera can't focus with that lens (it has a minimum focus distance).

Don't use it like a point & shoot - put it on a tripod & take a self portrait properly - have the lens at 55mm end. If you try to hand hold, not only will you be unable to focus, but you will be using the lens at the 18mm end which will cause horrible distortion of your facial features.