SubscribeTiny Tips 14: Hold your Camera Right
by Susheel ChandradhasThe first rule of holding your camera is that it should be steady. This will ensure that you get sharper pictures in lower lighting situations, and that your pictures are sharper in general.
If you’re using a dSLR, put your left hand below, supporting the base of the camera, with the index finger and thumb positioned to adjust focus/zoom. Support your left elbow with your chest and grip the camera body firmly with your right hand, positioning your right index finger above the shutter release.
Posture is important too. Stand firm and erect with your feet spread apart a bit. Do not lean forward, this will make your stance unsteady. Standing straight and with good posture will also reduce strain on your back, especially if you’re carrying a lot of gear.
Do you have other tips on how to hold your camera? Drop ‘em in the comments.
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5 Comments, Comment or Ping
the_wolf_brigade
Standing as suggested above also lets you shoot at lower shutter speeds and still get blur free shots. Using the above method I’ve managed consistent 1/15 – 1/8 second shutter speeds. With shake reduction lenses you could go even slower.
Jun 14th, 2008
Neil Creek
Great tips! To add to that I’d suggest leaning against somthing solid whenever possible. Take the photo between breaths, after breathing out. Twisting the camera slightly (twisting the right hand forward, the left back) also adds a bit of stability to your grip and minimises small shaking movements.
Finally, I’ve also seen photographers wrap their neck strap around their arm and under theirelbow, keeping it taut. This helps with stability in the same way twisting the camera does.
Jun 14th, 2008
Jason Armstrong
Photographer Joe McNally has his own vertical grip stance that is more for those who are “left-eyed” but I’ve found it to be useful even right eyed with a little change to the position.
You’ll find it on his blog under the title;
“Clicks” Cover Shot Explained & Vertical Grip
He also has a video on youtube showing the stance;
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=EDsx3-FWfwk
Nov 27th, 2008
Susheel Chandradhas
Jason,
Thank you for pointing that out… I’ve seen the video before, but somehow it slipped through when writing this post. Thanks for the links.
Cheers!
Nov 27th, 2008
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