Want sharper images? Try the "B.R.A.S.S" sytem..!
May 23, 2018 07:25:13 #
N97972
Loc: Chelan County, Washington
The system works well. Took this hand-held the other day from 310 yards. D7200 with a FX AFS 70-300 f4.6-6.3. 300mm at f8 1/1000 iso 450 (auto iso) moving subject.
Pete Karp
Pete Karp
May 23, 2018 07:40:57 #
kskarma wrote:
I totally agree with you about the very common practice of having a 'death grip' with the right hand, I also notice that many folks will hold the lens with their thumb on the bottom of the lens and their four fingers on the top and do their focusing in this manner. This always looks very awkward and means they are supporting the weight of the lens mainly with their thumb..
Do I ever try to correct them?? Nope.....!!
Do I ever try to correct them?? Nope.....!!
At least they have a record of their thumb print, vis-a-vis "death" grip.
May 23, 2018 08:00:24 #
kskarma wrote:
B....Breathe...take a full breath.
B....Breathe...take a full breath.
Just as a suggestion for this part. Many do not realize why this may be difficult for them. The breathing is over a spell of time. Take long slow breaths in and out prior to the shot. It is hyperventilation, getting more oxygen into the blood. After last exhale, take in a half breath and hold to take the shot. Release breath after the shot is taken. (This is also a good secret to holding your breath when swimming underwater.
) When the body signals the brain that its low on oxygen, it does cause the whole system to go into panic mode. As an exercise, monitor your breathing overall. Strive to be consistent with your breaths.
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May 23, 2018 08:04:05 #
Shooting stained glass windows,30 feet above the floor, on scaffolding, lying on my back trying to avoid movement, Hasselblad with cable release on on a tripod, I could see a barely perceptible periodic movement. Shoot between heartbeats, says I. 
May 23, 2018 08:05:56 #
kskarma wrote:
The number one cause of blurry and unsharp photos ... (show quote)
OMG, B.R.A.S.S., that takes me back 50 years to the Range at Pendleton. It worked with my M14, why not with my D500?
May 23, 2018 08:08:09 #
Robert Bailey wrote:
An even simpler way to achieve sharper images is the "T-R-I-P-O-D" system!
A modification of "Bi-Ped Plus One". The "One" being any solidly stable object. (Caveat: Earth is not a qualified stable object dependent on location.)
May 23, 2018 08:17:18 #
Yes ,indeed fine advise for us older tiros, who might have developed a bit of a tremor. But I guess it really wouldn't have helped when I missed what might have been the most spectacular shot of a lifetime. After a 15 foot tumble down a bank, and the camera still safely in its bag I was told by a bystander : wow, that was spectacular, now lie still till the First Responder gets here. I am up and running again, and looking for that view, light condition, subject that jumps out at me. Thanks for the advice.
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May 23, 2018 08:30:10 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Good advice - I love to target shoot (air guns and 22/22 mag are favorites) and also apply some of the same technique to camera shooting - many more keepers that way. Now, when shooting anything from tripod, there is always a radio controlled shutter release/and I may be a good distance away controlling via wireless - watching as I compose via larger monitor/live view. Even if just using the camera on tripod I still use a remote trigger - it just works so well.....shake/movement all gone. And yes, I can still take a good shot using my just my "trigger finger"!
May 23, 2018 08:32:02 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Good advice - I love to target shoot (air guns and 22/22 mag are favorites) and also apply some of the same technique to camera shooting - many more keepers that way. Now, when shooting anything from tripod, there is always a radio controlled shutter release/and I may be a good distance away controlling via wireless - watching as I compose via larger monitor/live view. Even if just using the camera on tripod I still use a remote trigger - it just works so well.....shake/movement all gone. And yes, I can still take a good shot using my just my "trigger finger"!
May 23, 2018 08:32:33 #
May 23, 2018 08:40:24 #
rehess wrote:
Not just newcomers are grabbing the grip. So often I hear people say here they need a large body to "balance" a long lens .... if they were using left hand to support the lens, then "balance" wouldn't have been an issue.
In this situation, lefties like myself tend to support the lens this way quite naturally. I knew there had to be an advantage to being a southpaw! :)
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May 23, 2018 09:09:29 #
If I'm handholding for some stationary subject, I usually set the camera to the 2 second delay so I can hold the camera more still at the exact time of exposure.
May 23, 2018 09:17:25 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Yes, this does help. Making a "tripod" out of your elbows against your stomach also helps.
I have never been able to get my elbows against my stomach. I try to lock mine against my sides. Maybe I should take up yoga.
May 23, 2018 09:17:49 #
Tomcat5133
Loc: Gladwyne PA
I dont breathe during a video shot. And for stills too. Didnt even realize it. The video is easier i am always moving the camera slowly or floating
it for movement. Stills are harder but I done use a tripod often. Like monopods.
it for movement. Stills are harder but I done use a tripod often. Like monopods.
May 23, 2018 09:20:47 #
mjbrock2012
Loc: Grants Pass,Oregon
Good tips all. I have also found that holding the camera so that it touches a solid surface, such as a door jam, can help you hold it steady
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