Hand Tremors
Dec 28, 2021 13:11:45 #
I also have gout and arthritis and this has changed what I can and can't shoot, however I try and use a tripod or monopod. I have a bean bad sack I can use to steady the camera if I have something to lay it on. If I am able to shoot at higher speeds that can help but not always appropriate depending on light. Newer mirrorless cameras are much better in low light situations.
Dec 28, 2021 13:13:38 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Probably not what you want to hear, but either a tripod or monopod(if your still steady on your feet).
Me @ 82, well I need a tripod for anything but flash and that is fading because I tend to rock back and forth so I'M in and out of focus.
The tripod is my best friend now days, it's not as bad as it sounds, this give you more time to think about your shot.
I sometimes use my tripod as a bipod when I can lean against something.
Me @ 82, well I need a tripod for anything but flash and that is fading because I tend to rock back and forth so I'M in and out of focus.
The tripod is my best friend now days, it's not as bad as it sounds, this give you more time to think about your shot.
I sometimes use my tripod as a bipod when I can lean against something.
A cable release, remote release, or the self-timer might also help.
Dec 28, 2021 13:26:52 #
Propranolol, maybe. Discuss it with your doctor. I have a familial/essential tremor, and the Propranolol helps.
Dec 28, 2021 13:58:11 #
There are a couple of options:
~Platform. A steady platform (bean bag, monopad, tripod, camer chest brace) together with a remote release (cable or wireless).
~Burst shooting (BS). BS will gurantee that some lf your shots will be on the money.
~Focus. Use focus-tracking so that when you inadvertently subtlety move, the subject will remain in focus.
~Settings. Another option is to use shutter priority and select a shutter speed above 1600, with a high ISO (800 +).
A combination of the above, will address your specified goal.
These are my two cents although I defer to others with more pertinent suggestions.
I am glad that you see a stumbling block as an opportunity to move up higher.
Happy New Year.
~Platform. A steady platform (bean bag, monopad, tripod, camer chest brace) together with a remote release (cable or wireless).
~Burst shooting (BS). BS will gurantee that some lf your shots will be on the money.
~Focus. Use focus-tracking so that when you inadvertently subtlety move, the subject will remain in focus.
~Settings. Another option is to use shutter priority and select a shutter speed above 1600, with a high ISO (800 +).
A combination of the above, will address your specified goal.
These are my two cents although I defer to others with more pertinent suggestions.
I am glad that you see a stumbling block as an opportunity to move up higher.
Happy New Year.
Dec 28, 2021 14:31:50 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
jaredjacobson wrote:
There are lots of options. Here are a few:
* Shoot from a tripod
* Use good holding technique: https://m.dpreview.com/videos/5834100290/dpreview-tv-best-shooting-positions
* Shoot with a monopod
* Use cameras and/or lenses with image stabilization
* Shoot from a tripod
* Use good holding technique: https://m.dpreview.com/videos/5834100290/dpreview-tv-best-shooting-positions
* Shoot with a monopod
* Use cameras and/or lenses with image stabilization
what jaredjacobson suggested!Dec 28, 2021 15:10:26 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
npsranger wrote:
I am 76 years old with hand tremors affecting my photography, what techniques can I try?
Some of the newest camera bodies have good IBIS. The best in the industry is Olympus, but I am assuming you are shooting with FF or APS-C. Unless you are willing to change to a smaller and lighter 4/3rds system, staying with one of the newer bodies is the only solution. Other than that, the use of a tripod, or even a monopod, would be your only other solution.
Dec 28, 2021 15:16:44 #
npsranger wrote:
I am 76 years old with hand tremors affecting my photography, what techniques can I try?
Read thru many posts and once again the UHH community of passionate photogs shows up.
I, too, have hand trouble and the tripod is a great - but often fumbly - answer. I have only one thing to add. buy a good quick-release mechanism to attach to the tripod head. Arca type is my choice with a lever release. I promise it will help mounting and unmounting your camera and be easier on your (our) shaky hands.
Keep shooting!
Dec 28, 2021 16:27:49 #
I'm 85 years old and can see that you have stirred up a lot of good advice. Must admit that sometimes I have to shoot hand-held and hope for the best. If not, so be it.
Mark
Mark
Dec 28, 2021 17:51:06 #
Have no idea what camera lens you use. If you do have image stabilization, make sure it's on and shoot at a high shutter speed which might mean a higher ISO. Of cause a tripod or monopod would help.
Dec 28, 2021 19:30:18 #
a6k
Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
MrPhotog wrote:
Without a tripod or similar support, High shutter speeds are your friend.
Unfortunately they go hand in hand with either low depth of field or increased sensitivity (ISO) and noise levels on digital or grain on film.
Getting older is an annoyance, unless one considers the alternative.
Unfortunately they go hand in hand with either low depth of field or increased sensitivity (ISO) and noise levels on digital or grain on film.
Getting older is an annoyance, unless one considers the alternative.
Yep.
Dec 28, 2021 19:36:33 #
a6k
Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
I can't solve the problem. I can only identify and sympathize. But when faced with the problem where I need F8 for depth of field and flash is not an option then a high shutter speed is necessary. The shooting that I do is usually not compatible with a tripod and often not even a monopod.
The only way, then, to get that high shutter speed is to either underexpose perhaps 2 stops and "rescue" in Post if possible AND/OR use a much higher ISO than is ideal. Some cameras can do this better than others but they tend to cost more and weigh more.
So then you get "noise".
There are some fairly good noise reducing programs available for Post Processing now and UHH reviewers have often praised them.
There are no perfect answers but some are not so bad.
The only way, then, to get that high shutter speed is to either underexpose perhaps 2 stops and "rescue" in Post if possible AND/OR use a much higher ISO than is ideal. Some cameras can do this better than others but they tend to cost more and weigh more.
So then you get "noise".
There are some fairly good noise reducing programs available for Post Processing now and UHH reviewers have often praised them.
There are no perfect answers but some are not so bad.
Dec 28, 2021 21:53:15 #
hjkarten
Loc: San Diego, California
Many excellent suggestions.
I have moderate (?) Parkinsonian tremor, worse in right hand than left. Helped greatly by L-DOPA and propanalol. In addition to using as many aides as possible, i.e., tripod, monopod, gimbal, IBIS shake reduction, remote cable, high speed, you might try another trick I learned a while ago.
Rest your LEFT hand on your RIGHT shoulder.
Your elbow forms the apex of a triangle.
Rest your camera in that triangle with the viewfinder against your forehead.
This works very well when the tremor mostly affect the distal extremity. This is true for many Parkinsonian patients. The tremor mostly impacts your hand, and has less impact on the stability of your elbow and upper arm.
Also suggest that for scenics you use the 2 second delay following when you push the shutter button.
Most important: Don't give up! Most of the benefit of shooting Birds In Flight are the times just contemplating the next photo. My time just walking in the bird marsh is the best part of my day.
I have moderate (?) Parkinsonian tremor, worse in right hand than left. Helped greatly by L-DOPA and propanalol. In addition to using as many aides as possible, i.e., tripod, monopod, gimbal, IBIS shake reduction, remote cable, high speed, you might try another trick I learned a while ago.
Rest your LEFT hand on your RIGHT shoulder.
Your elbow forms the apex of a triangle.
Rest your camera in that triangle with the viewfinder against your forehead.
This works very well when the tremor mostly affect the distal extremity. This is true for many Parkinsonian patients. The tremor mostly impacts your hand, and has less impact on the stability of your elbow and upper arm.
Also suggest that for scenics you use the 2 second delay following when you push the shutter button.
Most important: Don't give up! Most of the benefit of shooting Birds In Flight are the times just contemplating the next photo. My time just walking in the bird marsh is the best part of my day.
Dec 28, 2021 22:51:18 #
As others have mentioned Propranolol which belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers.
Any medication that ends in "lol" is a beta blocker... Be advised that UHH is NOT the place to seek medical advice.
Please speak to your GP (General Practitioner) and ask about a referral to a neurologist who specializes in tremors. There are many interventions, some low risk other can carry serious risk and significant side effects.
Always try and get a second opinion before you consider anything that is potentially not reversible...
btw, I've always used tripods... they are likely one of the most important tools in a photographers kit :)
Wishing you much success and good health in your golden years npsranger.
Something I learned long ago... When one door closes look carefully because another is likely beginning to open in it's place. Hope springs eternal...
Any medication that ends in "lol" is a beta blocker... Be advised that UHH is NOT the place to seek medical advice.
Please speak to your GP (General Practitioner) and ask about a referral to a neurologist who specializes in tremors. There are many interventions, some low risk other can carry serious risk and significant side effects.
Always try and get a second opinion before you consider anything that is potentially not reversible...
btw, I've always used tripods... they are likely one of the most important tools in a photographers kit :)
Wishing you much success and good health in your golden years npsranger.
Something I learned long ago... When one door closes look carefully because another is likely beginning to open in it's place. Hope springs eternal...
Dec 28, 2021 23:02:45 #
npsranger wrote:
I am 76 years old with hand tremors affecting my photography, what techniques can I try?
A tripod or if that is that limits you to much try a monopod!...Julian
Dec 29, 2021 01:57:46 #
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