General question? I have read a lot about how to steady your camera when shooting, such as leaning against something solid, etc., but that does not always work. I do use a good tripod...

sisko67

I have read a lot about how to steady your camera when shooting, such as leaning against something solid, etc., but that does not always work. I do use a good tripod and some times I use a mono pod but, since I fell on the ice back in January and went down on my right shoulder, I am finding it harder and harder to keep my camera steady when shooting. I use the Stabilization built into the lens I am using but, turn it off on the tripod but, I still have a problem. I may not always have time to setup the tripod. If anyone is having the same problem and can give me any pointers please let me know? Thanks

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

You might already know this, but bring your elbow in against your chest when shooting. If you are right handed, the left elbow and move your left foot forward of your right. Works like a tripod configuration. Helps quit a bit! Good luck!

Iwantitall Loc: Chicago (south side)

Here's something some have tried here(not me though). They put a tripod screw in the tripod grooves on the bottom of the camera. A thick twine or thin rope is then tied around the screw. If you make the length about 12 inches longer than the distance to the ground......you can step on the rope and pull the camera tight to your eye. The tight pull steadys your camera.
Hope this might help.
Mike

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Two things I would like to share with you.:) I found they make spikes for the bottoms of your boots. They just slip on and off you go. They work really good. I just got them this year and not even one close call!!!
Second. I am getting arthritis in my fingers and loosing my grip. So I am in the same boat. Now to plug a member on the site that has really helped my shooting with his new piece of equipment he make and is selling them. It has made me able to pull out some of my big lenses and to start using them again! Hope this helps you!!
Erv
mymorrissureshot.com

sisko67 wrote:

I have read a lot about how to steady your camera ... (show quote)

amehta Loc: Boston

sisko67 wrote:

I have read a lot about how to steady your camera ... (show quote)

Some use a monopod-type support which goes into a belt holster, so the weight is supported by your hips instead of shoulders. The other option is to switch to a smaller form factor like m4/3 for hand-held shooting. The cameras are lighter, but even more important, the lenses are shorter and lighter, which will exert less torque on your shoulder.

christofras Loc: Gold Coast Australia

juicesqueezer wrote:

You might already know this, but bring your elbow in against your chest when shooting. If you are right handed, the left elbow and move your left foot forward of your right. Works like a tripod configuration. Helps quit a bit! Good luck!

And do the Hoki Poki & and turn around!....Only joking!

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

christofras wrote:

And do the Hoki Poki & and turn around!....Only joking!

Hey! I resemble that!!! LOL

dusty3d Loc: South Florida

In those conditions stay in the car, roll your window down to where you can support your camera. Use a bean bag as your tripod. I did this a lot in Yellowstone driving around the park.

bobzeller Loc: San Angelo, Texas

Iwantitall wrote:

Here's something some have tried here(not me though). They put a tripod screw in the tripod grooves on the bottom of the camera. A thick twine or thin rope is then tied around the screw. If you make the length about 12 inches longer than the distance to the ground......you can step on the rope and pull the camera tight to your eye. The tight pull steadys your camera.
Hope this might help.
Mike

I carry a simple dog leash. It attaches easily to the quick-release plate on the bottom of the camera. Then you also might be able to put your foot in the loop. Works for me.

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

This is a bit off topic but it is related and it is something I've been thinking about.

A tripod is great if you have ample time to set it up and get it adjusted right. Unfortunately I find that is not always the case, so more often I will use a mono-pod instead. However, a mono-pod is not as stable as a tripod and so the images suffer.

It occurred to me recently that a bi-pod could be a good intermediate alternative that would be nearly as easy to set up as a mono-pod while eliminating the side-to-side movement that accompanies a mono-pod. I did some searching and there are bi-pods but they seem to all be very short - designed to support guns rather than cameras.

Does anyone know of one designed for photography?

James Shaw

bobzeller wrote:

I carry a simple dog leash. It attaches easily to the quick-release plate on the bottom of the camera. Then you also might be able to put your foot in the loop. Works for me.

Thanks to all who replied. Really good information (helpful ideas) to this novice!

CoastalAgent Loc: Montara, California

Use a Steadepod.

www.steadepod.com/‎

It's a small metal device that attaches to your camera as you would your tripod. Has a retractable, and lockable, cable that is intended to be 'stepped on and secured by your foot". Cost about $15.00. I use it when shooting from small boats with no room for a tripod.

Sprocket Loc: Upstate New York

I am new here. "amateur" I have had these problems as well. I am stealing all of these suggestions.

Just wanted to add that much of my personal issue with movement I discovered was from the way I was pressing my shutter release. A friend told me to squeeze the camera rather than press down. I know that it may sound silly, but helped a lot. It didn't fix everything however it alleviated much of my problem.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Not sure what camera you are using sisko but I use a Nikon with Nikkor & Sigma lenses and find the VR/OS works very well.
I have a lot of spinal injuries and am quite unsteady on my feet (when I'm not in my chair) and never have problems...
A good thing, as has been suggested, is to brace your elbows on your chest and also hold your breath as you press the shutter...partially exhale though, not full lungs...
Ron. :D

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Sprocket wrote:

. A friend told me to squeeze the camera rather than press down. I know that it may sound silly, but helped a lot. It didn't fix everything however it alleviated much of my problem.

Years ago I read some advice that seemed to help me in this regard and that was to hold your breath when you press down (or squeeze). I'm not sure it works but I still do it - it's a pretty ingrained habit now.