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A breathing trick when you need to hold a camera steady.
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Jan 12, 2016 08:07:39   #
Remus Loc: Norfolk, UK
 
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle but it works equally well (for me anyway) when I need to hold a camera steady for a shot. It's all about how to hold your breath. Most people breathe in and then hold their breath while taking the shot. But this means you are putting your rib muscles under strain and could cause a bit of trembling. Try filling your lungs then breathing out about a third of the way, then stop breathing out while you take the shot. I find this useful for those times when a tripod/monopod isn't being used.

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Jan 12, 2016 08:13:24   #
Dave R. Loc: PNW
 
Couldn't agree more with one exception. I let it all out rather than hold some in. But that is what works for me. Others should try to find that sweet spot in their breathing that works for them. Good tip.

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Jan 12, 2016 08:20:15   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Remus wrote:
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle but it works equally well (for me anyway) when I need to hold a camera steady for a shot. It's all about how to hold your breath. Most people breathe in and then hold their breath while taking the shot. But this means you are putting your rib muscles under strain and could cause a bit of trembling. Try filling your lungs then breathing out about a third of the way, then stop breathing out while you take the shot. I find this useful for those times when a tripod/monopod isn't being used.
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle bu... (show quote)

Yes, lots of contradictory advice. I've tried breathing in and holding and breathing out and holding. Breathing out completely works best for me - while leaning again a tree or a wall.

Does this apply to using a tripod? :D

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Jan 12, 2016 08:24:08   #
Jeff Smith 1 Loc: Pocono Mountains, PA
 
Good tip! I hadn't thought about that before, but it makes sense.

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Jan 12, 2016 08:50:13   #
Marionsho Loc: Kansas
 
jerryc41 wrote:
Yes, lots of contradictory advice. I've tried breathing in and holding and breathing out and holding. Breathing out completely works best for me - while leaning again a tree or a wall.

Does this apply to using a tripod? :D


I seem to use this technique while using a tripod. Not sure if it helps, or not, but it's a habit I can't seem to break.

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Jan 12, 2016 09:07:33   #
Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.
 
Remus wrote:
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle but it works equally well (for me anyway) when I need to hold a camera steady for a shot. It's all about how to hold your breath. Most people breathe in and then hold their breath while taking the shot. But this means you are putting your rib muscles under strain and could cause a bit of trembling. Try filling your lungs then breathing out about a third of the way, then stop breathing out while you take the shot. I find this useful for those times when a tripod/monopod isn't being used.
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle bu... (show quote)

Add to that another shooting tip, squeeze the shot off. In other words don't stab at the shutter button.

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Jan 12, 2016 09:37:13   #
Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA
 
I have shot hand guns competitively for years. Taking a breath in and letting out about 2/3 worked best for me. If you are reading this try taking that breath in and the let out say 1/2. How does your chest feel? Then try again letting out 2/3 and see if you notice a difference. You should feel more at ease with one or the other. See what works for you. Being relaxed is what you are looking for.

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Jan 12, 2016 10:16:40   #
Greenebroke Loc: Minnesota
 
Adding to the trick pile is this to consider. Notice when you long lens your hand held device, operator heartbeat can be detected. Not only hold a small breath of air but THINK the shot, meaning, be cognicent of your shutter release delay and drag factor as you initiate the action. It is a kind of a Zen thing, you completely relax your muscles momentarily slowing the heart timed as the image is captured.

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Jan 12, 2016 10:21:43   #
aellman Loc: Boston MA
 
Remus wrote:
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle but it works equally well (for me anyway) when I need to hold a camera steady for a shot. It's all about how to hold your breath. Most people breathe in and then hold their breath while taking the shot. But this means you are putting your rib muscles under strain and could cause a bit of trembling. Try filling your lungs then breathing out about a third of the way, then stop breathing out while you take the shot. I find this useful for those times when a tripod/monopod isn't being used.
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle bu... (show quote)


I also learned this technique from my firearms instructor, and I have used with my cameras with great success.

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Jan 12, 2016 10:31:10   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
Remus wrote:
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle but it works equally well (for me anyway) when I need to hold a camera steady for a shot. It's all about how to hold your breath. Most people breathe in and then hold their breath while taking the shot. But this means you are putting your rib muscles under strain and could cause a bit of trembling. Try filling your lungs then breathing out about a third of the way, then stop breathing out while you take the shot. I find this useful for those times when a tripod/monopod isn't being used.
Here's a tip I was taught when shooting a rifle bu... (show quote)

As I am sure you know snipers use this technique. They are actually able to slow their heartbeat, and lower their blood pressure when shooting. Aside from the fact that I can"t do either of these things, the only thing that works is faster shutter speed or camera support. OR Both. P.S. as an old film shooter a little "grain" doesn't bother me.- better a little noise than a lot of camera shake.

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Jan 12, 2016 10:41:20   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
What works for me is to hold my breath, then I simply turn my pacemaker off....., that way my heartbeat doesn't shake my wide angle lens!!
Off course I only get about 15 seconds to shoot before I pass out!!!! :lol: :lol:
SS

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Jan 12, 2016 10:45:12   #
Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.
 
SharpShooter wrote:
What works for me is to hold my breath, then I simply turn my pacemaker off....., that way my heartbeat doesn't shake my wide angle lens!!
Off course I only get about 15 seconds to shoot before I pass out!!!! :lol: :lol:
SS


and the on off switch for that is a button? a belly button?

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Jan 12, 2016 10:51:08   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Rich1939 wrote:
and the on off switch for that is a button? a belly button?

Oh heck no! Poking at or playing with your belly button is a very unnatural looking act...., so I had mine installed inside my nose!!!! :lol:
SS

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Jan 12, 2016 10:53:09   #
Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.
 
SharpShooter wrote:
Oh heck no! Poking at or playing with your belly button is a very unnatural looking act...., so I had mine installed inside my nose!!!! :lol:
SS

I get it, you can also block your breathing at the same time.
Kinda

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Jan 12, 2016 11:04:49   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Rich1939 wrote:
I get it, you can also block your breathing at the same time.
Kinda


Hey, if you keep your mouth closed and use two fingers...., absolutely!!!!!
BUT, as I'm proving right now, it's pretty hard for us Hogs to keep our mouths shut!!! :lol:
SS

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