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Chapter 2 Camera Handling, Care, and Support
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
where equipment theft is a problem, a backpack is
less obvious than a traditional camera bag.
The ultimate protection from the elements, or
from baggage-handling damage while traveling,
is the hard case. Made from high-impact plastics
or metal, these cases are sealed against water
and dust and have padded interiors to prevent
equipment damage.
Camera Carrying
Methods
When a photo opportunity suddenly arises,
a camera in a bag or backpack is not of much use.
For this reason, and for convenience, most people
prefer to carry a camera in a way that allows
immediate use, Figure 2-30.
SLRs and similar-size cameras are usually
carried with a strap around your neck and
the camera resting on the front of your body
somewhere between the chest and the waist,
Figure 2-30A. The camera can be lifted into
position quickly for a picture. One drawback to
this method, especially with a longer zoom lens
attached, is the free-swinging movement of the
camera. Some photographers also dislike the
constant bouncing of the equipment against their
bodies as they walk.
Two variations of the neck strap carry can
overcome these problems. In Figure 2-30B,
your arm is inserted through the strap, so the
camera rests between that arm and the side of
your body. Arm pressure keeps the camera from
bouncing or swinging as you walk. The other
variation is to place the strap on one shoulder,
instead of around your neck, and carry the
camera between your arm and body. Either
variation allows the camera to be brought into
shooting position easily.
A less secure method, used by some
photographers who find the neck strap
uncomfortable, is to carry the camera in one
hand, with the strap looped around the wrist,
Figure 2-30C. This provides some degree of
safety if the camera slips out of your hand.
A B C
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-30. Camera carrying methods for an SLR. A—Strap around the neck and the camera in front of the body.
B—One arm through the strap, with the camera between the arm and body. C—Camera held in one hand, with the strap
looped around the wrist for safety.