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Chapter 2 Camera Handling, Care, and Support
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
methods differ. The camera is grasped at both
sides and pulled downward to place tension on
the neck strap. This tension helps hold the camera
steady during exposure.
At times, you may be taking photos
from a sitting, kneeling, or lying position.
Figure 2-34 shows methods of properly
supporting the camera when using these
positions to achieve more creative camera angles.
Shutter Speeds for Hand-Holding
The slowest practical shutter speed for
most people is 1/30 second; a few can achieve
acceptable results at 1/15 second. Those speeds,
however, are with 50 mm or shorter lenses. As
focal lengths increase, shutter speeds for hand-
holding must become faster. Digital cameras
display a flashing “shake warning” in the
viewfinder when the speed is too slow for a hand-
held exposure.
Proper positioning of your arms and good
breath control provide additional steadiness.
When holding the camera horizontally, tuck your
elbows in against your sides. Like your handgrip
on the camera, elbow pressure should be firm but
light—pressing too hard can cause you to shake.
If you are using the vertical position, only one
elbow will be tucked into your side.
Most people who take photos with a digital
compact camera, and some who shoot with SLRs,
use the LCD screen to compose their shots. To see
the LCD, the camera must be held a comfortable
distance away from the eye, Figure 2-32. For
steadiness, arm positions should be the same as
those used for SLRs. Compact cameras are often
gripped with the thumb and index finger of both
hands. Holding the camera one-handed or at
arms-length can cause camera shake, although
this method is commonly successful when
shooting selfies with a camera phone, Figure 2-33.
When you are ready to make an exposure
with any handheld camera, take a deep breath,
then exhale about half of it. Press the shutter
release with a light, steady movement of your
index finger. Jabbing the shutter release with a
quick, sharp movement will almost always cause
camera blur.
Medium format cameras of the twin-lens
reflex type are usually held at waist or chest
level, rather than eye level. While the method of
breathing and pressing the shutter is the same as
used for 35 mm cameras, the grip and steadying
Caroline Klasey
Figure 2-33. The popular selfie, such as this one taken
in the Roman Forum, is typically shot with the camera
held in one hand at arm's length. Care must be taken to
avoid blurring from camera shake.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-32. Compact camera shooters most often use the
LCD as a viewfinder, extending their arms to obtain a good
view.