How to hold steady without a tripod during your next photography session
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Loading... - Tanith Sallom
- 04 Oct 2022
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Using a tripod is the best way to keep your pictures as sharp as possible, especially when using long exposures.
Blurring the motion of moving water or carnival lights are just a couple of examples of when you might want to use a long exposure. A tripod can hold the camera still to keep the stationary objects in the background and foreground sharp, while anything that is moving will be blurred giving the impression of movement in a still image.
During a long exposure the slightest movement, including, from your breathing to your heartbeat to just pressing the shutter button, can cause camera shake and compromise the sharpness of your images. When it comes to long exposures, using a tripod is your best option but not your only option.
I use a technique that, while not quite as good as a tripod, helps me keep the camera steady when using slow shutter speeds. Without a tripod, you’ll need a flat, level stable surface. It could be a fence, table or even a flat rock.
Stability is key. Make sure your camera is focused on your subject, and then place your camera on whatever you’ve found to put it on. Push down firmly on the camera, holding it steady so it doesn’t squirm, then press the shutter button. I’ve found you can do an exposure of 5 to 10 seconds fairly easily. However, longer times may cause your muscles to fatigue or even cramp, and it will be more difficult to hold the camera still in that position. Read More...
