How To Hold Your Camera

There are two types of cameras currently used by most people taking photographs today – the “Point and Shoot” or the “Digital Single Reflex Lens” camera.

With technology today small “Point and Shoot” cameras will usually have an Liquid Crystal Display panel on the back of the camera, so the photographer will simply hold the camera quite a way out in front of them as shown in the photograph below:

The problem with this technique is that you will usually get “camera shake”. When you look at the photograph you have taken it will seem blurry, or slightly out of focus.

As you browse the web I am sure you have seen photographs on web pages that simply say “Wow” to you with their color and clarity.

This is because the photograph was taken very carefully by the photographer, and the camera was held in such a way as to minimize camera shake.

Just because you are using a “Point and Shoot” camera doesn’t mean you can’t get a really good photograph.

Holding the camera properly will result in excellent quality photographs.

Our next photograph shows the proper way to hold a “Point and Shoot” camera. The photo at the right shows a much better way to hold the camera, except that the photographer needs to move her arms in closer to her sides to give the camera more stability and eliminate the possibility of “camera shake”.

First, check and see if your camera has a viewfinder, and if so, use it. If not, then hold the camera as close to your eye as possible when taking the photograph.

When using a “Point and Shoot” camera with just an LCD hold the camera as close as possible to your face to avoid “camera shake”, and to provide as stable a platform for taking your photograph as possible.

With a DSLR camera the proper way to hold it is demonstrated in the photograph below:

Notice how the arms are nicely placed close to the photographer’s side.

The lens is cradled nicely in her hand, and the trigger finger is placed just above the shutter release button, ready to focus and then snap the photograph.

Use your right hand to grip the right side of the camera, placing your index finger just above the shutter release.

The remaining three fingers should curl around the camera body while your right thumb grips the back of the camera body.

Most DSLR cameras will be shaped with a grip making placement of your fingers natural.

Use your left hand to support the weight of the camera and lens by placing your hand just under the lens.

Holding your camera in this manner will give you the greatest amount of flexibility while allowing you to line up your shots quickly but making it possible to hold still for that critical shutter release moment.

Another thing to consider is your breathing. Before you press the shutter release take a short deep breath and hold it while taking the shot. Or you can take a breath, exhale, and hold your breath until you have taken your shot.

In either case you will give yourself the best opportunity to take crisp, clear photographs.
We have also mentioned “camera shake”, and we will address that subject in a later post.

Until then be sure and take lots of photos of your children – you will be glad that you did!

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