Avoid unnecessary camera shake by stabilizing your handheld camera.
When shooting hand-held using a light camera, especially small consumer camcorders and point-and-shoot still cameras, the shots are more prone to unintentional camera shakes than when using larger, professional cameras. This is because lighter cameras don't have enough weight to stabilize the movement of the hand and wrist during the shoot. For a heavier video camera used in hand-held shots, its weight helps in making the camera more stable from jerky movements. For professional still cameras, the weight also helps avoid capturing blurry photos.
Instructions
1. Choose your stance and where you will place your body weight after deciding your camera framing. Depending on whether you are shooting photos or videos, there are popular stances you can do to help with the camera's stability and avoid shaky camera movements. These stances imitate the function of a tripod or monopod. You can squat down with one knee pointing up so you can use your knee as a rest for the elbow, which supports the camera your hand is holding. You can also cradle the camera between your shoulder and your wrist. Another way is to lie on the ground, then have your elbows prop you up when shooting your subject. The stance you choose depends on whether you are shooting a photo or video, the angle and framing of your shot and and the length of time you use the camera for a shoot.
2. Hold the camera with both hands. If your stance permits, squeeze one elbow to hold the camera tightly against your side. This helps minimize unlikely camera movements during the shoot. Meanwhile, use your other hand to support the camera's base or its lens. You may also use said hand to support the other hand's forearm, wrist or elbow, while it holds the camera.
3. Make sure you are comfortable with your position, then, take a deep breath before pressing the camera's "Shoot" button. You have better control of your upper body movement when exhaling than when inhaling. If shooting a video, make sure that the stance you choose won't interfere with your regular breathing, especially if recording a video for a long time.
Tags: camera movements, during shoot, hand support, other hand, stance choose