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3 Alternative
Tripod Tips for Steady Photographs
By
Kimberly Shannon
The tripod is
one cumbersome accessory, and in many cases,
it's just one of those items you don't want
to lug along with you each and every time
you’re planning on taking pictures. However,
even without the tripod, there are several
ways to improve your photographing results,
if you pay attention to your surroundings.
The Lazy
Photographers Tripod
Let's say
you're heading out for nice stroll, digital
camera in your pocket, and you really don't
want to carry that bulky heavy tripod. The
first consideration is of course how to
properly steady your hands while taking
pictures. Most people use their hands when
taking pictures, so it's not the end of the
world if you have to. However, there is a
right way and a wrong way to do it.
Even if you
have steady hands like that of a surgeon,
you’ll need a little assistance when it
comes to holding that camera perfectly
still. For your best results, always hold
the camera with both hands. Your left hand
should not be grasping the camera, rather it
should be supporting it, while your right
hand has a solid grip on it. Use your chest
to brace your arms and steady your hands.
When you're
ready to snap the picture, don't press the
shutter button quickly as this will actually
cause the camera to shake slightly as you
click it. Try squeezing the button slowly.
As you squeeze you are entering a two-stage
process. The first stage will lock in your
focus and exposure and as you continue to
squeeze down on the shutter button, the
picture will be taken.
The Spur
of the Moment Tripod
Depending on
the environment you are in, you can use your
surroundings to help steady the camera. If
there's a nearby railing, use it as your
steadying device. If the surface is smooth
enough, you can place the camera directly on
the railing, gently but firmly gripping the
camera as you squeeze off your next shot.
Even using a
nearby wall or fence to lean against can
help create a more secure way of steadying
your camera while manually pressing the
shutter button. Of course you'll want to
make sure you're the only one using the prop
to steady yourself. If someone were to come
along just at the right moment and bump the
railing or perhaps simply backup against it,
you might get a sudden jarring motion just
as you take your picture, which will produce
an unwanted result.
The Less
Cumbersome Tripod Alternative
Sometimes the
surface of your possible props may not be as
steady or smooth as preferred. In these
cases, you can use a beanbag. Some beanbags
are actually specifically threaded just for
this purpose, allowing you to securely
attach your camera to it. The nice thing
about the beanbag is it's flexibility, which
allows you to adapt it to almost any surface
providing you with a more stable setting for
your camera.
The most
important thing to remember is to take along
that camera everywhere you go. Tripod or
not, the world is full of wonderful and
exciting things that you can capture on film
or memory disc, if you take it with you
always.
Article by
Kimberly Shannon - Exploring the world
through the digital camera. Visit
DigitalTipsWeekly.com where you can read
more articles for
digital camera comparisons and
photography tips.
http://digitaltipsweekly.com
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