Fundamentals of holding the camera properly
The most important aspect of holding a DSLR properly is good contact points. The problem with the photographer featured on this page is that her arms are not supported at all, so they cannot hold the camera steadily. While standing up, you can usually achieve solid contact points by resting your elbows against your body.
When holding the camera while crouching, kneeling, or lying down, photographers make many mistakes. In these positions, photographers often rest their elbows on hard surfaces. For example, while kneeling, many photographers rest one elbow on the knee. This position is not solid because the joint-to-joint contact allows for a lot of play. By scooting the elbow back slightly so it rests on the meat of the leg rather than on the knee, the contact point is much more solid. This is a tip used by rifle shooters to increase their stability while aiming, and it is just as applicable for photographers.
1.Holding the camera in landscape orientation (horizontal)
The most important aspect of holding a camera in landscape orientation is that the elbows are tucked in tightly against the body. This may feel awkward at first, but it will pay off when shooting in low-light or when you need to use a slow shutter speed without a tripod.
Second, be sure to press the viewfinder firmly against your face. When I hold my camera to my face, I turn my head slightly so that it contacts some of my cheek, which is an additional contact point.
Last, recognize that most people will be able to hold a heavier camera more steadily than a light camera. The body has a tough time reducing jitters without something to push against. While I have found this to be true for me, it may not be true for all people. My wife hates shooting with my Nikon because it is so heavy that she can’t hold it still.
The picture below illustrates how to correctly hold a camera in landscape orientation. Want an example of how NOT to hold a DSLR? Look no further than the Improve Photography logo. See how the elbows extend out from the body and form a right angle under the DSLR? It’s bad news…
