How to hold a 35mm camera steady?

Question

I do fine with digitals! any tips would be appreciated. All my shots are at 125 or higher.

Also if you could give me some Fstops that would work well for great depth of field & shallow depth of field.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The way you hold you camera is important. When focusing, make a "U" shape (thumb at 9 and pointer at 3) instead of a "C" shape (fingers at 12 and 6).
When you shoot vertical shots, turn the camera 90 degrees counter clockwise, so that it hangs down from your right hand.
With a 35 mm camera, you will most likely reach your max depth of field at about f11, so there usually won't be a need to go higher than that. And as you probably know, the closer you get to f1, the shallower you depth of field will be. But unlike with a digital camera you can use a very open aperture, if you focus well, and the subject will still be sharp.
Also, if you keep your shutter speed above 250 you really shouldn't have any blur issues with still objects.
If none of that works, breath out slowly and squeeze the shutter button.

Answer 2

If you are right handed hold your left hand open and facing up, place the camera in your left hand and put your thumb and fore-finger on the focus ring and use your thumb and fore-finger to focus while using your right hand to depress the shutter release.

Using a tripod would improve your pictures dramatically while also forcing you to think more about your composition and eliminating camera movement almost completely.

Use higher numbered f-stops, ie 16 or 22 for greater depth of field and use smaller ones, ie 2 or 4 for more shallow depth of field.

f-4 or 5.6 for a close-up portrait makes skin appear to be smoother, skin would appear softer whereas f-16 for the same pic would show the pores of the skin in the same portrait, not a flattering option.

Pick up Kodak book on "Portraits" at any book store and most camera shops. An easy read and extremely informative. Many good books on composition out there as well.

Read, read, read !!!! Shoot, shoot, shoot !!!

Answer 3

Try bracing or pulling your elbows into your chest, that will help stabilize the camera. depth of field f-16 for a lot of depth, shallow depth use f-2 or 3.5.

Answer 4

The information above is all good and I only want to add one thought. Jesse says to breathe out, but I say to take a deep breath and hold it while you gently, gently squeeze the shutter release.

Answer 5

Use a tripod