I was sitting at my desk this morning listening to the icicles dripping away outside and it gave me an idea. A little tips & tricks post for you photographers out there in the interwebs. A common question I see a lot from photographers on forums who are just starting out, is how to get crisp, sharp in-focus images while hand holding your camera. I know it's one of my biggest challenges while photographing my moving target clients, AKA children of the toddler variety. Those babies are FAST!
There are zillions of articles already written about the ideal way to hand hold a camera, one that I recommend is from Darren Rowse on his Digital Photography School blog. Go read it. And then come back. :)
Ok, got all that? Everything that Darren mentions is important, especially, in my opinion, holding your breath while you release the shutter. It wasn't until I started regularly shooting macro photography when I realized how much of a difference it makes. Now, I think where a lot of new photographers get frustrated is actually executing all of these tips while they're shooting. It's a lot to remember on top of camera settings, lighting conditions, composition, and every other little thing that helps to create a beautiful image. Not to mention that often, your surroundings and/or your subject matter are just a bit chaotic. Did I mention the moving target clients?
Here's what I do, and I recommend you try it out. I practice on water drops. Bumblebees work well too, and are even more challenging. Both subjects are incredibly difficult to follow and focus on, while hand-holding your camera. Spending the time to train your muscles to remember the proper techniques will help you out later. Muscle memory is a powerful thing and once you have it, it will all become second nature.
The following images I shot this morning, hand held. I kept my ISO low to keep it challenging, the higher the ISO, the easier it will be. I also used a near wide open aperture to keep the focus area small. I tend to shoot wide open for my portraits, so this is what I want to practice. I had to close down the aperture just a bit to keep the shutter speed low. The faster your shutter speed, the easier it's going to be, so keep it challenging. A bit of wind added in will keep you on your toes as well!
ISO: 100, Lens: 100 2.8, Fstop: 3.2, Shutter Speed: 1/60
ISO: 100, Lens: 100 2.8, Fstop: 3.2, Shutter Speed: 1/60
ISO: 100, Lens: 100 2.8, Fstop: 3.2, Shutter Speed: 1/200
Finding your center, being Zen, being able to "focus"... call it what you will, but once you have it, your images will reflect that calmness. Let me know if this was helpful!
Nice tips. I will definitely try that out!
Posted by: Jeannie | March 02, 2010 at 03:28 PM
I love shooting bees! Debating whether or not I see you in that second one. :) Great tips!
Posted by: Zak | March 02, 2010 at 06:13 PM
I love the Digital School of Photography Site! There is sooooooo much info there...I could be online for hours reading the tips! Great post! I love it when other photographers reach out and help with tips to beginners. Says a lot of about the photographer...and we appreciate that!
Posted by: Michelle | March 03, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Greta Jeannie, I can't wait to hear if it's helpful! And Zak, you found me, that is my reflection :)
Michelle, I love that site too, he has great content. I'm glad you liked the post :)
Posted by: Meredith Williams | March 04, 2010 at 02:59 PM