My take on “the Grip”

It’s funny how much energy photographers have expended debating this topic. I will admit that when I see someone holding their SLR camera like this… I assume that person is […]

Written By Rob Knight

On November 23, 2009
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It’s funny how much energy photographers have expended debating this topic. I will admit that when I see someone holding their SLR camera like this…

I assume that person is a novice. Mainly because most “pro” photographers have figured out how to hold their camera for maximum sharpness. I’ve read articles that mention HOW to hold a camera, but very few mention WHY this is the best way to use an SLR…

When you hold your camera in your right hand with your left thumb under the lens you are supporting all of the camera’s weight with your right hand. This means that you are pressing the shutter release and holding the camera still with the same hand. In other words, you are MOVING your support hand slightly every time you press the shutter release. See the problem?

On the other hand (pun intended), if you hold the camera with the lens (or bottom of the camera) resting in the palm of your left hand, you are supporting the weight with one hand and pressing the shutter release with the other hand. This way you can introduce as little vibration as possible when you press the shutter release. Oddly enough, this is similar to target shooting with a hand gun- Most of your grip should be in your support hand so you can press the trigger with your trigger finger and not pull the pistol off target.

The point is this… it is more stable to support the camera with one hand and press the shutter release with the other. More stable means sharper photos and more keepers. This is especially important if you’re using longer exposures. If someone tells you you’re holding your camera the wrong way, they aren’t making fun of you (well, most people aren’t), they are trying to help you. When you’re ready to get REALLY serious about your grip, check THIS out… Da Grip

Now go take some sharp photos!

1 Comment

  1. lovebug35

    hmm.. that’s interesting.. I had no idea about some of these..

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