En Whatever

Technique: Improvising Support

To get a clear shot you need a steady camera. The best way of achieving that is to use a tripod. But there will be times when you didn't bring one with you, or where you need to move around too much to set up. Instead, look around for what might act as a substitute. Camera bags are great; put one on a rock or the back of a chair or even propped in an open car window and then put the camera on top. The bag acts like a cushion.

I've had great luck with walls, columns, and other vertical structures. I turn the camera on end to get a vertically-oriented shot and then hold the camera against the surface, keeping it steady. You can use a bundled up coat or sweater to act as a cushion, allowing you to set a camera on a rock, on the ground, or even against a hand railing.

Just look around and see what might be available. You'll find your shots look better, and you don't get tired from carrying yet another piece of equipment around with you.

Labels: brace, improvise, steady, tripod

posted by Erik Sherman @ 5:13 AM