10 tips for shooting handheld

Dec 21, 2023

Six Tips To Best Shoot Handheld.

  1. Use to use an IS lens: IS stands for image stabilizer. Nikon calls it VR, or vibration reduction. Both refer to a technology inside the lens' mechanism to lessen shaking and smoothing out footage. Make sure you have the VR or IS (or another equivalent) switch is on while shooting in handheld mode!
  2. Use two hands Two hands: One for the lens and one on the body. The more points of contact, more effective, therefore you should use both hands when stabilizing the camera.
  3. Maintain the camera close to your body Your hands are much more steady this way. As you stretch your arms, the shake will increase, in addition you'll get tired faster.
  4. Increase the number of contact points Utilize the camera strap to make another contact point to your neck, or the Zacuto Z-finder to add an eye contact point. eye.
  5. Beware of changing the focus: Any time you change the focus of the lens, you'll eventually add shake. Set the focus prior to when the camera is set, and avoid changing focus while filming. Also, keep in mind that the shallower your field of view, the more difficult it is to maintain your subject's sharp focus. Therefore, when you shoot handheld, it is advisable to use a smaller aperture (higher the f stop) in order to maximize the depth of field.
  6. Utilize a wider lens, and then move it closer camera shake is more noticeable on the longer side of your lens. Instead of zooming in to get an intimate shot, leave your lens on the wide end and just move closer. You'll be able to attain the same shot composition. It is necessary to be closer to your subject, but shooting handheld gives you that freedom!

That's that's what Patrick suggests! Below are a few additional ideas to be aware of:

  1. Use rules Follow horizontal and vertical lines inside your frame and match the vertical or horizontal lines of your camera's LCD screen or viewfinder. Just keeping them parallel and similar distances apart can help to keep your photo stable!
  2. Keep your feet on the feet on the ground The camera is an extension of your body. Therefore, the foundation for stability begins there. Place your legs in a row for greater stability and balance. If you're standing next to an object, such as a doorway or post you might want to consider leaning onto it in case you're shooting an unmoving shot.
  3. The key is in the hips If you have to track movement, try to avoid walking. Keep your feet planted and pivot away from your hips.
  4. Deep breath The way you breathe can affect the steadiness of your shot. If you're shooting a short film, you should take a long breath, then press record and let the air out in a steady and slow manner when you shoot. If you're recording for an extended duration, make sure to keep your breathing slow, steady, and steady. It will help to relax, so that your movements will be more fluid, and you'll feel less exhausted physically.

If you're looking to get the footage to convey that "raw, handheld" feeling, these suggestions are still super helpful. It's best to start at a level of stability, and introduce movement and shaking in a steady way.

This is all there is! Are you confident enough to handle the challenge?