Digital SLR Photography All-in-One For Dummies. Robert Correll

like microphones, headphones, some remotes, and older RCA plugs, are very easy to insert. Others, such as HDMI, USB, and some remotes, can be put in only one way. Align these cables with their matching terminal carefully.

       Don’t force a cable where it doesn’t want to go! Make sure that you have the correct cable and are trying to connect it to the proper terminal. Make sure everything is aligned correctly. Inspect the cable and terminal on the camera for damage. Connecting cables can be difficult at night or in dim light, even if you know your camera by touch. If necessary, take a small flashlight with you so that you can see what you're doing.

      ❯❯ Changing batteries and memory cards: Although these actions are simple, they deserve their own sections. I cover them a bit later in the chapter.

❯❯ Attaching grips: Grips, sometimes called battery grips or vertical grips, are very functional. They look cool (see Figure 2-8), house additional controls to make holding the camera vertically easier, and give your camera extra battery power. Attaching one is easy. You may need to remove the battery from your camera, and then load fresh batteries into the grip. Some grips have extensions that slide into the camera’s battery compartment. Screw the grip onto the camera’s tripod socket.

       FIGURE 2-8: This Sony camera looks mighty impressive with a grip attached.

      Gripping the Camera

      Mastering your grip pays dividends of sharper, clearer photos when shooting handheld. You have a more stable platform to shoot from, rely less on image stabilization, and you can use slower shutter speeds and not shake the camera. The following sections talk about positions you can work on.

       No matter what grip you use, try to maintain good posture. Don’t hunch, bend over improperly, or hold the camera at arm’s length. You’ll tire easily and possibly hurt yourself. Hold the camera close so that you can support it easily.

       Standard grip

The standard grip is shown in Figure 2-9. Use your right hand to grip and support the camera. Hold the camera’s grip with your right hand. Slide your pinky finger underneath the camera and use it as a supporting shelf. Your ring and middle fingers grip and hold the camera, while your index finger works the top controls. Your thumb provides support at times, but also works controls on the back of the camera. Your left hand provides support but also operates controls on that side of the camera and the lens.

       FIGURE 2-9: Me, holding the camera normally.

       Don’t forget about operating the flash. I temporarily hold the camera in my left hand and use my right hand to operate external flash controls.

      When you're ready to take the photos, support the weight of the lens with your left palm. At times, you may be more comfortable supporting the entire weight of the camera with your left hand so that you can remove your right hand from the grip and work various dials, buttons, and controls. When you're ready to take the picture, move your right hand back into position on the grip to press the shutter button.

      To promote good posture and add some stability, lock down your left elbow against your stomach. Look through the viewfinder or watch the LCD screen to frame and focus.

       Vertical grip

Your hands and fingers stay in the same place, but you twist the camera vertically. If I’m using autofocus and not zooming in and out, I use my left hand to support most of the camera’s weight (see Figure 2-10), and my right hand stabilizes the camera vertically and takes the picture. My right elbow is extended in this pose. If you are in a tight space or around other people, you should pull it in close to your body to avoid bumping into them. Your right wrist will cramp a bit, but if you practice at it you’ll be fine.

       FIGURE 2-10: Vertical grip.

       Over-the-shoulder grip

      A well-known photographer promotes a grip style where you point your left shoulder toward the subject, using it to support the weight of the camera. You hold the camera with your right hand, and your left hand comes up to rest on the back of your right hand, stabilizing and securing it. You have to turn your head a bit to face the camera. I’ve tried this technique and can’t quite seem to get comfortable with it, but it is rock-solid.

       Live View grip

Gripping the camera when using Live View is a different feeling. You don't hold the camera close to your face and body like you do when you’re looking through the viewfinder. Hold the camera away from your face so you can see the LCD monitor. When zooming or focusing, move your left hand back to the lens to operate these controls. Your right hand doesn't change at all. I am checking the composition in Figure 2-11.

       FIGURE 2-11: Working in Live View.

       Viewing using the LCD monitor is a much more casual setup, and has some unique benefits. First, it’s pretty comfortable. It’s possible to use the touchscreen better with this grip because your face isn’t plastered up against the camera. You're able to keep track of what's going on around you easier so that you can catch the action or stay safe. You're also able to interact with your subjects better. However, this position is much harder to stabilize, so I recommend keeping shutter speeds a bit higher than you would taking the same photo using the viewfinder.

      Providing Additional Support

      The best way to stabilize your camera is with a good tripod. Using a support lets you set longer shutter speeds and not worry about camera movement blurring your photos. One-legged monopods offer less support but are much more mobile.

      You can mount different heads on tripods and monopods. Some pan and tilt. Others are a form of ball joint. Whichever you choose (I have both), look into getting one with a quick-release plate. You screw it into the camera bottom and then lock the plate onto the tripod head. It’s far easier to latch and unlatch the quick-release plate than it is to screw and unscrew the entire camera.

       You can use a fence, a rock, a vehicle, the ground, or another item if you need to stabilize your camera and don’t have a support with you. You can also try kneeling to stabilize the camera. You may find that resting your elbow on your knee is comfortable in this position.

       Tripod

I use a tripod all the time (see Figure 2-12). It’s good for ya. When taking macros or close-ups in the studio, formal portraits, or landscape shots, nothing works better at securing and supporting the weight of the camera. Cheap tripods, however, while affordable and minimally functional, are very disappointing. You really do get what you pay for. If you want something that will be stable and last for more than two days, get a name-brand tripod from a camera shop, not a discount store.

       FIGURE 2-12: Tripods provide fantastic support for cameras.