Dan Frieling, my bro, pointed out to me that advertising pictures almost universally show someone holding a camera in what I call the “bird wing” stance. Their elbows are sticking out each side like the wings of a bird. It is probably impossible to hold a camera steady in this position. It is also uncomfortable, and muscle-straining. 

Here’s Someone Holding A Camera In A Nice Steady Position. Photo: Nicolas Laadino Silva

Instead, hold the camera like you’d hold a rifle with your shutter finger/arm in a “wing” position and your other elbow against your chest, hand under the lens. This position is comfortable and well-braced.

Here’s a “Modified” Wing Hold. Don’t Try This At Home!. Be Careful That Your Hat Is Not Blocking Any Sensors.  Photo: Selya Maeda

While I am a huge fan of the cameras in phones,  they are pretty hard to  hold steady in any position. There are numerous grips available, and if they will hold the phone, depending upon the grip  and upon how  thick your phone case is, they tend to work pretty well. I think they turn a phone into a pretty serious camera. They SHINE for macro shots. If I told you how many thousand pictures i have “on” my phone you would not believe me. The cheap (from Amazon of course) wireless remote shutter buttons work great and can be helpful. I have one on my iPhone grip so I can shoot with that remote shutter while holding the grip. I think the remote wireless shutter things were about six for ten dollars. 

Best Advice: Take a lot of  pictures! Second Best Advice: Look at the results!

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Photo coaching available. 720-320-6201

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com