What is the “Water Glass†training technique for learning to hold a camera steady?
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I have heard something about photographers getting trained like butlers by walking with an full glass of water on their hand and removing fingers one by one.
As I have heard, that training technique makes the photographers hands less shaky but does that technique really exist or its just another fake urban story ?
Also what is the name of that technique?
camera-shake hand-held handling
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Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I have heard something about photographers getting trained like butlers by walking with an full glass of water on their hand and removing fingers one by one.
As I have heard, that training technique makes the photographers hands less shaky but does that technique really exist or its just another fake urban story ?
Also what is the name of that technique?
camera-shake hand-held handling
New contributor
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Can't say I've ever heard of this - super interested to see what comes! As far as technique is concerned, I've found standing rifle shooting to provide better muscle training for steadiness.
– Hueco
9 hours ago
Less shaky hands sound like a good thing to have, because they hold the camera. But when you think about it: it seems to be a lot more effective to use your whole body to stabilise the camera position if need be.
– null
8 hours ago
9
We carried the glasses on the backs of our hands to the peak of a mountain, while it was snowing, to water the gardens. We also spent hours meditating. The great masters don't even need cameras. You can hand them film, photo paper, memory cards, or whatever. They make clicking sounds, and the images appear.
– xiota
8 hours ago
1
Don't forget to attach the knives.
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
@xiota You had to carry the gardens, while it was snowing? You're sure it as snow and not some fallout? :p
– Alexander von Wernherr
14 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I have heard something about photographers getting trained like butlers by walking with an full glass of water on their hand and removing fingers one by one.
As I have heard, that training technique makes the photographers hands less shaky but does that technique really exist or its just another fake urban story ?
Also what is the name of that technique?
camera-shake hand-held handling
New contributor
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I have heard something about photographers getting trained like butlers by walking with an full glass of water on their hand and removing fingers one by one.
As I have heard, that training technique makes the photographers hands less shaky but does that technique really exist or its just another fake urban story ?
Also what is the name of that technique?
camera-shake hand-held handling
camera-shake hand-held handling
New contributor
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 6 hours ago
mattdm
117k37341633
117k37341633
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Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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asked 11 hours ago


Jonathan Irons
1173
1173
New contributor
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Can't say I've ever heard of this - super interested to see what comes! As far as technique is concerned, I've found standing rifle shooting to provide better muscle training for steadiness.
– Hueco
9 hours ago
Less shaky hands sound like a good thing to have, because they hold the camera. But when you think about it: it seems to be a lot more effective to use your whole body to stabilise the camera position if need be.
– null
8 hours ago
9
We carried the glasses on the backs of our hands to the peak of a mountain, while it was snowing, to water the gardens. We also spent hours meditating. The great masters don't even need cameras. You can hand them film, photo paper, memory cards, or whatever. They make clicking sounds, and the images appear.
– xiota
8 hours ago
1
Don't forget to attach the knives.
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
@xiota You had to carry the gardens, while it was snowing? You're sure it as snow and not some fallout? :p
– Alexander von Wernherr
14 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1
Can't say I've ever heard of this - super interested to see what comes! As far as technique is concerned, I've found standing rifle shooting to provide better muscle training for steadiness.
– Hueco
9 hours ago
Less shaky hands sound like a good thing to have, because they hold the camera. But when you think about it: it seems to be a lot more effective to use your whole body to stabilise the camera position if need be.
– null
8 hours ago
9
We carried the glasses on the backs of our hands to the peak of a mountain, while it was snowing, to water the gardens. We also spent hours meditating. The great masters don't even need cameras. You can hand them film, photo paper, memory cards, or whatever. They make clicking sounds, and the images appear.
– xiota
8 hours ago
1
Don't forget to attach the knives.
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
@xiota You had to carry the gardens, while it was snowing? You're sure it as snow and not some fallout? :p
– Alexander von Wernherr
14 mins ago
1
1
Can't say I've ever heard of this - super interested to see what comes! As far as technique is concerned, I've found standing rifle shooting to provide better muscle training for steadiness.
– Hueco
9 hours ago
Can't say I've ever heard of this - super interested to see what comes! As far as technique is concerned, I've found standing rifle shooting to provide better muscle training for steadiness.
– Hueco
9 hours ago
Less shaky hands sound like a good thing to have, because they hold the camera. But when you think about it: it seems to be a lot more effective to use your whole body to stabilise the camera position if need be.
– null
8 hours ago
Less shaky hands sound like a good thing to have, because they hold the camera. But when you think about it: it seems to be a lot more effective to use your whole body to stabilise the camera position if need be.
– null
8 hours ago
9
9
We carried the glasses on the backs of our hands to the peak of a mountain, while it was snowing, to water the gardens. We also spent hours meditating. The great masters don't even need cameras. You can hand them film, photo paper, memory cards, or whatever. They make clicking sounds, and the images appear.
– xiota
8 hours ago
We carried the glasses on the backs of our hands to the peak of a mountain, while it was snowing, to water the gardens. We also spent hours meditating. The great masters don't even need cameras. You can hand them film, photo paper, memory cards, or whatever. They make clicking sounds, and the images appear.
– xiota
8 hours ago
1
1
Don't forget to attach the knives.
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
Don't forget to attach the knives.
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
@xiota You had to carry the gardens, while it was snowing? You're sure it as snow and not some fallout? :p
– Alexander von Wernherr
14 mins ago
@xiota You had to carry the gardens, while it was snowing? You're sure it as snow and not some fallout? :p
– Alexander von Wernherr
14 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Now I will tell you a real training exercise. Train yourself to hand-hold the camera with a steady and non-jerking stroke when pressing the shutter release. Place an operating flashlight on a book shelf or mantel, at eyelevel height. Mount a small mirror before the camera lens. Use masking tape.
Assume a picture taking position. Adjust yourself and camera so the light beam from the flashlight reflects off the mirror and projects a spot of light on the wall. Practice holding the camera and pressing the shutter release, all the while observe the light spot for movement.
Practice until you can execute this deed with a steady hand. You will need to practice breath control if you train yourself for a hand-held prolonged exposure.
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
1
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think I've ever heard of it, and I've been reading about camera stabilization techniques since the 1980s. If I have ever heard of it, I have since forgotten it to the point that even this discussion does not jog a memory.
Most instructionals emphasize holding the arms against the body (or other solid objects such as a wall, or a tree, etc.) so that the hands have nowhere much to move. They also tend to talk about using the same breathing techniques that military sharpshooters are taught to increase their accuracy and consistency with firearms.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I am not familiar with that technique and to be honest, I don't recall any training or practice to help holding the camera steady. This is because of two factors: holding the camera correctly, and understanding the impact of shutter speed on motion.
I suggest doing a google search on 'how to hold a camera', where you will be linked to many stories such as this one. Providing the proper support to your camera will bring significant stability, and reduce 'shake'.
Of course, ensuring that you are shooting at the proper shutter speed is critical as well, and likely the largest noticeable impact to your images. An old 'rule of thumb' for full frame cameras was to ensure that you shoot and a shutter speed above the 1/focal length of the lens you are using: if you are shooting at 70mm, ensure your shutterspeed is above 1/70th. Likewise, if shooting at 200mm, shoot above 1/200th. In general, you should ensure that any hand held shooting occurs at 1/60th or above, though these days with stabilization and crop sensors, it is no longer a very useful gauge, only a simple reminder to ensure you are shooting at the proper shutter speed for your conditions.
You will notice photographers using long lenses, such as during sporting events or perhaps shooting wildlife. This is because many use very long lenses, and they need shutter speeds lower than the focal length.
1
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Now I will tell you a real training exercise. Train yourself to hand-hold the camera with a steady and non-jerking stroke when pressing the shutter release. Place an operating flashlight on a book shelf or mantel, at eyelevel height. Mount a small mirror before the camera lens. Use masking tape.
Assume a picture taking position. Adjust yourself and camera so the light beam from the flashlight reflects off the mirror and projects a spot of light on the wall. Practice holding the camera and pressing the shutter release, all the while observe the light spot for movement.
Practice until you can execute this deed with a steady hand. You will need to practice breath control if you train yourself for a hand-held prolonged exposure.
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
1
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Now I will tell you a real training exercise. Train yourself to hand-hold the camera with a steady and non-jerking stroke when pressing the shutter release. Place an operating flashlight on a book shelf or mantel, at eyelevel height. Mount a small mirror before the camera lens. Use masking tape.
Assume a picture taking position. Adjust yourself and camera so the light beam from the flashlight reflects off the mirror and projects a spot of light on the wall. Practice holding the camera and pressing the shutter release, all the while observe the light spot for movement.
Practice until you can execute this deed with a steady hand. You will need to practice breath control if you train yourself for a hand-held prolonged exposure.
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
1
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Now I will tell you a real training exercise. Train yourself to hand-hold the camera with a steady and non-jerking stroke when pressing the shutter release. Place an operating flashlight on a book shelf or mantel, at eyelevel height. Mount a small mirror before the camera lens. Use masking tape.
Assume a picture taking position. Adjust yourself and camera so the light beam from the flashlight reflects off the mirror and projects a spot of light on the wall. Practice holding the camera and pressing the shutter release, all the while observe the light spot for movement.
Practice until you can execute this deed with a steady hand. You will need to practice breath control if you train yourself for a hand-held prolonged exposure.
Now I will tell you a real training exercise. Train yourself to hand-hold the camera with a steady and non-jerking stroke when pressing the shutter release. Place an operating flashlight on a book shelf or mantel, at eyelevel height. Mount a small mirror before the camera lens. Use masking tape.
Assume a picture taking position. Adjust yourself and camera so the light beam from the flashlight reflects off the mirror and projects a spot of light on the wall. Practice holding the camera and pressing the shutter release, all the while observe the light spot for movement.
Practice until you can execute this deed with a steady hand. You will need to practice breath control if you train yourself for a hand-held prolonged exposure.
answered 9 hours ago


Alan Marcus
23.6k12756
23.6k12756
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
1
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
1
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
Nowadays you can just buy a cheap cat-toy laser and tape it to your lens. ;)
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
1
1
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
@ junkyardsparkle -- Good idea - a tip of the hat from Alan Marcus
– Alan Marcus
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think I've ever heard of it, and I've been reading about camera stabilization techniques since the 1980s. If I have ever heard of it, I have since forgotten it to the point that even this discussion does not jog a memory.
Most instructionals emphasize holding the arms against the body (or other solid objects such as a wall, or a tree, etc.) so that the hands have nowhere much to move. They also tend to talk about using the same breathing techniques that military sharpshooters are taught to increase their accuracy and consistency with firearms.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think I've ever heard of it, and I've been reading about camera stabilization techniques since the 1980s. If I have ever heard of it, I have since forgotten it to the point that even this discussion does not jog a memory.
Most instructionals emphasize holding the arms against the body (or other solid objects such as a wall, or a tree, etc.) so that the hands have nowhere much to move. They also tend to talk about using the same breathing techniques that military sharpshooters are taught to increase their accuracy and consistency with firearms.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I don't think I've ever heard of it, and I've been reading about camera stabilization techniques since the 1980s. If I have ever heard of it, I have since forgotten it to the point that even this discussion does not jog a memory.
Most instructionals emphasize holding the arms against the body (or other solid objects such as a wall, or a tree, etc.) so that the hands have nowhere much to move. They also tend to talk about using the same breathing techniques that military sharpshooters are taught to increase their accuracy and consistency with firearms.
I don't think I've ever heard of it, and I've been reading about camera stabilization techniques since the 1980s. If I have ever heard of it, I have since forgotten it to the point that even this discussion does not jog a memory.
Most instructionals emphasize holding the arms against the body (or other solid objects such as a wall, or a tree, etc.) so that the hands have nowhere much to move. They also tend to talk about using the same breathing techniques that military sharpshooters are taught to increase their accuracy and consistency with firearms.
answered 3 hours ago


Michael Clark
122k7138344
122k7138344
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I am not familiar with that technique and to be honest, I don't recall any training or practice to help holding the camera steady. This is because of two factors: holding the camera correctly, and understanding the impact of shutter speed on motion.
I suggest doing a google search on 'how to hold a camera', where you will be linked to many stories such as this one. Providing the proper support to your camera will bring significant stability, and reduce 'shake'.
Of course, ensuring that you are shooting at the proper shutter speed is critical as well, and likely the largest noticeable impact to your images. An old 'rule of thumb' for full frame cameras was to ensure that you shoot and a shutter speed above the 1/focal length of the lens you are using: if you are shooting at 70mm, ensure your shutterspeed is above 1/70th. Likewise, if shooting at 200mm, shoot above 1/200th. In general, you should ensure that any hand held shooting occurs at 1/60th or above, though these days with stabilization and crop sensors, it is no longer a very useful gauge, only a simple reminder to ensure you are shooting at the proper shutter speed for your conditions.
You will notice photographers using long lenses, such as during sporting events or perhaps shooting wildlife. This is because many use very long lenses, and they need shutter speeds lower than the focal length.
1
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I am not familiar with that technique and to be honest, I don't recall any training or practice to help holding the camera steady. This is because of two factors: holding the camera correctly, and understanding the impact of shutter speed on motion.
I suggest doing a google search on 'how to hold a camera', where you will be linked to many stories such as this one. Providing the proper support to your camera will bring significant stability, and reduce 'shake'.
Of course, ensuring that you are shooting at the proper shutter speed is critical as well, and likely the largest noticeable impact to your images. An old 'rule of thumb' for full frame cameras was to ensure that you shoot and a shutter speed above the 1/focal length of the lens you are using: if you are shooting at 70mm, ensure your shutterspeed is above 1/70th. Likewise, if shooting at 200mm, shoot above 1/200th. In general, you should ensure that any hand held shooting occurs at 1/60th or above, though these days with stabilization and crop sensors, it is no longer a very useful gauge, only a simple reminder to ensure you are shooting at the proper shutter speed for your conditions.
You will notice photographers using long lenses, such as during sporting events or perhaps shooting wildlife. This is because many use very long lenses, and they need shutter speeds lower than the focal length.
1
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I am not familiar with that technique and to be honest, I don't recall any training or practice to help holding the camera steady. This is because of two factors: holding the camera correctly, and understanding the impact of shutter speed on motion.
I suggest doing a google search on 'how to hold a camera', where you will be linked to many stories such as this one. Providing the proper support to your camera will bring significant stability, and reduce 'shake'.
Of course, ensuring that you are shooting at the proper shutter speed is critical as well, and likely the largest noticeable impact to your images. An old 'rule of thumb' for full frame cameras was to ensure that you shoot and a shutter speed above the 1/focal length of the lens you are using: if you are shooting at 70mm, ensure your shutterspeed is above 1/70th. Likewise, if shooting at 200mm, shoot above 1/200th. In general, you should ensure that any hand held shooting occurs at 1/60th or above, though these days with stabilization and crop sensors, it is no longer a very useful gauge, only a simple reminder to ensure you are shooting at the proper shutter speed for your conditions.
You will notice photographers using long lenses, such as during sporting events or perhaps shooting wildlife. This is because many use very long lenses, and they need shutter speeds lower than the focal length.
I am not familiar with that technique and to be honest, I don't recall any training or practice to help holding the camera steady. This is because of two factors: holding the camera correctly, and understanding the impact of shutter speed on motion.
I suggest doing a google search on 'how to hold a camera', where you will be linked to many stories such as this one. Providing the proper support to your camera will bring significant stability, and reduce 'shake'.
Of course, ensuring that you are shooting at the proper shutter speed is critical as well, and likely the largest noticeable impact to your images. An old 'rule of thumb' for full frame cameras was to ensure that you shoot and a shutter speed above the 1/focal length of the lens you are using: if you are shooting at 70mm, ensure your shutterspeed is above 1/70th. Likewise, if shooting at 200mm, shoot above 1/200th. In general, you should ensure that any hand held shooting occurs at 1/60th or above, though these days with stabilization and crop sensors, it is no longer a very useful gauge, only a simple reminder to ensure you are shooting at the proper shutter speed for your conditions.
You will notice photographers using long lenses, such as during sporting events or perhaps shooting wildlife. This is because many use very long lenses, and they need shutter speeds lower than the focal length.
answered 7 hours ago
cmason
12.7k12653
12.7k12653
1
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
1
1
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
"You will notice photographers using long lenses [...]. This is because many use very long lenses" - Was that supposed to happen or did you mean something else? I'm confused about that last paragraph.
– confetti
5 hours ago
add a comment |Â
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Jonathan Irons is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
Can't say I've ever heard of this - super interested to see what comes! As far as technique is concerned, I've found standing rifle shooting to provide better muscle training for steadiness.
– Hueco
9 hours ago
Less shaky hands sound like a good thing to have, because they hold the camera. But when you think about it: it seems to be a lot more effective to use your whole body to stabilise the camera position if need be.
– null
8 hours ago
9
We carried the glasses on the backs of our hands to the peak of a mountain, while it was snowing, to water the gardens. We also spent hours meditating. The great masters don't even need cameras. You can hand them film, photo paper, memory cards, or whatever. They make clicking sounds, and the images appear.
– xiota
8 hours ago
1
Don't forget to attach the knives.
– junkyardsparkle
6 hours ago
@xiota You had to carry the gardens, while it was snowing? You're sure it as snow and not some fallout? :p
– Alexander von Wernherr
14 mins ago