For some time we’ve been mastering hand held work with DSLRs and there is no better alternative to film capture with the camera locked to your body. Unlike tripods and monopods which fix a pivot of directional movement, when our techniques are properly applied, its possible to create motion shots likened to steadicam or fluid tripod heads without restriction. The concept is to drive panning movements from the hips rather from the arms and let the hands guide ‘directional drifts’, (DDs) as we call them, to execute smooth transitions within scenes.

Academy trainees at the studio are asked to leave shoulder mounts behind. At first as expected there is a fall in steadiness but within a short time the results match mount supported work but leave the operator free to explore highly dynamic coverage. Trainees are directed to conduct regular weights work to strengthen arms, back and posture. The strap use of the camera is also important and correctly positioned can aid shooting enormously.

We (at PR Photography) play a game we call ‘steadihero’ to shoot with the 85mm on the 5D / 50mm on the 7D (marginally easier because of the crop calculation – 80mm equivalent) unstabilised for as long as possible with the frame not exceending the test card zone. The studio leaderboard is wiped clean every week. Current standing is 3 mins 37 sec.
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