No tripod? How to Get Handheld Right

I love a good hike. One of my favourite summer activities is climbing mountains and reaching raw, untouched beauty. However, weight and long distances can put a real damper on any adventure. So the solution to this problem is to travel light. For me, this often means leaving my tripod at my base camp.

However, one valuable tool for the landscape photographer is the tripod. So the question is, "How can you get a solid photo when handholding your camera?" The good news here is that it is possible, and today I'll be sharing a few tips that will help you capture the beauty of your adventures without a tripod. 

1. Use lens or camera stabilizing options

Many lenses, especially longer lenses, have an image stabilizing or vibration reduction slider on the lens's exterior. Some cameras also have a stabilizing option inside the menu. Image stabilization can compensate for a slight shake when an image is handheld. Many camera and lens manufacturers claim that photos can be taken at several stops slower than is typically recommended when handholding a camera with image stabilization. So using this option when handholding is a smart choice for those crisp images landscape photographers often crave.  

Note: Ensure image stabilization is turned off when the camera is on a tripod, as this option can be counterproductive when the camera is stabilized. 

2. Use a faster shutter speed

A faster shutter speed is often best when hand-holding a camera and will help capture sharper images free from unintended motion blur. A simple math formula is commonly suggested for handheld images using the theory that shutter speed should roughly correspond to the lens focal length. For example, if you use a 14-24 mm lens, the shutter speed should probably not fall below 1/24 of a second (or 1/25 sec). When using a 70-200mm lens, a shutter speed of 1/200 sec is best. Keep in mind though the heavier the lens, the more potential for a handheld shake. 

However, should your lens or camera have image stabilization, you can try the recommended number of stops lower than this suggested formula. For example, the Nikon z series claims images can be taken at five slower handheld with image stabilization. 

^{ISO 64, 200 mm, f8, 1/320 sec}

3. Open up your aperture 

When handholding a camera, consider a wider aperture to facilitate a faster shutter speed and help prevent blurry images. Landscape images do not always need to be captured with those ideal mid-range apertures. Sometimes wider apertures will still be able to facilitate a sharp and in-focus image throughout the entire photo. A depth of field calculator can help confirm the focus plane with wider apertures.  

4. Use a higher ISO 

The best ISO choice in landscape photography is always the lowest possible number to balance the exposure triangle for a correctly exposed image. When handholding your camera for landscape photography, don't be afraid to bump up your ISO so that you can use a faster shutter speed. Thus, reducing the likelihood of handheld shake and achieving a sharp and in-focus image. 

5. Use a grad ND

High dynamic range scenes are often best captured using the tripod, which facilitates bracketing techniques. However, graduated neutral density filters can help reduce the dynamic range in a scene, permitting a single exposure and eliminating the need for bracketing. Don't be afraid to use a graduated ND when holding your camera.  

6. Embrace the blur

Creative landscape photography can be a wonderful break from the sometimes stringent rules for creating high-quality landscape images. When handholding your camera, think about embracing movement in your pictures, like the purposeful use of intentional camera movement techniques. The blur from ICM can be artistic and beautiful and works well when handholding a camera. 

^{ISO 64, 200mm, f20, 1/25 sec}

Sometimes it's necessary to leave the tripod behind. However, it's entirely possible to take a fantastic landscape image without a tripod. All you need to do is consider the above tips when doing so!