The ergonomics of shooting vertically

[batmura]

Anyone else think that it is difficult to shoot vertically compared to horizontally because of the design of cameras? I often feel it's not nearly as comfortable to shoot vertically because it just is harder to properly focus and compose at eye level?

I hope I am making sense here. I find I chose to shoot horizontally although after seeing the images on my computer I felt they would have looked better the other way around. I once saw a video by Bryan Peterson where he was saying he always shot the same scene twice, first vertically and then horizontally. The problem for me, however, is it is very difficult to even get the horizon line right when doing vertical shots. Even on a tripod I find it hard maybe because I'm still not good at using my ball head properly.

 

[SCraig]

I don't know what camera you use but all of my Nikon bodies have the option to turn grid lines on in the viewfinder. They make it much easier to align the horizon.

Also the grips on my bodies all have a second shutter release and control wheels so that when shooting in portrait mode they are right where the shutter release and control wheels on the camera body are located.

 

[KmH]

Most professional grade cameras have a second shutter and other controls for using the camera in the vertical orientation.

Many photographers that do not use a pro grade camera add a camera maker or 3rd party vertical grip to their cameras that have a second shutter release and other controls.

 

[weepete]

A camera grip helps if you are shooting in portrait orientation for long periods of time. Generally though I dont tend to have an issue with it. As for getting things straight when in portrait orientation as SCraig says turning on gridlines can help, or adjust it in pp to get it straight!

 

[mpasq66]

FWIW, I had a big "aha" moment, when I figured out that I could use the outer focus squares to align my horizons...

I know, I'm easily impressed...
)

 

[robbins.photo]

Anyone else think that it is difficult to shoot vertically compared to horizontally because of the design of cameras? I often feel it's not nearly as comfortable to shoot vertically because it just is harder to properly focus and compose at eye level?

I hope I am making sense here. I find I chose to shoot horizontally although after seeing the images on my computer I felt they would have looked better the other way around. I once saw a video by Bryan Peterson where he was saying he always shot the same scene twice, first vertically and then horizontally. The problem for me, however, is it is very difficult to even get the horizon line right when doing vertical shots. Even on a tripod I find it hard maybe because I'm still not good at using my ball head properly.

Turn on matrix metering. That will allow you to run up the wall and stay there long enough that you can get your vertical shot while holding the camera horizontally..

Lol, ok, no, not really. I can't really back that up. But most cameras will have a battery grip you can purchase for them that are designed to allow you to hold the camera vertically a lot more comfortably, and most will have a shutter button on them that will allow you to shoot vertically using the button on the grip. As Scraig mentioned most Nikons will have the grid lines options and that can help quite a bit.

 

[peter27]

Actually, I find my portrait shots are often less askew than my landscape ones. I'm not sure why this is; probably I find it naturally easier to square things up along vertical lines.

 

[Overread]

If you're using a DSLR (and some mirrorless cameras too) then consider getting one of the vertical grips/battery grips if you don't have one already. That makes it a LOT easier to hold vertically because now you've got a grip, shutter button, clicky settings wheel and a few other key buttons in the same places. That is much easier and quicker than having to hold your hand over the camera whilst taking a shot.

If you're not using a grip now that might be contributing to making it harder to frame the shot and get a level shot whilst handholding.

 

[imagemaker46]

Some people overthink what they are doing with a camera, or how the camera feels. I have always used a grip as the majority of what I shoot is vertical and it feels more comfortable. There are no rules when it comes to vertical or horizontal in my way of thinking, not always the way the "rule" makers see it, but it shouldn't matter. If you are looking at a subject, there is no reason to limit ones self to vertical/horizontal, try both, shoot it a variety of ways and make the decision after you start to edit. I've shot horizontal images and ended up cropping them as verticals in post, they just ended up work better that way.

When people put limit on what they see and how they shoot it, they are destined to fail. Basically, cover all the angles. I would recommend using a grip on a camera just for the stability if for no other reason.

 

[kchoi]

I use a grip and see no difficulty for shooting vertical.
3rd party grip are not expensive. Take a look at Amazon here.

 

[Braineack]

I always turn my camera the "wrong" way when shooting vertically...puts the shutter button in an odd low position--a grip would be helpful beyond just stability.

 

[robbins.photo]

I always turn my camera the "wrong" way when shooting vertically...puts the shutter button in an odd low position--a grip would be helpful.

Oh great. First we have the endless Canon vrs Nikon. Then it's the constant Uv Filter/No UV filter. Leave it to you to add counterclockwise vrs clockwise to the list.. lol

 

[EIngerson]

The key is learning what to reference while framing your shot. If you have a body of water in the photo use the water horizon as your reference (it's level). Use buildings in the center of the frame because the distortion on the outer edge will be deceptive. Take multiple photos every time. Mostly it's just getting used to thinking about it for each shot. practice, practice, practice.

 

[Braineack]

I always turn my camera the "wrong" way when shooting vertically...puts the shutter button in an odd low position--a grip would be helpful.

Oh great. First we have the endless Canon vrs Nikon. Then it's the constant Uv Filter/No UV filter. Leave it to you to add counterclockwise vrs clockwise to the list.. lol

Not trying to debate; I just don't feel comfortable rotating CCW when shooting vertically. The overhand grip is weak and feels awkward to me. It feels more natural to rotate CW and support the camera with my right hand from below, but that always tends to make it harder to press the trigger. Adding a grip, like suggested would not only solve the issue of stability like mentioned, but I could continue to grip the camera in the typical horizontal manner that I have no issues with.

 

[runnah]

I too rotate clockwise. Sure I get a smudgy lcd but it feels better. I have a grip but I never use it.