Stabilizing Handheld Shots Technique

If you have to shoot your panoramic images without a tripod, you’ll need to adjust your handheld shooting technique.


Try wrapping the camera strap around your elbow. This allows you to place tension on the strap so it is taut. The tension is a useful way to constrain the camera movement and make it more an extension of your body.

  1. Hold the camera in front of your body so its strap hangs downward.
  2. Slip your arm through the strap so it goes just past your elbow.
  3. Wrap your hand around the outside edge of the strap and grab the camera body.
  4. Press your elbow into the strap to increase tension on the strap and stabilize the camera.

To pan the camera smoothly, you’ll need to properly position your body.

  1. Square your body up with your subject.
  2. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Rotate at the waist and twist body while keeping your shoulders and camera in close to your body.

Check out our Panoramic Training Here