Vertical shooting

Does it matter which way you hold the camera while shooting vertically? I've always held mine shutter side down (without a grip that is), but this seems contrary to the way others hold it. Does it make a difference? I feel I can balance the camera better if it's not dangling down from my hand, but being supported by my hand.

Whatever works best for you should be fine without the grip. I think the 40D is good enough to be used without a grip so either way should be fine.

Myself, and most photographers I know, shoot vertically with the shutter button/controls on top with the left hand under the lens and supporting the camera with the left palm.

Whichever way is most comfortable or steady.

If you have a grip/1D, the decision is mostly made for you.

No matter if you have the grip or not, the result is the same. To be able to hold the camera firmly, and to quickly shift between vertical and horizontal, you have to hold the right part of the camera the same way. Which means you end up with the trigger button on top, when shooting vertical.
If you have the grip, integrated or as an accessory, then you change to the grip's trigger button if you have time, when going vertical.

I have a grip on my 40D, but don't always use it as such when shooting portrait. I usually shoot w/ shutter release up, but that's what's comfortable to me. I've seen many shoot the opposite way. It's what ever is comfortable for you.

I have very, very small hands, so maybe that's why I'm more comfortable shooting vertical with my right hand cradling the camera instead of holding it up. I also put my left hand around the base of the lens for more support. Geesh, hope I don't look like a total loser, lol.

Mum2J&M wrote in post #5772443
I have very, very small hands, so maybe that's why I'm more comfortable shooting vertical with my right hand cradling the camera instead of holding it up. I also put my left hand around the base of the lens for more support. Geesh, hope I don't look like a total loser, lol.

I highly doubt it. My wife was ok holding my griped XT w/ the shutter up, but is more comfortable with my griped 40D w/ shutter down. She has small hands as well.

Seriously...the right part of the camera on top...? I don't know if ti's my left handedness or not, but I've always shot with my right hand on the bottom. That was with the Nikon. With the 20D I have not yet tried to shoot vertically, though I suspect it will be the same way.

It has long (decades) been the wisdom that counterclockwise rotation of the body to Portrait orientation is the best way. Why?
1. Your right hand triggers the shutter, so you do NOT want to shake your stable camera base by making one hand do the job of supporting and also triggering!
2. Also, more people are right eye dominant, and your left eye remains in the clear to see if something is rapidly running in your direction and about to run you over!

The battery grip layout supports this long held 'correct' orientation!

Wilt wrote in post #5778322
It has long (decades) been the wisdom that counterclockwise rotation of the body to Portrait orientation is the best way. Why?
1. Your right hand triggers the shutter, so you do NOT want to shake your stable camera base by making one hand do the job of supporting and also triggering!
2. Also, more people are right eye dominant, and your left eye remains in the clear to see if something is rapidly running in your direction and about to run you over!

The battery grip layout supports this long held 'correct' orientation!

I knew that IS was good for something...

Wilt wrote in post #5778322
It has long (decades) been the wisdom that counterclockwise rotation of the body to Portrait orientation is the best way. Why?
1. Your right hand triggers the shutter, so you do NOT want to shake your stable camera base by making one hand do the job of supporting and also triggering!
2. Also, more people are right eye dominant, and your left eye remains in the clear to see if something is rapidly running in your direction and about to run you over!

The battery grip layout supports this long held 'correct' orientation!

Agreed! The left hand supports the lens in landscape orientation, so it should in portrait as well. I find it takes much longer trying to find a comfortable position with the shutter on the bottem. I'm glad that the grip has made me now shoot this way 100% of the time! lol

Although if you're using a long telephoto with a tripod ring, you can swing it either way without too much worry about support.

I shoot with the button up. My wrist does not allow me to go button down. Just do what is comfortable! And to save time, allways do it the same way.

As most others, I shoot with the shutter button on top. My left hand supports the camera and lens while my right hand is free to operate the controls. I find this works best because I can snug my left elbow against my body to give a very nice and stable support for the camera. Of course, there is really no right or wrong...do it the way that allows you to support the camera and operate the controls as best you can