Shaking!

I have neurological essential tremors since I was a kid but didn't bother me at all. I'm in the medical profession and poking patients is a breeze to me even if my hands look like a seismograph when I'm holding a needle. It started bothering me when my love for photography is getting really blurry one shot at a time. mono/tripods are the best help I can get but its inevitable that I have to shoot with my hands too most of the time. I have to take a deep breath and pretty much concentrate on my shots all the time. Any of you like me here please do tell and share any piece of advice. I like bokeh but not on the whole image

I have a bit of the same problem; the only things I can recommend are get your IS lenses, which you seem to mostly have anyway, and work on your stance/grip while shooting.

As you've already mentioned, watch your breathing; also, keep your elbows tucked as much as you can, stand at an angle to your subject and use your torso as a brace point. It's similar to firing a rifle, if you've ever done that. I'm not great at describing it in words, but hope that's useful

I am headed for the same fate Dad and Grandma both have/had essential tremors. Dad more-so than Grandma. My brother and I are already starting to see it. (late 20's) So far we are only experiencing it when stressed, physically tired, or unwell. Has not affected my photography other than a few random occasions. Hopefully by the time it becomes an issue there will have been medical and technological advances that will help.

I want to start off by saying I am not soliciting anything when I say this, but I am merely sharing my experiences as I too, have had essential tremors since birth.

A non-addictive alternative to benzodiazapines such as Klonopin (which I use as needed rather than ED [every day] based on the likelihood of habit development using such a dosing protocol) would be beta-blockers. They are cheap and dosing is very flexible.

Propanolol is the generic version of Inderol (which I use at 80mg ED) and has helped significantly in my ability to handhold a balanced kit. If the kit is unbalanced (e.g. lens heavier than the body) then even if you didn't suffer from tremors, you'd still be prone to unwanted shake or shift.

Beta-blockers have helped me tremendously as I couldn't recommend them enough. The alleviation of physical symptoms has even actually helped me put social anxiety at bay without being dependent on benzodiazapines!

I suggest you consult your doctor or practicioner to see if beta-blockers are right for you (which is highly likely seeing as there aren't any detrimental sides from the use of them).

Luminodio wrote in post #11065240
I suggest you consult your doctor or practicioner to see if beta-blockers are right for you (which is highly likely seeing as there aren't any detrimental sides from the use of them).

Solid advice. However low heart rate, decreased peripheral circulation and sexual side affects could be detrimental enough to deter some people from considering this as a treatment, decreased HR being the most serious. Of course your MD will know you well enough to consider this and then of course start you on an appropriate dosage based on his/her findings if you decide this is the route you want to take.

Best of luck.

Unfortunately neurology is one of the hardest specialty in medicine and no one succeded today so far on what to do. Usually Benzo's, like what luminodio was saying, are one of benzodiazepines that can be used as anticonvulsants but of course its also well known as a cns depressant. Beta blockers though are not usually use for tremors, usually the desired effect for lopressors (beta blockers) is to treat tachycardia (heart rate above 100), which will in turn bring your blood pressure down also. From what I can tell, luminodio's beta blocker works with him very well even as cocktail with a benzo is either you have hypertension with cardiac anomalies plus the benzo that relaxes the neuropathies. Another thing is beta blockers will cause depression, so if you have a hyperactive body it will help mellow it down. Just in case you are using ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, nitrites, benzo's, barbs, be cautious! Hope this help with all my shaking shutter bug friends. And I strongly agree with bucketman, its best to consult your doctor!

Aside from the medical advice, back to photographic advice -- steadying techniques can be helped alot with varying types of bodily support -- anything from leaning against a wall or tree to crouching and propping your elbows on your knees. These techniques can become a habit with you.

Breathing/relaxing techniques also shouldn't be taken lightly. give it a try -- practice taking slow deep breaths and slowly letting go and see if you notice some bodily steadiness either at the top of your breath or after you let it out. That could give you a valuable clue as to taking shots.

And, of course, using a good fast shutter speed and flash when you can will both help a lot.

tonylong wrote in post #11068579
...-- anything from leaning against a wall or tree to crouching and propping your elbows on your knees. These techniques can become a habit with you.

I use these a lot, actually...or, when out and about, the roof of the car, etc

Snydremark wrote in post #11068632
I use these a lot, actually...or, when out and about, the roof of the car, etc

And, don't forget things like bean bags!

How about the "string monopod" idea?

https://photography-on-the.net …&highlight=stri​ng+monopod

Essentially, a piece of string attached to the bottom of your camera (tied to a quick-connect plate as an example), long enough to hang to the ground.

Step on the end, and pull upwards until the slack is out - should help reduce the shakes when your muscles only need to pull in one direction.

That reminds me; if you use a standard camera strap, you can wrap that around yor forearm as a type of steadying sling.