Passionate shutterbugs will do anything to get the shot, even if it means laying on the ground in a puddle of mud, leaning out of a window, or contorting their body into funny shapes to shoot at the right angle. But don't fret, there's no need to put your back out to get a good photograph...we've put together a list of practical tips to help you get great shots without any photographers yoga!

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<div><a title="Whatever it takes to get the shot by GenBug, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/genbug/3557894320/">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="600" height="387" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PhotoYoga.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Whatever it takes to get the shot</em>
Photo by GenBug</p>
To get sharp photos there are several factors to consider. There is of course the shutter speed, the lens focus, and the subject - which is made all the more challenging if the subject is moving! You'll also need to consider motion blur brought about by camera shake. This is especially important if you are shooting in an awkward stance as we all know photography requires a steady hand and a sturdy foothold.

Of course everything would be a whole lot easier if you just used the tripod. But lets face it, sometimes carrying a tripod is just plain inconvenient. Even small tripods can be cumbersome if you're on the move. Further to that you may consider beefing up your camera bag with an image stabilization (IS) lens to help avoid that pesky camera shake. And although this is a worthwhile albiet expensive investment these lenses will still struggle with handheld shooting at very slow shutter speeds.

So what is one to do? Well, it's time to start thinking about adjusting yourself and not the camera. Here are a few tips to help you capture those crisp, sharp photos...without the additional gear!
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	<li>Take several shots and observe the amount of movement your camera makes when you shoot so you can get an idea of what needs to be adjusted. Stabilize your body as much as possible while shooting.</li><br class="spacer_" />
	<li>Be a human tripod. Put your back against a wall or any other solid object like a tree or a lamp post, and pull your elbows into your body.</li><br class="spacer_" />
	<li>Use objects around you as a tripod - prop the camera up against a railing or a large rock if necessary.</li><br class="spacer_" />
	<li>Take a breath in and press the shutter while holding your breath in. This breathing technique will help avoid inadvertent camera shake caused by breathing...yes really!</li><br class="spacer_" />
	<li>While standing, keep your feet shoulder width apart and bend your knees slightly to ensure you are steady.</li><br class="spacer_" />
	<li>Tightly wrap the camera strap around your wrist or arm just above the elbow.<br class="spacer_" /><br class="spacer_" />So as you can see its not always necessary to deploy the tripod every time you want a steady handheld shot, just use your body and the objects around you to control the camera shake and get the shot you want!!</li>
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