Handheld

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Is it just me or does seeing someone post a picture and specifically call out it was handheld annoying?

I just don’t get why handheld, tripod, monopod, window support and lord knows how many other contraptions people use matters.

Maybe I’m just being grumpy but I don’t get the badge of honor one displays by making this claim.

I shoot 90% of my wildlife handheld and I don’t do it to brag I do it to be agile and frankly because I’m lazy to carry out tripods and set them up. I at times do but don’t feel it is necessary to distinguish the camera support used.

How about you?
I see countless photos on this site that I think are outstanding for a number of reasons---one being their sharpness. I frequently wonder if they are shot from a tripod or are handheld.

Because I can rarely, rarely use a tripod I guess it is just wishful thinking on my part and it gives me hope and motivation to find ways to mimic them handheld.
 
I’m not great at taking images. But I’m very technical. When I see a great image posted, I love to see the exit data. Somehow it might stick in my mind when I have a scene like it.

Unlikely. But I do analyse the settings and try to see what I’d fave done differently.

There’s always those that do and those that don’t. Neither are right or wrong, just different.
what we need to do is be careful when arguing our case, to be respectful and mindful that the other guy’s viewpoint works for him.
 
I find it bragging to say handheld on a larger, heavier lens. However, I actually do like it as it informs me that it is possible. I don’t hand hold my Sony 200-60 very often. But it appears a lot of people do. Makes me think if I wanted to use hand weights while watching TV in the evening, maybe I could also handhold that lens. Same goes for all the EXIF data — I learn. So the more the better (though I agree that the brand and model of tripod/ballhead, brand of SD card, etc., is ridiculous).
 
I don't see that it matters what is posted with the image, we have the choice to pay attention or to ignore it, and it does not harm anyone. Perhaps the person posting is proud that they are skilled enough to shoot a subject handheld that others might not be able to shoot handheld...there are many photographers who cannot shoot handheld and get a sharp shot (even with today's technology) so maybe it is something they are happy about. And, in the end, who really cares? I look quickly at the image and move on. Someone else may study the metadata and explanation posted and they may find it helpful during their next shoot. I think it's really a non-issue. If I were to take issue with something on a photo forum it would not be that!
 
At three score years and ten I say: “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, grab your camera and go and photograph something. It’s a good thing we are not talking about what is in news print or broadcasts. The latter is why I have stopped reading and watching the news.
 
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