Paul Jolly Photography Chapter 16.1

Holding the camera

If you are not using a remote shutter holding the camera stationary eliminates movement blur.
If possible hold the camera pressed against a wall, tree, pole, seat, anything stationary without vibration is great. A vehicle with a running engine is not a stable platform, the vibration from the engine will make its presence known when you review the images.
When there is no external support tuck your elbows into your body, hold the camera with your right hand on the right hand side of the camera, forefinger on the shutter, left hand under the lens taking the weight of the lens. The camera should feel balanced. Bring the camera up to your eye to look through the viewfinder and frame your shot. Take a deep breath in and hold it; you now have a few seconds (depending on practice) before your body reacts and starts to move once more, take the shot with a slow press onto the shutter, keep the position for a moment then you can breathe once more. (Use a quick press and you are causing the camera movement!)
If you use a camera screen rather then a viewfinder use the same stance but hold both sides of the camera and use a thumb to space the camera from your face. If you need reading glasses then this is the perfect time to use them.
In both cases if you need a low level then kneel and place your elbows on your knees. For the lowest lay down and with elbows spread wide on the ground use your head as the third leg of the tripod by using a thumb as a spacer to your face.