Somewhere along the line, you will just plain wear out, and that is when you move to the third way of holding the camera: placing the camera. Remember, though, that placing is a stationary position for a static shot. Moving the camera is not an option. Look for anything solid, the bigger and heavier, the better. Getting the right height for your needs is key. Don't put the camera on the ground if you need to shoot a person's face. Likewise, don't set your camera on a car hood if you need to see someone's feet. My favorite thing to use for adjusting the camera while placing is my wallet. I find that, by wedging my wallet under my camera and either taking stuff out of it or unfolding it, I can raise or lower the angle to the shot I need. Small bags of sand or wooden wedges work well too, but you have to carry them all the time. If you need a lift, just look around - there is always something nearby. I sometimes carry a small ziplock bag. Just fill it up with dirt or grass and voilĂ : instant sandbag. Just be sure it is as wide as the camera, tightly sealed and not too crushable, or your shot will change before you're through.

If you are tired but need camera movement in your shot (i.e., panning and tilting), try kneeling or sitting. Be sure to find a solid position, though. Crouching forces you to balance on the balls of your feet and is too wobbly. Use both knees on the ground, and comfortably hold the camera at your waist. Sitting cross-legged can work well too. Place your elbows on your knees and cradle your camera, or use the viewfinder to add extra support. Shooting these different ways allows full control of the camera and the framing, yet still maintains the most relaxed non-tripod position.

Regardless of how you hold your camera, a very advanced thing to learn to help stabilize your shot is breathing. While most people feel that holding their breath makes for a steady shot, they don't realize that it makes the body tense. Relaxing is the key to holding your camera still. Smooth, slow breaths slow your heart rate and calm your muscles. Concentrate on finding a pace that is comfortable, even and steady. Once you have the Zen, you too will be able to say, " My body is tripod."

Michael Reff is a Senior Photographer for Turner Broadcasting.