In today's episode of Alpha Quick Tips,
we're going to take a look at an accessory
that I believe holds the key to helping you
take better portraits.
As a professional portrait photographer, one of the very first accessories that I look for,
when I pick up a new camera body, is a vertical grip.
And it's one that I think you should consider.
If you're not familiar with what they are, essentially, they give you the ability to turn your camera vertically
while giving you easy access to the
buttons on your camera that you use most.
Taking a look at the vertical grip that I use on my
Sony a7R IV,  you'll find a rotating dial on the front and back of the grip
that you can use to quickly change your
aperture and shutter speed.
On top, you have your shutter button with
a lock dial and a C1 and C2 button.
These buttons can be customized in your camera menu to give you quick access to whatever features that you use most on your camera.
On the back of the grip, you've got your AF-ON and AEL buttons which can also be customized in your camera menu, just like your C1 and C2 buttons.
The joystick on the grip is tactile and easy to find, even when you have the camera up close to your face.
If you're taking a portrait and need to move your focus points around the screen, it's pretty easy to distinguish the joystick from the other buttons on the grip.
In most cases, the battery life that you get from Sony's NPFZ100 batteries, will be more than enough to get you
through your session, but in those situations where you need extra power, the vertical grip allows you
to use two of these long-lasting batteries.
The ergonomic advantage that you get taking a vertical photo, using this grip is immediately evident
- no matter the size of your hands.
Instead of awkwardly having to hold your camera like this, or like this to take a vertical photo,
you can now comfortably hold your camera and shoot using a comfortable posture.
Be sure to try one of these out for your next photoshoot, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about!
If you're using a battery grip, I'd love to hear how you've customized your buttons for your style of shooting.
Leave your feedback in the comments section below and while you're there, subscribe to the Alpha Universe Youtube channel.
Catch you next time!
