This Old Rifle Marksmanship Video Will Teach You More About Photography Than You Would’ve Ever Guessed

Do you need military training to become a better photographer? Probably not, but this rifle marksmanship video from days long past is a wonderful way to improve how you position yourself and hold your camera, especially in awkward spaces and tough situations.

Posted to Reddit by SquigglesMcDeef, the twelve minute video looks to be footage from an old military course that taught soldiers how to properly hold their rifle in different combat situations.

While we’re shooting photos, not bullets, the same techniques can be applied to holding your camera, especially when shooting longer lens handheld.

One technique in particular that I’ve used over and over is the trick of exhaling and holding your breath when shooting a photo where you need as slow of a shutter speed as possible when holding your camera.

In the comments of the post, Reddit user grnat shared a related video from Joe McNally where he goes over many similar techniques, although with cameras instead of firearms.

What are your thoughts on the video and the techniques shared? What one in particular stands out to you as the best trick to get better shots?

[via r/photography]