We all know that we should always use a tripod, especially for landscape photography-----nowadays I cannot hand hold my camera at 1/30th sec or less and so for me very important BUT----there are times when for many different reasons we don't have it with us---then what do we do????
I always carry a bean bag in my back pack----you can make one really cheaply with dried beans or even dry rice and carry it with you---out comes my bean bag and I find a fence post or fence or stump or the ground or on top of my back pack, anything you can prop it on is fine and then just nestle your camera on it, let it sink in a little and you are as still as if on a tripod.
I have often resorted to propping my camera in the crook of tree branches and have been known to drag a stump of wood to where I want. My husband's shoulder comes in useful, but if he breathes then you still get some movement, so be careful. The hood of the car works, as does a nearby seat. Raising your ISO or even compensating can give you a faster shutter speed, if the shot will allow. Some people prefer to use a monopod, which doubles as a walking stick, animal prodder, stream crosser but hold that monopod tightly and or lean against a wall with it to give yourself extra stability.
Try to have that tripod with you at all times, but maybe these tips will help when all else fails.
I always carry a bean bag in my back pack----you can make one really cheaply with dried beans or even dry rice and carry it with you---out comes my bean bag and I find a fence post or fence or stump or the ground or on top of my back pack, anything you can prop it on is fine and then just nestle your camera on it, let it sink in a little and you are as still as if on a tripod.
I have often resorted to propping my camera in the crook of tree branches and have been known to drag a stump of wood to where I want. My husband's shoulder comes in useful, but if he breathes then you still get some movement, so be careful. The hood of the car works, as does a nearby seat. Raising your ISO or even compensating can give you a faster shutter speed, if the shot will allow. Some people prefer to use a monopod, which doubles as a walking stick, animal prodder, stream crosser but hold that monopod tightly and or lean against a wall with it to give yourself extra stability.
Try to have that tripod with you at all times, but maybe these tips will help when all else fails.