The simple answer here would be to actually just switch the camera strap or get a lighter camera and lens combination. But for several photographers, that’s just not possible. The reason for this can be a ton of different things. However, the main reason here has to do with core strength. We’ve discussed this with several photographers over the years, and they’ve provided great tips for us in the past. Here’s a tip about what to do if you’ve got back pain from your camera that hasn’t been mentioned, though!
This tip comes from one of my yoga teachers: Katie Broad. According to her, our lower backs can often be really overworked because of how we sit all day. So to alleviate that pain, we usually have to do more work on our core. There’s an even quicker way to do it, though.
- Start by breathing deeply. When you do this, typically, you inflate your lungs. But breathe so deep that the middle of your chest starts to expand.
- Once you do that, let the air out slowly. Then start breathing so deeply that the stomach starts to expand. Typically when we breathe in otherwise, we sometimes suck in the gut. In this case, expand it. Push it out and make it larger using your stomach muscles.
- Hold it there, and then slowly let it out.
- Continue to expand and breathe into your stomach while sitting up straight but still relaxed.
The goal here is to alleviate the pressure being put on your lower back by your camera and the lens. That’s being done by addressing the exact place on the body that it’s affecting.
Another thing you if you have back paint from your camera is you can do is stretch to try to touch your toes. While doing that, you’ll suck in your gut or, alternatively, release the air from your gut so that you can stretch your spine and lower back. You can do this while standing up or sitting down with your legs stretched out long in front of you.
Keep all this in mind and combine it with intentionally long walks with your camera. It will help work those muscles a whole lot more.
Changing your camera strap can also help quite a bit. Some photographers really like cross-body style straps like Black Rapids. But others prefer to use a few variants on the market that let you quickly release them from the strap holders. Either way, you need a strap that cradles your camera well and distributes the weight evenly across your chest.
Crossbody style is typically the best way to wear a camera strap instead of around your neck. When it’s around your neck, it will simply just pull you forward. This also goes for wearing messenger bags. Generally speaking, backpacks are much better for your back. And if you’ve got two camera straps, harness-style straps like those from Holdfast Gear are some of the best you can use. Trust us — don’t try to make your own. They do such a great job and are in business because of how excellent those straps hold up.
Don’t ever neglect your own fitness when it comes to photography. Your core can really suffer and force your body to start pulling strength from so many other muscles and ligaments instead. Take care of your body and it will take care of you — just like with your camera.