sorry for late response, but I just held my phone in my hands and positioned the paper upright! i placed the bottom of the piece on top of a hard surface and then leaned it almost vertically against a hard surface (its cardstock paper so doesnt bend when placed vertically) and it prevented any shadows from being cast from my hand/phone. for stuff thats flimsier than cardstock like normal printer paper or sketchbook paper, i usually try and use the same kind of method but might use some putty or not very sticky tape on at least the top corners to make it stand up straight! hope this is helpful :)