Steve Taylor

Why use a Tripod

The first and most obvious reason would be to steady your camera and get sharper images. That will happen. But I think using a tripod goes beyond that. It forces you to slow down and think about your shot.
I will sit my tripod up,then take my camera and walk around the scene to see if I can find a better angle. (up,down ,left ,right,etc.) if not I shoot from that spot.
Another advantage is finding unwanted items in yout viewfinder.(like that tree limb sticking in from the side
Camera adjustments are sometimes easier while your camera sits on a tripod.
Tripods are sometimes a hassle but are well worth the effort.

Paul Scarsella, 6 months ago

Thank you Steve. Eventually I will get one along with a better camera.
SylviaHardy, 6 months ago

I absolutely agree with you! I don’t always use my tripod when I should! But I have so many images on RB that if they had only used a tripod? Their work would have improved 100% definately!
SylviaHardy, 6 months ago

I ment to say seen so many images, sorry about this!
dinghysailor1, 6 months ago

my baby tripod is only 4-6” high – pocketable and neat and great for remote timer and night shots – except of course when I trip up and scare other dogwalkers in the dark ludicrously grovelling round on my hands and knees trying to peer at my viewfinder… chuckles…..glad no-one’s caught it on camera yet!!!

:))

(and the dogs are pretty intrigued too!!!)
PNFdeb, 6 months ago

I very much agree with you most of my images that I take the extra time to set up on a tripod turn out much nicer and I find I explore different settings when I have done so.
Lorraine Deroon, 6 months ago

Keep up the good advice, it’s very welcome!
Tony Fallon, 6 months ago

I agree; buy the best you can afford for those critical things that Steve mentions but make yourself go out every now and again without it. I would go as far to say; upgrade your tripod before camera. I went the other way around and ruined a shoot with the best sunset of the whole year because the new camera was too heavy for the old tripod. I was gutted.
Halcyon007, 6 months ago

They also act as a great support when climbing over seaweed strewn and wet rocks and help you keep their balance. Is there nothing a tripod can’t do?
Nichole Schoff, 6 months ago

I totally agree. : )
Dennis Rubin IPA, 6 months ago

I think this is a very fine point you are making, Steve. I have a friend on this site that never stops searching for one more angle, one more shot, one more lighting change, etc. He works best when the t-pod has the camera and he is constantly exploring those extra oppys!
Dave Aarons, 5 months ago

Totally agree, i use to hate carrying my tripod, but when i finally started taking it out with me, i could see the results in my work. Yes does force you to slow down and compose yourself. I have gone as far as buying a very expensive manfrotto tripod and 3 way head, to replace my cheap flimsy tripod. I get it on monday, cant wait.

Dave
Steve Taylor in reply to Halcyon007’s comment, 5 months ago

lol You right. I have even had tripod in hand a few times when I come across dogs.
Jan Piller, 5 months ago

Yup – thanks for the slap on the wrist. I really should start to use it more often.
lonebearimages, 4 months ago

I’m not sure that I have any hand-held photographs in my portfolio here on RB, or on PN. I consider a tripod just as important as the camera. Cheers! Chris
aroha, 2 months ago

Great advice, thank you!
Ben Pacificar, about 1 month ago

A tripod surely is a must to carry around just in case You might need it. HDR shots is a very good example for that. By the way did You pick up Your 5d yet? Awesome Camera Bra, I got one myself strictly for outdoor treks because of its compact design. Compared to my 1ds my 5d is my preferred Cam.

...Ben…