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Yes, photographers absolutely need camera tripods! No getting around it. And they need tripods almost always. That being said, there are places you can't, or shouldn't, use a tripod. Maybe because of safety issues, or they're prohibited, or just to be polite. When it isn't possible to set one up, there are some solutions. We can talk about that a bit later. But right now, give me a minute to explain why so many pictures are fuzzy... Have you ever heard this before? "Nothing happens until something moves!" Well, when you press that shutter, things definitely move inside your camera! What about those shaky hands holding the camera? Everyone has them. Excellent reasons for using a tripod! Now, flowers are stationary subjects for the most part. Which means we can take our time. Camera tripods are super-duper tools for slowing the process down... Gives you precious time to organize your thoughts, double check your exposure, focus, and composition. Is there litter in your scene - a discarded coffee cup or tissue? Walk over and pick it up. Your camera's safe on your tripod - its not going anywhere! Take it slow and enjoy the experience. That's what gardens are for. Your final photos will be sharper and your composition will get better and better... And that means fewer "deletes" and more "keepers"!
Points to Ponder When You're Shopping For a Camera Tripod - price factor - less expensive OR more expensive
- material - aluminum OR carbon fiber
- weight - staying in your own yard or carrying it long distances
All things being equal, aluminum is heavier than carbon fiber and it can be tiring to haul around if you're hiking up and down hills. On the positive side, it's less expensive. I've used an aluminum Manfrotto since photography school. My next one will definitely be carbon fiber. The weight factor is a big issue for me. But also, carbon fiber doesn't freeze. Aluminum does and it sucks the warmth right out of you on a cold day. Lots of personal experience there. It's very confusing in the world of camera tripods and you can easily get lost. Pick up a photography magazine, search online and read a little. A few manufacturers will stand out. Look at their models and compare materials, prices and specs. You can search for product reviews written by professional photographers. Then.... Take a trip to your local camera store and get some "hands-on" experience with camera tripods. Check out the different types of heads. That's the top part that screws on to your camera. Just like clothes, when you're shopping for tripods, "try 'em on for size". If they only extend to chest level - pass them by. You've got a good fit if your camera sits at eye level without raising the center column. Don't be tempted to extend it. If you raise it, you've only added to the vibration and instability. Which rather defeats the purpose. So, look for camera tripods with shorter center columns! A long one is just extra weight. Tripods come in many brands and models so choose wisely. Quality comes with a price and a good one will be with you for life!
No Tripod? Here Are Some Tricks Two legs aren't as stable as three but let's work with what you've got! Here are my suggestions to do away with fuzzy photos. - Look around you for a tree trunk, a fence post, or a wall. Lean your back firmly against it. Bring your arms infront of your chest, against your body and hold your camera infront of your face. Adjust your camera, no quick movements. Get focused (you and your camera!) and take a deep breath in. Exhale just a bit - not completely.
You'll be stable long enough to press the shutter -- gently and smoothly. Keep holding the camera steady and slowly release the shutter. You can start breathing again after you hear the shutter close. Practice until it becomes automatic. - Nothing to lean against? Okay. Move your feet apart. Legs together, you're an unstable monopod! Legs apart -- you're a more stable bipod! Test it -- hold your camera like you're going to take a picture.
Don't bend your knees or you'll get wobbly. Remember those weebles that wobble? Now apply the breathing technique. Breath in, let a little out -- smoothly and gently press the shutter -- and breath again. - A rock makes a stable camera support. You might want to put something soft on it so your camera doesn't get scratched.
- Any fences close by? Rest your camera on a fence post -- another excellent stabilizer. If the fence railing isn't wide enough to sit your camera on it safely, then lean both elbows firmly on top,and hold your camera steady.
You guessed it - that breathing technique again! Deep inhale, let some air out, hold still, slow and steady -- press the shutter. You're getting good at this. Now you're on your own. When you don't have a tripod, use your environment and your imagination. Ready -- steady -- go!
Tabletop TripodsTheir name says it all! They're camera tripods on a smaller scale and they sit on top of a table or desk. That sounds cool! But do your research if you're interested. Sure, they're more convenient and less expensive than their grown up counterparts. Some even fit into your pocket, but... Get one that's going to hold the weight of your camera and lens. If its not stable, you might as well hand hold your camera. Get a solid, good quality tabletop tripod. Always fasten your camera securely to it. Then use a remote control or the timer on your camera. Either of those will decrease camera movement and do away with hand shake. Do your homework! Check online reviews. Let me know if you find a good Leica deal on eBay! Time to Get a TripodAre you totally confused now? I hope not. You're more than welcome to get in touch with me and I'll either answer your question or point you in the right direction. Camera tripods are an absolute MUST, so consider getting one if you've been putting it off. Wait until you see the difference in your flower photos!
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