Technique: Using a Tripod

I've mentioned the technique of using a monopod, and so thought I should say something for its three-legged cousin, the tripod.

First, let's look at what you need in a tripod. Cheap ones are attractive because they're, well, so cheap. But don't skimp here. Better tripods will cost more but be more rigid, have smoother controls, and so forth. You can feel the difference when you use one.

If you're getting a good tripod, realize that you'll have to buy the head separately. I'd suggest at least looking at a ball head. You can smoothly move it in any direction and then tighten it in place, versus a pan-and-tilt head, where you monkey with three separate controls to move the camera forward and back, side to side, and around in a circle.

Look for a tripod with a bubble level on it. Although you can go for a rakish angle as a visual statement, you really do want to be able to take a level picture. If the tripod is level, then you don't have to fight that when trying to get the camera level.

To use the tripod, do the following:

1. Spread the legs apart.


2. Hold the tripod head up close to where you want it to be and extend the legs either as far as they can go or until the hit the ground. You want to rely on the legs as much as possible for height, with the center column for final adjustments.


3. Adjust the leg heights until the tripod head is level.


4. Take the quick release plate from the tripod head and screw it into the camera. Now connect the camera to the tripod head.


5. Make final adjustments with the center column to get the final height. Take your picture.

Tripods can be a pain in strong winds, but there are some things you can do. One is to hang your camera bag or other weight down from the bottom of the center column if it allows you to do so. That adds weight and makes it more stable. If that doesn't work, you can drape something heavy over the foot of each tripod leg to add some pressure holding it to the ground. One final tip for now: if you're in sand or dirt, consider bringing some plastic food storage bags with you and putting one over each foot so you keep the dirt out (though be careful that the plastic surface doesn't make the feet slide).

Technique: Improvising Support

To get a clear shot you need a steady camera. The best way of achieving that is to use a tripod. But there will be times when you didn't bring one with you, or where you need to move around too much to set up. Instead, look around for what might act as a substitute. Camera bags are great; put one on a rock or the back of a chair or even propped in an open car window and then put the camera on top. The bag acts like a cushion.

I've had great luck with walls, columns, and other vertical structures. I turn the camera on end to get a vertically-oriented shot and then hold the camera against the surface, keeping it steady. You can use a bundled up coat or sweater to act as a cushion, allowing you to set a camera on a rock, on the ground, or even against a hand railing.

Just look around and see what might be available. You'll find your shots look better, and you don't get tired from carrying yet another piece of equipment around with you.