Photography for Beginners: Using a tripod
Digital cameras have brought a new level of technology for the average photographer, but the old methods and skills are as relevant as ever.
A tripod is still an essential piece of equipment to good photography. For starters, buying a tripod is usually a sign that you're willing to go beyond the stage of snapshots and get more serious about photography.
But if you have done it without a tripod in the past, perhaps you've wondered if you can take the plunge, or continue on the outside. So here's the first question that you need to answer: "Do I need a tripod?"
The answer depends on how seriously you take your photo. If you are satisfied with simple snapshots, and have no ambitions to deepen the worst picture, probably would be wasting their money. Tripod Photography takes a little more time, thought and effort, although the picture is not important to you, you will not have the value of a tripod and probably would use it, even if I had one.
Now the second question: "Why do I need a tripod?"
A tripod keeps your camera completely still, so you can take pictures that are not distorted by any camera shake caused by hand instability.
There are two reasons why could use a slow shutter speed for photographs. Sometimes the light is very low and need a slow shutter speed to get a good exposure. Or you can choose to use a slow shutter speed to capture a special effect. In both cases, a tripod ensures the camera stays still and the picture is not blurred.
Additional benefit is the tripod that allows you to compose a picture with care, without having to concentrate on keeping the camera still in hand. It is much easier to check that the horizon is flat, and all parts of the photo are as you want before pressing the button.
Assume for a moment that you have a tripod. Now, for our third and final question: "When I use my tripod?"
Some people will tell you that you should not take a photo without a tripod below a certain shutter speed. The problem is that different people recommend different speeds. Some photographers will tell 125/sec is the lower limit, while others recommend 60/sec or 30/sec.
So who is telling the truth? In fact, all of them. Because the truth is that not so simple.
When using a large lens to expand its theme, also magnify the effect of any camera movement. So if you use a telephoto lens, a shaky camera affect your photo much more than if you use a wide angle. Therefore, it could be that a photograph could be taken by hand with a wide angle would require a tripod with a telephoto lens.
How do you know, then, to use a tripod? This is a pattern that has been recently told me, and it is good to consider.
Allow your choice of shutter speed match the size of the lens. For example, if you is using a 200 mm lens, you should be able to take photos without a tripod at speeds of 200/sec or faster. Once your speed drops below 200/sec, be sure to use a tripod.
For a small lens, you can go with a slower shutter speed to match. So if you are using standard lens (around 50-60mm) you can set the cutoff at 60/sec. Faster, and one can take the photo in portable, slower, and should use a tripod.
With a 28mm wide-angle lens, the cut point would 30/sec.
There are some photographers who insist that all photos must be taken with a tripod, no matter what lens or shutter speed you use. This is simply not practical, but emphasizes the simple fact that the tripod is always stronger than the hand. If a photo is important to you, it's worth going to extra effort and leaving nothing to chance. So if in doubt, use a tripod, even when the shutter speed suggests that you can do without it.
Oh, and one more thing. Never, never, never take a picture slower than 1/30sec without a tripod.
About the Author
Andrew Goodall is a professional nature photographer of over 20 years experience, and has released two top selling ebooks on the art and essential skills of photography. Check them out at http://www.naturesimage.com.au
Andrew’s simple belief is that with a small amount of guidance, anybody can take better photos, no matter what sort of camera they have.