Do you think that tripods are awkward, heavy and only pros should use them? Well, think again! Most tripods no longer present these drawbacks, and for someone who loves taking pictures, they offer considerable advantages in a whole host of environments. Give them a shot!
If you use a tripod when taking pictures, they are guaranteed to come out much sharper. Apart from when you intentionally want to show that your subject is moving, a blurred picture is almost always a flop. Often, this is due to a lack of stability on the part of the photographer, despite the anti-vibration features that most cameras now come with. A tripod ensures greater stability and comfort, and the photos you can take while using one will turn out so much better than those taken without a means of support.
Once you’ve set up the tripod, don’t change its position every three seconds. In fact, when working with a tripod, there’s a strong chance that you’ll spend more time framing your photos and picking the right location. The time it takes to properly place your tripod is an investment, and you will reap the rewards once you get home and open up your photo editing software. You’ll see that the composition of each picture is more accurate, the axes are better aligned, and the rule of thirds has been respected every time. If you love taking pictures of landscapes and architecture, a tripod is a must-have accessory.
Under low light conditions, it’s harder to get a good picture, especially if you’re not allowed to use the flash or if your flash is too weak to light up your subject properly . . . but not when you use a tripod! A tripod allows you to use a long exposure, i.e. a faster shutter speed of up to several seconds, without the risk of you moving. You can also use the flash to light up your subject while using a long exposure so that the background doesn’t come out too dark.
Have you always wondered how photographers take photos of the city at night, capturing trails of light from passing cars? Well, they use a tripod and a long exposure!
Stand on top of something when taking landscape photos at night so you can perfectly capture the atmosphere and movement of the city. In nature, use a tripod to get striking results when shooting streams or waterfalls. The water will appear frozen in time, which will give a magical touch to your pictures.
Do you want to combine your passion for nature and your passion for macro photography? If so, you need a tripod! It’s a must-have accessory for ultra-sharp pictures, even if you’re photographing a flower that isn’t moving. A tripod will provide the stability you’ll need to focus perfectly on the subject. You won’t need to spend your time waiting for the perfect moment, in a cramped and uncomfortable position, trying to support the weight of your camera and lens. What you’ll lose in spontaneity, you’ll gain in sharpness, framing and focus.
