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Keeping the camera steady
eliminates half of the unpredictable motion that can affect
taking pictures. Tripods remain the most common device for
holding the camera still. While tripods can be very
effective, tripod selection should match the size of the
camera/lens combination and shooting conditions.
Minute camera motion can be a big problem during very long
exposures or when wind or other forces might cause unexpected
vibration. |
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1.
Working with fast moving subjects
- Sometimes showing subject motion without the distracting
blur introduced by a shaky camera makes for a dramatically
interesting photograph.
 Showing the silky soft texture
of moving water as it falls makes a perfect example. A
solid tripod allows holding the camera perfectly still during
a long exposure to keep the background sharp while the moving
water blurs, achieving the effect of motion.
Another example of fast motion
photography using a tripod might be a soccer player attacking
the ball. By holding the camera securely still, only the
motion in the scene remains for a fast shutter speed to
deliver a crisp image without the unnatural blur of shaky
camera motion. |
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2. Adding controlled camera
motion -
Sometimes, deliberate blur can add drama to a fast action
scene. Perhaps you want to photograph runners passing by
with a streaked/blurry background to add a sense of speed to
the image. By using a moderately slow shutter speed and
a tripod, pan (follow) with the runners during the exposure.
The effect will keep the runners relatively sharp against a
blurry background. The result lends a new level of
motion to the picture and simplifies the background in a
blurry wash without the customary detail of spectators or
distracting background elements. The results can make
this technique worth the practice to master. |
 3. Working with
long focal length lenses -
As a general rule, the closer you get to the subject, the
better your pictures will be. Getting close eliminates
distracting, unnecessary backgrounds and shows the subject
clearly. Telephoto or long focal length lenses
effectively bring the subject closer. These powerful
lenses also compound shaky motion effects. Using a
tripod becomes essential as lens focal length increases.
Make your own comparison by hand-holding a 200mm or longer
lens then use a tripod mounted setup. Compare the
sharpness of the two images. The comparison becomes
increasingly dramatic as the images are enlarged. This
is why professionals frequently rely on tripods and monopods.
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 4.
Close-up photography -
Holding the camera steady is vital for sharp, clear pictures. Even slight camera movement can blur pictures. Pressing
the shutter release smoothly and gradually and using a tripod
will eliminate camera movement for the sharpest pictures.
Just like when using telephoto lenses to bring the subject
closer, close-up or macro photography magnifies any camera
shaking. Even with a tripod, the slightest vibration of
the mounted camera setup will cause blur. Notice how
touching the mounted camera vibrates the setup. Even the
camera shutter can cause shaking. These tiny vibrations
can be reduced by using heavy tripods, yet care by using cable
releases or camera self-timers can help minimize camera
movement. Test the setup before depending on it for
critical results. |
 5.
Dealing with wind -
Wind can be a nemesis. The breeze can move the subject
and create subtle vibration in an inadequate tripod. Two
physical qualities contribute to tripod stability: mass and
spring. Mass suggests the weight of a tripod.
Spring relates to bounce-back inherent in a tripods design or
materials.
A heavy tripod offers inherent
stability. A well designed tripod with center
stabilizers or broad leg stance can improve stability.
Traditionally, woods like, Oak, Ash or Beech, have been used
for their high degree of stability
per pound. 'Sticks' as they are traditionally called,
afford recognized strength and stability when used in proven
designs. At times, using
a wind break can help minimize motion. This may be as
simple as using a hat to shield a tiny flower or positioning
an automobile to offer a wind screen. Patients is
perhaps the most useful quality in dealing with wind.
With practice, you may discover the 'rhythm' of the wind to
take advantage of the natural flow and ebb between gusts. |
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6.
Accidental motion -
Kicking the tripod with a camera mounted will cause camera
motion. Obviously? Likewise, touching, shuffling
gravel under a tripod leg or stepping on the carpet next to a
tripod will shift or vibrate the tripod. Any outside
force can cause unpredictable tripod and camera motion. |
 7.
Matching tripod to camera and lens combinations
- A light weight camera, such as an automatic point-and-shoot
system requires a lighter tripod than a heavy motorized SLR
camera with an 800mm telephoto lens. The difference
between these to camera systems goes beyond the 10 pound
disparity in weight, but also in the challenge of maintaining
stability for a long focal length lens. An 800mm lens on
a 35mm camera requires 20 times greater stabilization than
when using a standard 50mm lens. Maintaining system
stability demands using a much heavier tripod. The challenge
in tripod selection remains size and weight vs. portability
and stability. The choice remains completely individual.
My only recommendation is to error on the side of strength and
stability. |
