Tips and Tricks for Using a Camera Tripod

Great free digital photography advice including using a tripod for photos.
Great free digital photography advice including using a tripod for photos.

Learn tips and tricks for using a camera tripod that will increase your photography skills and improve the quality of your photographs. The tripod has been around for years, but is frequently overlooked by amateurs due to its perceived bulkiness. However, it is usually well worth the effort to find and buy one that suits your needs.

Tripod Overview

A tripod is a three-legged stand with a screw on the top for mounting your camera. The purpose of a tripod is to eliminate camera shaking that can cause blurriness. Tripods come in varying heights and weights. The legs collapse into themselves, making them easier to transport and allows for additional height options.

Tripods have two head options:

  1. Pan-Tilt Head: The pan-tilt head allows you to adjust it three different ways. However, you can only adjust one way at a time, lock the position, then move it another way.
  2. Ball Head: The ball head allows you to adjust the head three different ways at the same time. You do not need to stop to lock it in various positions before moving it again.

Some photographers use a monopod, which is similar to a tripod, but it only has one leg. This allows the photographer to move from spot to spot easier, although some stability is sacrificed with only one leg versus three. Sports photographers often use the monopod because it does not get in the way of the action.

Tips and Tricks for Using a Camera Tripod

Using a tripod is something even novice photographers can do easily. To get the most out of your tripod, you should take care to follow some tips before you buy, as well as use some tricks after you buy.

Tips for Buying a Tripod

When you buy a tripod, take your camera with you. You want to buy a tripod that is appropriate for the weight and size of your camera. While lighter weight cameras can use heavy tripods, heavy cameras on lighter tripods may need some additional weight-especially if shooting with a telephoto lens.

At the photography store, check to see if the tripods you are considering can be raised to your eye level. If not, keep looking. Make sure you can easily manipulate the tripod legs and do not have trouble with any of the locking mechanisms.

Check the size of the tripod, too. You want to be sure that you can easily carry it with you. Not all tripods are made of the same materials. Some come in carbon fiber, while others are made from aluminum or other materials.

Tricks for Using a Tripod

A tripod is a fairly easy piece of camera equipment to use. The first thing to do is to read your instruction manual thoroughly. Then, start experimenting with different photos at varying heights and angles. Try these tricks when using your tripod:

  • Before spreading the tripod's legs, adjust each leg's length. This ensures that the legs are the same length and your tripod will be level. However, if you are shooting on uneven ground, you will need to adjust each leg once the tripod is in the correct spot.
  • Extend the thickest part of the tripod legs first, then the thinnest, for the most stability.
  • Choose the spot you want to take the photo from before getting out your tripod. This will save you time and effort from moving the tripod all over, trying to compose a better picture.
  • Use your camera's self-timer or remote to take the photograph. This way, the vibrations from your finger are not an issue.
  • Remove the camera from the top of the tripod when you want to change locations more than a few feet. This is importatnt as even the most secure locks can malfunction.

When to Use Your Tripod

You can use a tripod for taking photographs of just about anything. However, some situations call for a tripod more than others do, such as:

By learning some tips and tricks for using a camera tripod, your skills will move beyond those used by beginners. Try taking some photos with and without the tripod to see the difference. With just a little practice, you may find that using a tripod is easier than you think.