How to Use Tripods in Photography

Tripods serve a great purpose in photography. These three-legged devices are one of the most heavily relied upon things in any studio or on any photo shoot. Photographers insist on quality, well crafted tripod units in their work. You can use tripods for your own photography if you understand which ones meet your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the type of photography shoot. Long exposure shooting and macro shooting require a heavily weighted tripod for best security and stability. Add a camera bag to the tripod for weight.

2. Purchase a tripod that has a bubble level incorporated into the unit. This serves to keep the unit from tipping and keeps the subject exactly where she needs to be.

3. Look for a commercial model tripod that is made of heavy-duty material. This ensures the camera or other equipment stays where the photographer puts it. Secure all locks when mounting the camera.

4. Find a model tripod that has legs that are independent of each other for better balance on uneven ground or in water. Extend the legs and lock them into the position desired.

5. Utilize a photography tripod that extends to the height of the photographer. This feature is a great help to landscape and cityscape photographers.

6. Choose a model that uses a ball-head to pivot. This feature is typical on higher end photography tripods and is extremely useful for quick shots and odd angles.

7. Move the head and camera into the desired position by using the hand-crank system. Rotate the crank to raise or lower the camera's focal plane.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry several small sandbags along to secure the tripod legs. Sandbags are also useful to weigh down the photography tripod's center of gravity.
• Keep all moving parts of the tripod well lubricated and moving freely. A small amount of white grease on the pivot ball will suffice.
• Never place tripods on sand or ice unless well secured to prevent tipping or sliding.