Situation:
Without a telephoto lens and a tripod, it would have been impossible to capture any clear photographs.

A flash was not acceptable to the coordinators of the event. Even using a very high ISO speed would still result in images taken at 1/15th of a second or longer (if picture is taken hand-held, camera shake would be inevitable).

The only realistic option would be using a tripod. And, as it turned out, tripod photography actually made it easy to get the pictures I wanted.


Set Up:
After the tripod is properly set up (secured and leveled), place a sand bag or any other heavy object on the horizontal bracing supports that go from the legs to the center column.

This is an inexpensive way to improve the support for your camera without buying a more expensive tripod.


Expense:

A tripod does not have to cost a fortune. Yes, professional models can go for over $500; but if you were a professional photographer, you wouldn't be reading these tips.

For an average digital camera, you can find a decent selection of tripods which will either sit on a floor or a table, priced from $20.00 to $50.00.

The larger floor tripods which can extend up to 50 inches or more, will typically collapse down to no longer than 20 inches for easy handling.

For a heavier digital SLR, you can find excellent tripods priced from $70.00 to $200.00 which could last for decades.


Future Prediction:

Once you begin getting into tripod photography, you will wonder how you ever got along without one. Once a tripod becomes part of your photographic arsenal, it most likely will stay there and be used more and more.

Right about now you might be asking yourself: "Why should I consider tripod photography, anyway? I don't have enough things to remember when I leave my house?!" Good point, and here are some real good reasons why you should consider tripod photography:

• If you would like to create photographs of flowing water, a tripod is mandatory.

  Although the picture has an impressive looking degree of difficulty, tripods make the process surprisingly simple.

  Tripod photography is like the trick of a magician. When you know it, it's very simple; when you don't, it is very impressive.

• You do want to be in some photographs, don't you? Just mount the camera on the tripod, switch on the camera's self-timer, and you're in.

• A tripod is a potential life-saver when you don't want to (or can't) use a flash.

  If there is a high enough ISO setting on your camera for you to not use a flash, the shutter speed will most likely be much too slow to go hand-held.

  For example, if the shutter speed is 1/4 of a second, as the photographer, you could not hold the camera that long without causing camera-shake. Your subjects, on the other hand, should easily be able to remain motionless for 1/4 of a second.

  NOTE: before attempting this type of shot, practice at home to make sure the "digital noise" resulting from a high ISO setting is acceptable to you, quality-wise.

• If you have a telephoto lens, you will be able to capture wonderful candids. In fact, this is prime tripod photography time.

• If you have had anything to drink, a tripod will hold the camera more steadily than you can. And, if you haven't had a drink, the tripod will still hold the camera more solidly without a hint of camera shake.

Tripod Photography to the Rescue

This picture was submitted by Luisa Zamboni in our night time photography category.

Night time photographs like this one are virtually impossible to capture without using a tripod.

So, if you think that a tripod may be a good idea, you shouldn't have a problem finding one at a price that's affordable for you.

I can almost guarantee that once you get into tripod photography, the benefits will become obvious...