The Tripod 

The basic function of the tripod is to reduce camera shake. This enables the photographer to shoot using slow shutter speeds that would have resulted in shaken and blurry photos without the aid of the tripod. Taking photos at slow shutter speeds, exposure will take relatively long, e.g. half a second or one second. It is a method you use when there is little light available. However, a tripod may come in handy in other circumstances such as those mentioned in the following. Tripods can be quite heavy and troublesome to carry around, and sometimes you need to consider if it is really worth the bother. You may actually be able to avoid using the tripod if you know how to use your camera correctly.

The Tripod

Many photographers will say that the tripod is their best friend. Some almost always use it, others use it only rarely. Tripods are available in many different shapes, weights, and at many different prices. Using a tripod can make shooting indoors much easier, and outdoors you can use the tripod creatively for shooting new kinds of photos in the evening or at night. If you have never before used a tripod you will be surprised by the effect using it will have.

A good steady tripod will do wonders for your photos.

If you consider purchasing a tripod you need to give some consideration to what you actually need. If you move around a lot on foot you must choose a light model. Some tripods are so tiny that you can place them in the palm of your hand. If you have a relatively heavy camera you need a strong tripod. Visit you local photo store, describe your needs, and work out the right solution together.
 
Capture Movement
The tripod is not only handy when the available light is scarce. In broad daylight you can use it to create a sense of movement in your photos. It is a method you can use for conveying the movement of a car on the motorway, a galloping horse, flowing water, et cetera. By shooting at slow shutter speeds you will be able to get quite surprising and often very beautiful results.  The best thing is to play around with the method, working out on your own what works and what does not work. If you want to take photos at slow shutter speeds in strong light you need to choose the lowest possible ISO value of your camera (e.g. 100) and choose the smallest possible aperture opening (e.g. f/22).

Support the Camera
In some situations where a  tripod would come in handy you might not have access to one. There is, however, no need to despair. By using the right method you will be able to do long exposures without the use of a tripod. In such cases holding your camera correctly is extremely important. Use one arm for support by pressing it to your chest. Get a firm grip on your camera. Give some thought to your breathing when you are about to hit the shutter, and stand as still as possible. If you happen to be near the trunk of a tree or any other large immobile object you can use this for extra support.

There are many ways of getting around using the tripod.

ISO – Your Last Resort

The photographer has accidentally left his tripod at home and darkness has fallen. If it is almost dark and you cannot hold your camera still enough to get sharp photos the last resort is to adjust the ISO value. This setting decides how light sensitive your camera is. A low ISO value results in low light sensitivity, and the other way round. Consequently, you should try choosing one of the highest possible settings (most often ISO 800 or ISO 1600) and shoot your subject again. Keep in mind that your images will appear more grainy and with fewer details the higher ISO value you use.

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