Use A Tripod!

Using a tripod is essential when taking photos - andgadget allows you to mount your camera to your car
not just for night shots. To get ultra crisp and sharpwindow to take photos of wildlife while still sitting in
pictures, your camera cannot move at all when thethe car.A Rock! Yes, you can use any ledge as a
shutter is open. In some circumstances, even the tinytripod when you need a sharp picture but don't have
movements your hand makes are enough to make aa tripod handy. You can also use a small bean bag to
slightly blurry image. The best way to ensure yoursteady your camera and lens if your camera doesn't
camera does not move is to use a tripod or otherstand upright by itself.Which should I purchase?If
camera stand.On sunny days or when you use ayou're just starting out, I recommend purchasing a
really fast shutter speed, simply holding the camera instandard tripod with telescoping legs that stands full
your hand will still produce a sharp image. But there'slength (5-6 feet). Make sure you get a sturdy
another reason for using a tripod on these occasions(preferably all aluminum) model. Pick the heaviest
as well. Erecting the tripod causes you to SLOWmodel you can carry around with you.Lightweight
DOWN and think a little more about the shot you'remodels are available, as are mini-tripods - Perfect for
about to take. Because you're concentrating more,portability, but they don't have the stability of the
you'll have a better chance of composing your imagelarger models.Using a TripodMost of the time, you
correctly and ending up with a super shot.Types ofjust setup your tripod, place your camera on top and
Camera StandsTripod. This is a three legged standshoot! There are a few subtleties to using a tripod
that attaches to the mount on your camera. This isthat can help enormously.- The longer the legs of the
the most common type of mount to hold yourtripod, the less steady the tripod becomes. Extend
camera steady, and allows you to move your handsyour tripod legs only enough to enable you to get
away from the camera completely and still have ityour camera into the correct position.- Sometimes
steady in position.Monopod. A variation on the tripod,the act of depressing the shutter causes movement
this stand only has one leg. Attach the monopod toin the camera. To minimize this, use your other hand
your camera, stand it on the ground and use yourand press down on the top of the camera directly
hands to ensure the camera and stand don't fall over.above the tripod mount. This will help to further
This helps because the monopod stops the camerareduce movement.- You're most likely to need your
moving up and down, and provides a rest for yourtripod when your camera is fully zoomed in. When
hands so camera shake is reduced. For a bit of extrafully zoomed in, any small shake is likely to show on
stability, lean yourself, or your camera againstthe image.Other Tripod Secrets- Try to find a tripod
another sturdy object like a light pole.Chainpod. Anwith a built in level. The level will help ensure your
ingenious design consisting of a length of chain (orlandscape shots are completely straight and save
string) with a loop on one end large enough to placeneeding to rotate the image slightly in your computer
your foot into. The other end is attached to yourto get a level horizon.- Specialized lenses are available
camera. To use a Chainpod, place your foot throughthat can compensate for camera shake. They are
the loop and pull your camera up so the chain is tightcalled "Image Stabilizers" or "Vibration Reduction
while taking your photo. The tension in the chain willlenses". They can be rather expensive, so I
reduce camera shake just like a monopod. The greatrecommend sticking with a tripod.- Try to get a
advantage of a chainpod is you can crunch it up andtripod with a quick release mount. This will enable you
place it in your pocket!Dolly. This is a tripod withto quickly remove the camera from your tripod
wheels (and brakes!). A dolly allows you to moveshould you need to take a quick 'candid' shot.David
your tripod around easily without needing to lift yourPeterson has a great love of photography and has
camera, but it's not so useful outdoors when thecreated a series of free tips at to help digital
ground is uneven. There are dolly attachmentsphotography users everywhere take better photos.
available for regular tripods.Car Window Mount. This