Before I started using Tripods, I thought the only thing they were supposed to do is hold the camera when you got tired. It’s a pretty innocent thought considering my lack of knowledge, but just like a soda can tab has more functions than we usually use it for, so does a tripod. And trust me, it’s not that hard to use. You can adjust the height, position, spin it 360, anything you want. 

But I didn’t come to tell you what it can do, but more so what you can use it for.

Typically, tripods are used for still photos or photos in motion. For example, if you are taking a nature shot, you would probably have to stand with your camera for a very long time but with a tripod you won’t have to, just click the button and it’s done. Also, if you want to take a picture of moving water and want it to have a smooth texture you would need a long/slow exposure. But, in order to do so you would need a slow shutter which causes the image to become blurry, and if you had it in your hand, it would cause your image to be even more blurry.

Tripods are also used for taking photos of athletes in action. All you need to do is position the camera and shoot. It makes everything more fluid and creates an easier environment for panning images.

More importantly, your grip and hold can drastically change the clarity of your image. Knowing the information above is important, but so is this. If you’re not really focused on movement than a heavier model is good for you, but if you need to move from place to place than a lighter model is more suitable. So the word grip, probably doesn’t mean the thing that you are thinking right now. Grip relates to a cameras battery grip, which gives your battery extended life. Which is good, considering that when I take my camera on a photo shoot the battery depletes rather quickly. And now we move on to talking about holds. There are a lot of ways we can hold cameras, some ways include.

• Elbows together toward your chest, firm hold on the camera holding it near to your face.
• You can use your left arm as support for your camera
• Sitting down with your legs slightly open and feet pointing down helps you keep your center of gravity
• Laying down on stomach with your elbows positioned close together on the floor, while leaning slightly into the camera is also another good position.

Using these tricks you can improve your photography, and make it go from good to great. From murky shots to sharper and more clear shots!