- Camera tripod photo tips - by travel authority Howard Hillman

Camera tripods

photo tips for digital camera travelers

photo tips

Camera tripods -
tips & insights

Need for tripods

Your photo will likely show the blurry effects of camera shake when you hand-hold a camera while shooting at a slow shutter speeed – or using a telescopic or upclose lens. A tripod eliminates camera shake in those situations.

Types of tripods

There are three basic tripod variations:

Traditional tripod

Monopod

Pocketpod

Traditional tripods

These are full-length tripods (when their legs are extended). Your camera will be high enough to allow you to stand when using the camera's built-in LCD screen (or viewfinder).

Traditional tripods are essential to most professional photographers. However, they could be a headache to the typical traveler because of their weight, bulk and awkward storage shape.

They can be time-consuming to set up and, afterwards, to take down.

There are some light, collapsible traditional tripods for travelers. Be certain that the one you bring is stable. Many lightweight models are not. A strong wind could knock the tripod over, along with your expensive camera mounted on the tripod's head.

Remember, the heavier your camera and lens, the more top heavy your set up will be.

Monopods

This "tripod" sibling has only one leg, which reduces weight and storage space. In reality, a monopod needs two extra legs (yours) for stability.

A full-length monopod may make more sense than a traditional tripod for the average amateur travel photographer, though keeping its head motionless requires a little practice.

Pocketpods

For most travelers, this is the best choice. A pocketpod (also called "minipod" and "tabletop tripod") is quite short, so it needs to be set on an elevated surface such as a tabletop.

You can also press the pocketpod's feet against a vertical surface (such as a wall) while you firmly handhold the camera.

A pocketpod's well-designed collapsibility makes it easy to store inside camera bags.

Another benefit is it is ideal for macro (very upclose) photography.

Substitute tripods

Nearby objects - Rest your camera on an elevated surface such as a boulder or fence top.

Bean bags - Professional photographers use these soft, moldable childhood playthings as a support placed under their long telescopic lenses (which are difficult to keep steady when you hold the entire camera system in the air). Place the bean bag on a car top, tree trunk, you name it.

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