Using a Tripod

 

 

Some people believe that without a you aren't really a photographer. This simply isn't true.While they can be very useful for some shots, they aren't always necessary, and can even be a nuisance! You can consider yourself a true photographer even without a tripod; the only thing you need is a camera and the desire to take pictures!

The thing to remember is that tripods are a hassle to carry around, especially in remote locations. While useful, they are also unwieldy and bulky, and they can be a pure nuisance in some situations.

There are some versatile tripods on the market that fold up and fit in your back pocket. Using any reasonably flat surface, a tabletop or even a boulder in the country locations, these little gems are great.

There is also a Velcro strap that allows you to hook your camera to a tree limb or pole where available! You may not always need a tripod, but when you do, these are the way to go. And at under $20.00, they fit into not only your back pocket, but your budget as well.

Almost every digital camera has a self timer on it, and this feature is very often overlooked. With a tripod and a self timer, you can put yourself into every photo if you choose to.

The self timer gives you 10 seconds by delaying the shutter from firing after you push the button. This answers the question that has existed since photographers first started taking pictures, the question of "Who took the picture?" Just because you have become the designated photographer doesn't mean you can't be in the fun, too.

I have thousands of pictures during our dune buggy days, and I wasn't in one of them! Use the tripod and the self timer and get yourself into the action!