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How to use a Tripod

Samantha Peel

How to start to use a photographic Tripod

This blog explains how best to use a tripod.

The other day at one of my lessons in photography, I found two ladies with a tripod placed on the table. The reason behind them putting the tripod on the table was to raise the tripod so that it was higher. This made me realise that I had assumed that the class knew how to use a tripod…

I have to admit at the time I found it rather funny and so did the ladies, but on reflection, I should learn to not assume what my students do or don’t know. The other day a student came to me and said that the camera was not working, but the issue was that the camera was not turned on. Little things that just come naturally to me as a photographer for so many years, leave me to forget that new people to this art, don’t always know.

What Tripod do I need?

Once you have decided to purchase a tripod, you need to decide which to buy, as there is a wide range of tripods out there. The cheaper version will mean that the legs will be thicker in size, compared to the lighter-weighted tripods that cost more.

GREAT WEBSITE TO READ - https://www.photoworkout.com/best-beginner-tripod/

In general, you want a tripod that’s strong enough to support your camera, light enough to carry with you wherever you go and affordable enough to not break your budget.

Consider these three things when deciding on your tripod:

  1. Know what you need, so consider what you will use the tripod for.

  2. Aluminium or carbon fibre is what tripods are made from, which would you prefer? The carbon fibre types will be more money, but they will be lighter in weight to carry around.

  3. You will need to consider the type of tripod head that you require

The tripod heads, come in three different versions: Ball head, Pano Gimbal head & Pan Ball head.

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How to use a tripod!

I have found a great video from Wex Photography that clearly explains how to attach the bracket of the tripod to the bottom of the camera and how to extend the tripod legs.

I recommend taking a further look at this site to buy a tripod and read their own guide to buying a tripod - https://www.wexphotovideo.com/blog/archive/tripod-buying-guide/

Another key element to consider when using a tripod is how you stand the tripod when you have attached the camera. This is very important as in the video above they have mentioned weighing down your tripod, but you also need to consider the leg position and you will wish to prevent the tripod fall with your camera on the top.

Step-by-step on how to set up a tripod

  1. Extend the legs starting from the wider top sections.

  2. Position the tripod with one leg pointing in the direction of the lens.

  3. Adjust the length of the lower leg sections to level the tripod.

  4. Attach a baseplate to the camera, and use a coin to tighten.

  5. Click or clamp the camera onto the tripod head.

Another key point mentioned in the video above was to set your self-timer on the camera, this is a really good option when you decide to take long-exposure images and wish to prevent further camera shake.

Best recommended tripods

Here are some key site links to the best tripods for 2019 & 2020:

  1. https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/best-tripods/

  2. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-tripod

Where do I buy a tripod?

A few good places to buy a tripod are Amazon, Jessops and Curry’s

Or check out these links to online shops to order from:

Hope this was helpful and good luck in buying your own tripod.

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