Tripods & Supports

I am a professional photographer, still and video, and I always use tripods and supports whenever I am shooting images to make sure that I get the best quality for my clients after all that is what they expect. I have a number of different tripods and supports for different occasions and here are the most important features that I look for when buying this equipment:

#1 Features of tripods: Stability would have to be the number one feature that you need to look for in tripods and supports and that is why I have mentioned it first. This is the one thing that you must have as a feature of your tripods and supports and if you don’t have this in any piece of equipment that you buy then its pretty useless for taking pictures that are crisp and clear.

From personal experience the heavier tripods and supports tend to be the most stable however they are not always appropriate tripods and supports for the shooting situation that you find yourself in.

Certainly these tripods and supports are ideals if you are just taking images from one position but if you are moving they can at times be difficult, heavy and cumbersome tripods and supports to carry with the rest of your photographic equipment;

#2 Features of tripods: There are different ways to attach your camera to the head of tripods and supports and for me my preference has always been quick release over the screw in method.

I used to have tripods and supports with screw in heads but I was caught too many times trying to move my camera quickly to get that spontaneous shot only to be foiled by my cameras being securely attached to the tripods and supports.
I missed too many good shots so nowadays all of my tripods and supports are quick release so that when I want to move my camera quickly I can to capture that perfect spontaneous image;

#3Features of tripods: The third feature that I will mention of tripods and supports is the height that the tripods and supports will extend to. The very minimum is YOUR eye so before you buy make sure that you have checked it out thoroughly and you purchase tripods and supports that fit you and the work that you do.

Different Types

#1 Type of tripods and supports: The heavy-duty beast of tripods and supports that is your best friend in the studio. It is too heavy to carry for extended periods of time but is perfect for the studio shots that are in your own space.
I even have a super heavy duty one of my tripods and supports that is mounted on wheels in my studio so that when I want to use it I wheel it into place and presto a perfect working place to shoot from. When I am finished I wheel it into the corner where it is stored – absolutely perfect for the studio;

#2 Type of tripods and supports: The lightweight tripods and supports that are very stable that you can strap on your back when you are moving around taking photographs. Perfect for the hike up to the top of your favorite hill or mountain (depending on how ambitious you are) to take the perfect sunrise of sunset shot;

#3 Type of tripods and supports: I have a couple of flexible mini travel tripods and supports that I keep with my smaller non-professional digital cameras that fold and are really unobtrusive. They are perfect for family gatherings when you want that bit of stability but you don’t want to call too much attention to yourself so that you can take those treasured candid shots that are wonderful memories of important family occasions;

#4 Type of tripods and supports: Mini tripods are the ones that are small and lightweight and you can place them on tables and shelves well practically everywhere to get that extra bit of support to rid your images of any blurry camera shake and ensure that you have fantastic pictures at the end of any photo shoot. I use these tripods and supports for shoots in crowds and when I am shooting fast subjects. I place them on whatever solid surface is around and they work very well and I always have great pics;

#5 Type of tripods and supports: Mono tripods just have one supporting leg and rather that stability what they really offer is a combination of stability and flexibility. Whilst they wont support your camera on their own they will provide a good support to stop camera movement and you can also move your camera to follow the action when using one of these without having the same issues that you would have with the traditional three legged tripods and supports;

#6 Type of tripods and supports: A shoulder support pad is ideal for the heavier professional camcorders. They give you support and great camera control while you can carry the camera and follow the action with ease. They also mean that your arms and shoulders will not suffer as much fatigue during prolonged periods of shooting.

So there are many options when it comes to buying this equipment for your photography decide what your needs are and odds are that you will end up owning a few different types if you take your photography seriously.