Using a tripod is actually a bit more complicated than most people think.
Of course you can just set it up and leave it, but it may shake and cause blurry photos. There are also some great tools you can attach to your tripod to make it even more useful. This article over at Digital Photography School gives you great tips on how to make the most of your tripod.
Find your composition first
Since it takes a good amount of time to setup a tripod, It’s a good idea to find your composition first, and then worry about the tripod. So, walk around and explore your subject from different angles. It may help to look through your viewfinder as you do this to help you see exactly what the composition will look like as a photo.
Avoid extending the center post
The center post is significantly less stable than the three legs spread out, so only use the center post as a last resort. This will often cause some frustration in setting up your tripod to that perfect height, but just remember that It’s helping you get the sharpest image possible.
Use an L-bracket for short lenses
The “L” bracket is a special kind of plate that attaches your camera to the tripod head. It’s shaped like an “L” (heh) and allows you to mount your camera in portrait orientation, while still keeping the camera at the center of the three legs.
Hang a camera bag or other heavy object from the center post for extra stability
If you find yourself in some super windy conditions, it might help to add some more weight to your tripod by hanging something (like a camera bag) from the center post. Many tripods already have a hook in place, but if yours doesn’t then check to see if you can just screw in a hook from a hardware store.
Why It’s important to carefully setup your tripod
Although setting up your tripod may seem like a slow and tedious process, It’s important to do it carefully to ensure you get the sharpest image possible. Ensuring that your tripod is in a stable position will also help prevent it from toppling over and damaging your camera and lens.
Read the full article over at Digital Photography School.
Source: Digital Photography School
