Camera supports
Awhile back I wrote an article offering tips on how to achieve sharper pictures using various methods to support your camera. I still receive private messages inquiring as to why some photos these individuals take are not tack sharp. They sometimes appear slightly out of focus much to the dismay of the individual.
There are a variety of reasons why this happens. While most cameras today are equipped with anti-vibration technology, it doesn’t necessarily mean all your pics will come out crystal clear. You can however put the odds in your favor by using various types of camera supports.
The tripod is probably the most popular as it gives the photographer a solid base to rest your camera body. By using one you avoid camera shake which is the leading cause of out of focus pictures. They come in various sizes, and you should verify if the model you plan on purchasing can comfortably support the weight of your body and lens. For example, attaching a 600mm telephoto lens to a flimsy tripod is a recipe for disaster. Best case scenario here is you will just end up with another out of focus picture. The worst case is you’ll be picking up your expensive lens and camera off the ground, then placing a call to your insurance company. When using a tripod in the field, try to keep the center of gravity low for added stability.
The good news here is the cost of these. You can purchase a decent one for around a hundred bucks, expect to pay more if your camera and lens requires additional support. They are relatively simple to use and once you master utilizing one, your photos will see a marked improvement regarding picture quality and sharpness.
Tripod heads are also an important factor to consider. There are two types, the ball and socket and the pan and tilt. The first option allows you to rotate the camera around a sphere and lock it in place wherever you choose. The second, pan and tilt heads have three axes of movement that can be locked in place individually. This enables a greater degree of accuracy when framing your subject. However, it is slower to operate than the ball and socket.
Personally, I prefer using a monopod. One leg of support and much easier to carry around in the field. It really is an excellent compromise between a tripod and holding the camera by hand. I even use one when shooting from my truck which serves as an excellent blind. I simply adjust the leg height and sit it on the front seat of the truck next to my leg. Here I’m in a comfortable sitting position where I can move my camera body fluidly and avoid camera shake one hundred per cent.
Another popular form of camera support are bean bags. They are extremely versatile, super lightweight and can be used virtually anywhere under any condition. They are especially good when using a camera with a large, heavier telephoto lens. If you’re shooting from a window of your house, it does an incredible job. Simply rest one on the windowsill to support your lens. It also protects both your camera and lens from scratches. Just a tip, try to avoid beanbags with polystyrene balls as they will flatten out over time. Try buying one with fillers such as maize or rice.
In the end, if you find yourself in a position (and it has happened to me plenty of times) where
you have no support equipment whatsoever, lean your body up against a solid surface such as a
car or tree.
In the end, if you find yourself in a position (and it has happened to me plenty of times) where you have no support equipment whatsoever, lean your body up against a solid surface such as a car or tree. While not the perfect scenario, either of these options will give you some type of support which will decrease camera shake. There’s nothing more disappointing than going over your photos at the end of a trip only to find out that many are blurry or slightly out of focus. If you apply some of these suggestions, I can pretty much guarantee that the majority of your precious photos will be of superior quality. Like everything else it simply requires some practice and of course patience.