Compared to the complexity of manual mode on DSLRs , or adjusting flash settings , mounting a tripod seems like the easiest thing in the world: you extend its legs, place the camera on top, and you're done.
No way. Could not be farther from the truth. Although a tripod can be extended and used in any way, it pays to be a little methodical when setting it up if you want to get the most out of it.
In today's article I will discover a series of simple steps with which you can mount your tripod efficiently and correctly. Don't worry, we're not going to have to set up any weird buttons or turn any cranks, nuts or gears ? It's just a matter of using our tripod in a slightly different way but with better results.
Let's mess But first, if you are thinking of buying the best tripod, do not miss this guide with tips and recommendations that we have prepared for you.
HOW TO PROPERLY MOUNT A TRIPOD
- Compose your photo: It will seem paradoxical to you, but the first step in the correct use of a tripod is not to use it. Let's not touch it. First focus on what you want to photograph: use your camera to frame the photo, as if you were going to shoot it. Go changing perspective, try different angles, frame horizontally, vertically, and so on until you find the composition that you like the most.
- Point one leg towards the subject: Once you have mentally defined the composition or frame you want to capture, now it's time to mount the tripod. Open it up and position it so that one of its legs is pointing towards your subject. This is important because this way you can comfortably position yourself between the other two remaining legs. Now, be careful because if you use a wide angle, you run the risk that the leg appears in the image, in that case, it is better that the leg points towards you.
- If you can, avoid extending the center column too much: Most tripods come with a center column that can be extended to gain a little more height. The problem is that while this provides the camera with greater height, it takes away stability. Look, the "tri" in the word tripod has to do with the three legs. The essence of a tripod is that it supports the camera on those 3 legs. What the central column does is, unfortunately, take away that stability. It is true that there are times when the tripod falls short, in height, and we need a few centimeters more height. There is no problem in extending that column a bit, but try not to go too far because the longer it is, the less stability you will have.
- Add a little weight: It is known that in terms of tripods, the greater the weight, the greater the stability. Personally, when choosing a tripod, I look to make sure that it is made of a resistant material and that it has a certain weight, since it can withstand microvibrations from the ground, gusts of wind, etc. If one day it's too windy I resort to the bag trick. It simply consists of hanging some weight at the bottom of the central column of the tripod, this gives the structure more weight and greater stability. It can be a bag of sand, some stones, or the camera backpack with the lenses inside. Anything with a certain weight will help stabilize our tripod.
- First extend the upper part of the legs: If you are going to use the tripod at half height, start by extending the upper part of its legs, leaving the lower part tucked in, unless you need it. Normally the upper part of the legs offers more stability than the lower part. Posts to choose, I recommend you use the superior one.
- Low angles, legs tucked in: If you're shooting from very low angles and therefore spread your tripod legs wide, try not to extend them too far. On the one hand, you run the risk of stepping on them in a moment of carelessness. Also, if you shoot at very short focal lengths, the tripod legs could come out in the frame.
Remember that the purpose of a good tripod is to stabilize the camera. Well, while you're at it, do it right please. Oh, if you're interested in learning more about tripods you might want to read this .
That's all for now. As always, if you have enjoyed this article, please share it ? Thank you.
