One of the most frustrating things in photography is camera shake. Camera shake occurs when a camera moves while the photographer is taking a shot. This is usually the result of hand holding a camera instead of placing it on a tripod or other stable object. Modern cameras can be quite heavy and difficult to hold steady while taking shots, resulting in movement that can find its way onto the finished picture.
Camera shake usually doesn't occur when the photographer is using a fast enough shutter speed. If the shutter is only open for a fraction of a second - say 1/640th of a second or faster - then it is almost impossible for any movement to affect the shot. However often photographers cannot use fast shutter speeds because of low light, so they need to find a way to reduce camera shake. When a shutter is open for a long period of time - anything from 1/20th of a second or longer is considered a long time for shutters - camera shake will ruin the shot if a method for keeping the camera steady is not utilised.
One of the most popular methods for keeping cameras steady is to use a tripod. Sports photographers, and any other photographers who don't have time to set up a tripod for each shot, might use a monopod instead.
A tripod is a three legged device specifically designed to keep a camera steady when shooting. The legs can usually be extended or retracted and work independently of each other. The legs might also be partially covered in rubber to keep the photographer's hands warm when adjusting the legs in cold weather, and for protection of the legs from bumps and scratches. Good tripods will also have rubber feet that can grip any surface, even if it's wet.
Depending on the type of tripod being used, the neck and head type will vary. Some necks can be lifted up and down to allow for height adjustments, similar to the legs. A few types of tripods have necks that can be positioned sideways when lifted up and out. This provides for side-on, or portrait shooting. Other tripods only allow for switching between landscape and portrait shooting from the head.
Traditionally, tripod heads contained several parts that can be screwed and unscrewed. When unscrewed, the tripod head can swivel from side to side, shift up and down, and tilt sideways. These days, ball heads are becoming more popular as they allow a full range of movements by only unscrewing one lock. They can also be more stable than traditional heads, but they are also more expensive to buy.
Photographers who need to move quickly between shots often use monopods instead of tripods. Monopods have only one leg and must be hand held. They offer almost as much stability as tripods, but some camera shake can still occur. They are easier to move around and set up so they are preferred by sports photographers. They are also widely used by photographers who need to move quickly between shots, such as fashion photographers shooting on location.
As you can see, tripods and monopods are handy devices for reducing camera shake. If you're serious about your photography you should consider investing in a tripod today.
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