The Connector
The Connector
Photo by Austin Presley.
Photo by Austin Presley.

1) Slow shutter speeds

Those cool light streaks you see in pitch black photos aren’t carried out so perfectly without a very slow shutter speed and another key element: stillness. No one can stand still that long while holding a camera. That’s where a handy tripod comes in. Simply set up your prime spot in front of those accelerating cars. Select a focal point and remain hands free from your camera.

2) Two seconds timer tip

I use this tip very often, especially if I find myself with extra time on my hands for taking the shot. A tripod is definitely needed for this tip because it will maximize the ability of getting those sharp images all the time. Mount your camera onto the tripod and set up your subject within your frame as you wish. Adjust the focal point and set the timer to at least two seconds. Press the shutter down fully and let go of the camera as the counter starts. You will get sharper images while you completely reduce all hand shake.

3) Family portraits

Family time is important, especially for the students who live far away from their loved ones. Visiting for the holidays can encompass some of the greatest moments. As the photographer of my family, I always bring my tripod with me when I visit. With this tool I won’t have to miss another family portrait again. All I need is to set a focal point, then set the shutter timer for at least 10 seconds. When the timer starts, I run over to my vacant space amongst the smiling faces to wait for the shutter to release. Not only is this great for family portraits, but high quality selfies too!

4) Higher height

This tip deals with creating an illusion of being above your subject. Depending on your tripod, the legs can extend to a substantial amount so you can maximize its height. Aerial shots are unique because we don’t see many shots taken from above the subject. A tripod is useful for allowing us to maintain stillness while gravity weighs equipment down. This provides plenty of hand shake if you were to use your hands to hold the equipment . Some cameras have a vari-angle LCD screen which allows you to rotate the screen almost 360 degrees which can help while taking higher angled shots. Tilting the LCD screen down towards you while the camera is on a heightened tripod can allow sharper images and great elevated shots.