P#11 Q3C: Should I Use a Tripod When Taking Fashion Photography Shots?

Can a Tripod Lock You in a Box?

Bruce Smith: I never use a tripod -- ever. I find tripods restricting and restraining. They block you. They put you into a box that says, "You can only shoot this picture from here." I like to be loose and free.

I move around a lot when I'm taking pictures. If my camera is on a tripod, I feel like somebody's tying me down to the ground.

Even if I stay in the same position for the whole series of shots I'm taking, I like the freedom of being able to feel the weight of my camera and being able to move a little bit left or a little bit right.

I have used a monopod. Monopods aren't too bad.

Instead of worrying about a tripod, worry about shutter speed. Not a lot of people know that your shutter speed should never be slower than the focal length of the lens that you're using. For example, if you're shooting with 125mm lens, you should never have your shutter speed less than 125th of a second.

Audri Lanford: Actually, nobody has ever mentioned that rule during this podcast series.

Bruce: Haven't they? Well now they know, and it's very important. The longer the lens you're using, the faster the shutter speed needs to be in order to stop the camera shake.

Audri: I'm really glad you mentioned that. I'm actually shocked that nobody has said that before in this series because it is really very important.

Bruce: Yes it is. Bottom line? Never use tripods. I have three up in the loft here but they've never been out.

In Summary

You don't rely on a tripod to prevent camera shake. Instead, you can try adjusting your shutter speed. By keeping your shutter speed higher than the focal length of your camera, you can eliminate the need for a tripod altogether.