The variable most photographers overlook is composition. The only variable in a photograph is the subject. Set the correct exposure, then choose the focal length. Make sure the aperture gives the right amount of depth of field. Set the shutter to stop motion or add blur. Oh. One more thing: put your camera on a tripod.
Composition is a variable
Shooting handheld is the epitome of every photographer in movies or television. From Thomas, the fashion photographer in “Blow Up,” to an uncountable number of creators on YouTube, it is common to see them taking pictures while waving the camera all around the subject. Massive variable, that!
In the 1966 movie, Thomas shoots handheld. When he works as a professional, he uses a tripod. The photo above is wrong in so many ways. The lens is too long a focal length to focus that close. The film had much slower ISOs than today’s digital cameras. Shutter speed was limited. The lenses had smaller maximum apertures. And squatting like that to get a sharp image? Please!
“Blow Up” is still one of my all-time favorite movies. I recommend it.
Downsides to hand-holding cameras
“I want to be spontaneous, fluid and move when I shoot,” says practically every photographer living. It’s not surprising, but no human being can handhold a camera in precisely the same point in space ever. Camera movement can throw off the composition, focus and even miss or cut off what the subject is doing. Holding a camera in your hands makes directing a person very difficult.
Lock down everything else so it’s only you and the subject.
How? Use a tripod
Mount your camera on a tripod and the composition is locked down. Your subject moves within the frame. Nothing else moves. This is perfection itself for working a composite in Photoshop. With the background frozen, closed eyes can be replaced with eyes from another shot.
Deliberate composition
A tripod slows down the process of making a photograph. This helps you be more deliberate about the important other variables. Camera shake goes away. Now, the shutter speed is set to stop the subject’s movements. Holding focus on the eyes is easier with wide-open apertures needed to create charming and alluring bokeh.
Step back from the viewfinder or monitor screen. Look at the subject with just your eyes. Check out what the camera sees again. Is it exactly what you want? If not, change the position until the composition looks right. Tripods are easy to move. Even heavy ones.
Give your tripod a shot
It takes practice to get used to using your tripod. When you work with it often, it becomes more natural. Photographs of your envisioned work are the payoff for the extra work needed to use your tripod.
Given the choice, I always opt to use a tripod. I pack one in my suitcase when I travel. Will you give your tripod a shot or two?
