Where is your tripod when you need it?
I deliberately did not take my tripod knowing that it would be possible that I needed it. I made it work anyway.
In search of ice (and icicles)
My initial intention was to just get out and get some fresh air. I grabbed my camera and my trusty Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens. I did not even take my camera bag, extra batteries, memory cards or anything except my car keys, gloves and hat.
First, I went to one of my go-to ice locations. There is a local park with small creeks that feed into the river. I wasn’t getting my hopes up as it had warmed up just a little but you have to go anyway. I ended up with one usable image from there. There just wasn’t enough ice and nothing else really grabbed my attention.
Maybe I’ll see some eagles (and ice)
I hopped back in my car and drove a bit down the river to a dam where it is known that eagles hang out. Mind you, I usually skip photographing them because I don’t have a long enough lens to do them justice. But, they are amazing to see in person. There were no eagles on this day anyway.
When I walked up to the dam spillover I got excited. Ice! Not just any ice, really interesting icicles and bubbly ice. It’s not necessarily the easiest spot to photograph from but there is a fenced viewing area that is directly over the end of the dam. I stand right up against the railing pointing my lens at the waterfalls, log jams and ice.
I could use that tripod now
When I started taking photos of the ice formations, I knew that the rushing water would be distracting and the ends of the icicles would get lost in the foam and water.
A longer exposure would be perfect here. Only I didn’t bring my tripod. (Let’s be honest, I rarely, if ever, bring my tripod.) So what did I do?
First, I held the base of my camera on top of the railing. Thankfully, it’s not a round railing so that made it a little easier and a little steadier. Then, I took several images at different shutter speeds until I found a happy medium between blurring the water and not blurring the icicles. Read that as finding a shutter speed I could hand hold so the ice was sharp and there was no camera movement.
Keep in mind the standard rule of thumb for photographing handheld: Make your shutter speed equal to your focal length. For example, in my case I was photographing at 400mm, so I should have kept my shutter speed at 1/400sec or above. Keep in mind this is general and all depends on what your subject is, your lighting, your camera capabilities and what you want the outcome of the image to be.
Keeping steady without a tripod
Every time I moved around I made sure my camera was held against the railing. Not the ideal situation and I knew that going in, I’ve been here before many times. I tend not to take my tripod because there are usually quite a few people around and no room to set up where I want to be. Then, I head off down the trail instead.
If you end up in a situation where you don’t have a tripod, look around to see what you can stabilize yourself or your camera on. Do your best to not move. Set your camera timer so you’re not pressing down on the shutter button, or keep a remote shutter release in your bag. In this situation, I realize I also should have/could have increased my ISO. Using 100 ISO wasn’t the wisest choice and I notice a bit later that I did increase it as I wandered down into the trees further.
You can still take photos
As I said, I went out with only my camera and nothing extra. I knew that I might need the tripod but I chose to not carry anything extra. My intent was to get out and see what I could see and get some fresh air.
There are ways to still get your image. It’s not easy. You’re not going to get as many keepers. And, you’ll get grief from many of your photography friends who tell you to throw the tripod or Platypod in your car every time you go out.
Maybe one of these days, I’ll listen.
Nice photos Lauri. Tripods feel a bit over the top sometimes but for steady shots and lon exposures we’d be lost without them
Thank you, Matt! I know I should be more diligent about carrying mine but I guess I’m just lazy.
Your vivid account has the reader with you all the way. We have all experienced the challenges you describe and I know I will not be taking my tripod – as usual!
Thanks, Norma – I knew there were plenty of us out there who can relate to this story.
Good article Lauri. Good reminder to us all I always have my tripod in the car with me, it resides there. But then the question is how often do I take it out and use it ….? Likely 2 years ago when photographing mushrooms with a macro lens and two speedlights. Or doing a star trails image 3 years ago. I’ve been very lucky and managed to get away without the tripod. They do make you a better photographer as you slow down and work to get the shot “right” before you press the shutter button. However since buying my… Read more »
Thanks, Jim. Yes, I should have added that: “Do as I say, not as I do.” Thank you for your comments and your experience with/out tripods as well.
I enjoyed this, Lauri, and your tips are so useful too. I should take my tripod out more often, but it’s another thing to carry… :)
Thanks so much Prue! That’s how I feel, another thing to carry…
The only times I still use a tripod is when I’m waiting for a shot (bird, insect) and my arms would get tired. Otherwise I just dial up the ISO as far as 2500, and maybe do more noise reduction. For most subjects it’s never going to matter.
Right, it depends on what you’re doing. Long exposures though, pretty much always require a tripod. I got lucky! haha.