There some times when even a travel tripod is just too much to lug around, and sometimes you need to get really low, or switch quickly between tripod steady, and hand held without leaving a valuable full-size tripod unattended. Thats where a good table top tripod can come in handy—a table top tripod can also be easily stuffed into a camera bag for emergencies without jeopardizing the carry-on status of your gear. I submit for your approval, the Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod: This little gem is a great addition to any photographers kit—it … [Read more...] about Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod
tripod
Gear Review: Oben Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Just Enough Tripod & Then Some At some point every photographer needs a tripod. How much tripod depends on the specific needs of the photographer—are you a landscape photographer, portrait photographer, still life, nature, or street photographer? Maybe you're all of these at one time or another. What kind of camera do you use? Do you favor big DSLRs, medium format, or are you old school, with a big-ass view camera? If you shoot with a giant , heavy camera, you probably already know you should have a big tripod—if you are in full-on Ansel … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Oben Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Shoot Anywhere With Platypod Ultra
I've become a fan of Platypod Ultra. It's got all the best features of the original Pro and the larger Max, and it fits in my back pocket. It goes everywhere I go from road trips to long hikes. I use it in airports, cities, and other places tripods just aren't safe to use. Let me show you some of the ways I've been employing Ultra in my photography and you'll see that you should have one, too. Group Portraits This is an easy way to use Ultra, and since it's small and light you can have a solid platform for your camera with you all the time. … [Read more...] about Shoot Anywhere With Platypod Ultra
The Platypod Party: Embracing Low-Angle Photography
Dan Bailey and Karen Hutton, Fujifilm X Team Photographers, jumping for joy in Florida Fuji XT 2, 10-24mm f 4 lens, ISO 800, f 4, 1/8000, Fuji X 500 flash on High Speed Sync. Platypod has just introduced a new model of their awesome camera support system, the Platypod Ultra. I recently had the opportunity to try it out while I was in Florida. Three “X” Team photographers; Dan Bailey, Karen Hutton, and I, were invited to the Fuji sales meeting to give some inspirational presentations and hands-on-seminars to the sales team. All the Fuji … [Read more...] about The Platypod Party: Embracing Low-Angle Photography
Make It Work With The Tools You Have
(Editior's note: From time to time we welcome guests to contribute to Photofocus. Lauri Novak, like many of us, began making photographs at a young age. Words she lives by are; play, seeing, live and love. Welcome to Photofocus! Lauri Novak. So many of us feel like we need to have the latest and greatest gear to get the images we want when in fact a lot can be done with what we have. I was given this shoot as an assignment four years ago and it taught me a lot. This was shot with my first DSLR and a used lens I purchased from a friend. I did … [Read more...] about Make It Work With The Tools You Have
Photowalk: Orlando, April 21st, 5:30 pm
We're at it again. We're getting together and practicing making pictures. This is a fun time to meet and make photographs and chat and have a fun time. Since we're visiting for Photoshop World, we'll meet at the Hyatt Regency Lobby where the conference is being held. We'll meet at 5:30 pm, head down International Drive and find some photos and maybe grab a bite before Stacy Pearsall's talk later in the evening. We can practice architecture, street portraiture, and even long exposure motion capture. We're looking forward to seeing you and having … [Read more...] about Photowalk: Orlando, April 21st, 5:30 pm
DSLR Video Weekly: A Stable Platform to Shoot From
This is article #8 in the DSLR Video Weekly series. If you'd like the whole thing in one shot, check out the book Creating DSLR Video: From Snapshots to Great Shots. When you shoot photos with a DSLR, hand holding the camera is pretty easy. With each click of the shutter you’re essentially freezing motion. Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate well to video because the form factor of a DSLR camera is not designed well for handheld video shooting. When recording video, you capture every movement of the camera. Unless you want your viewers to … [Read more...] about DSLR Video Weekly: A Stable Platform to Shoot From
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Instantly Magnify Your Tripod
Here I go again, touting the advantages of mirrorless cameras. The thing is if you're into landscape and nature photography then you've always been encouraged to carry the biggest tripod you can carry. This is because big heavy cameras sitting atop spindly tripod legs are prone to wobbling and vibration making blurring pictures at long shutter speeds. Bigger diameter tripod legs offer more rigidity and stability, making not only sharper photographs without wiggle, but also a safer platform to keep your camera from tipping over. But here are two … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Instantly Magnify Your Tripod
Portrait Tip: Your Second Most Important Body Part
Obviously, a photographer's most important body part is her eye, right? How else will she compose impactful pictures? I want to show you two ways to free your second most important skeletal structure so you can make better portraits. Free Your Hands Your hands are essential in your portrait work. They convey trust and make people welcome and you can use them to place keys on your head to great effect. When you meet a subject, you should shake their hand. When you make a good picture together, you should give them a high five. When they … [Read more...] about Portrait Tip: Your Second Most Important Body Part
Portrait Tip: Eliciting Great Expressions With Kids (And Dads)
There's nothing sillier than expecting people to give you a great expression because you say, "Smile!" Especially children. If you want people to smile in your photograph then you need to do something worth smiling about. Here's a technique I learned from Drake Busath and refined to fit my own style. You can use this verbatim and adapt it to fit your personality, too. Discipline An Object Kids also get a thrill from seeing something ridiculous get into trouble. This one is also gold for getting dads and moms to smile. Parents are usually … [Read more...] about Portrait Tip: Eliciting Great Expressions With Kids (And Dads)
Photowalk Las Vegas: 6:00pm Wednesday, Feb. 8th
Many of our Photofocus team will be in Las Vegas for the WPPI photography conference, and we'd love to get together and make pictures with you. Photowalks like this are a great time to put into practice various techniques that you don't otherwise get time to use. We won't be walking very far on this walk, but we will be shooting a lot. We're in Las Vegas, so let's practice making pictures that show off the light and excitement of the strip. We'll do long exposures and motion and see some of the iconic spots. We'll meet at the gazebo outside … [Read more...] about Photowalk Las Vegas: 6:00pm Wednesday, Feb. 8th
Tripods: Safety First
No matter what kind of photographer you are, a tripod can make your pictures better. The trouble is, there are hundreds of tripods available and there are dozens of features on each. Many of the features you choose will depend on the type of photography you do and where you will do it. I have several tripods and several heads that I use in the studio or shooting architecture or portraits or when I'm traveling or hiking. No matter which features help you achieve your vision, you should always use a head with a safety feature. The picture above … [Read more...] about Tripods: Safety First
Pro Tip: Make a Tripod into a Monopod
There are times I really wish i had a monopod. You know, those one legged camera stabilizers sports photogs use to steady their long lenses. Thing is I don't want to buy one. What to do? Convert your tripod into a monopod This is so simple. Extend one of the tripod's legs so the head is at the perfect height. Leave the other legs short. Ta-dah! Instant monopod. Finish the conversion by using either a Velcro cable strap or an elastic cord with a cord lock wrapped around all three legs Minuses & pluses The downside of making your tripod … [Read more...] about Pro Tip: Make a Tripod into a Monopod
Quick Tip: Use a Platypod as a Tripod
What is a Platypod? A Platypod is a versatile compact designed base ideal for supporting cameras to capture below-angle shots and for situations where traditional tripods are cumbersome or impractical. Mounting your Camera This video shows how to replace your tripod by mounting your camera to a Platypod with a Ball Head. This gives you a solid base allowing you to place your camera in places that are impractical for tripods. Use the included spikes to level the base on uneven surfaces. https://youtu.be/C7JV3jZC0ew … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Use a Platypod as a Tripod
Attach Your Camera To A Railing for a Unique Perspective
It’s been said that if you want better pictures you need to put your camera in better places. One better place to put your camera is where there are bridges and railings. These are usually elevated and offer a different perspective than we get from street level. Let’s take a look at some examples. You’ll often find thick cement railings on bridges. This one is a modern bridge in Chicago, but anywhere the Civil Conservation Corps worked in the 1930’s you’ll also find terrific bridges with wide railings. National parks and other high traffic … [Read more...] about Attach Your Camera To A Railing for a Unique Perspective
Seven Tripod Tips For Outdoor Photographers
I was jotting down some ideas for a new book and decided to write a short blog post with some tips I use to improve my success using tripods in outdoor photography. Perhaps you’ve already heard these but maybe even one of them will be new to you. I hope so and hope that they help. Tip Number One: Seasoned outdoor photographers realize that the tripod, no matter how sturdy, is the most likely piece of gear to break. It’s a good idea to buy a few spare parts like screws and tripod feet and have them in your gadget bag for emergency … [Read more...] about Seven Tripod Tips For Outdoor Photographers
5 Ways To Use Your Body To Stabilize Video Recording Without A Tripod
The #1 piece of advice I give my students for getting a beautiful fluid stabilized video recording (no shakey parts) is to use a quality tripod with a quality tripod head. But there are times when you find yourself either without a tripod or not allowed to use one (like in a museum or highly trafficked area). Luckily, even though we only have two legs, there are some very simple things we can do to use our body as a tripod. Here are 5 ways to use your body to help improve the stability of your video capture. 1. Make your Body a Tripod … [Read more...] about 5 Ways To Use Your Body To Stabilize Video Recording Without A Tripod
A Year With The Platypod Pro
It’s been around a year ago that I first got my hands on a cool little gadget called the Platypod. It’s an extremely portable camera support that can usually take the place of a traditional tripod. The device requires you to add your own ballhead (I use a cheap $39 ballhead I bought on Amazon for the Platypod Pro) and it all fits nicely in a carrying case that fits easily in your camera bag or can be worn on your belt. Time after time I’ve been in situations where security won’t let me set up a tripod or where it would be unsafe to do … [Read more...] about A Year With The Platypod Pro
Change Perspective to Make Better Photos
If something is worth photographing, it's probably worth photographing from multiple angles. It's easy to start high, at eye-level, because that's how you see the world. Most photographers arrive on location and immediately extend their tripod legs to bring the camera to eye-level. This is the most comfortable place to shoot and you should definitely make a picture at eye-level. But you should also get down and see how low you can go. Get Down Low Lowering your tripod will give you a whole new photograph. If you told me I had to shoot … [Read more...] about Change Perspective to Make Better Photos
Breaking Down the Different Types of Tripod Heads
There are so many different types of tripod heads and it can get confusing on which one to use depending on what you’re shooting. I like it when my gear complements my photography, rather than getting in the way or making my job harder. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of tripod heads. Ball Heads Ball heads are the most popular tripod head for photography. The rotating ball lets you position the camera in almost any way imaginable, with a locking screw letting you lock the ball in position. It gives you the most flexibility in … [Read more...] about Breaking Down the Different Types of Tripod Heads
Go Make A Panorama
You should make a lot more panoramic photographs. It's a great way to capture a larger view of the world, and you don't need to buy a new lens. In fact, you'll find that a panorama gives a better view than simply using a wide angle lens because the objects far away are not diminished as much as they are with a wide angle lens. There are many options for stitching the pieces of the panorama together. For my work, I've found Lightroom is usually adequate, and Photoshop does it a little better. Those who make a living selling panoramas often … [Read more...] about Go Make A Panorama
How to Compensate for a Lightweight Tripod
Maybe you're on a trip and you only brought a lightweight tripod, or maybe you were seduced into buying that cheap tripod that came in a package with your camera. Either way, you'll find that using a lightweight tripod often ruins the pictures you're trying to make. A tripod is supposed to be a steady platform for shooting, but if it's too light then a breeze can make the whole thing shake during an exposure and ruin the picture with movement blur. The following techniques will help you get the most from your lightweight tripod even in less … [Read more...] about How to Compensate for a Lightweight Tripod
Essential Gear for HDR Photography
To capture great HDR images, you need some essential equipment. Most of it you probably already own, but may not aways bring with you on a shoot. It’s important to think of HDR photography as a tool, not a subject. Here’s what I mean…when you’re a portrait photographer, you go out and shoot photos of a model. A wedding photographer goes out and shoots photos of a wedding. A travel photographer shoots photos while traveling. You don’t go out to shoot HDR photography. Rather, HDR is a tool you can use to create images with more dynamic range than … [Read more...] about Essential Gear for HDR Photography
Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
I hike every week with my family, and I travel by air and shoot in other cities every month. You and I both know that using a tripod unlocks picture opportunities that just can't be made without one. I can use it for super long exposures to blur the sea and clouds, or reduce traffic to trails of light down the road, and make waterfalls that pour smoothly into eternity. However, carrying a tripod can be wearisome. Just thinking about carrying it on a seven-mile hike makes my shoulders and legs hurt. I know I need a tripod, and I know my … [Read more...] about Looking for a Hiking Tripod? Platypod Max is It
Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Sure, most of us know that we’re supposed to use a tripod when making great photos. A stable camera means sharper photos and the ability to shoot in lower lighting levels without camera shake. Why Use a Tripod In my own photography, I often find that stability is essential. Of course it’s a must in my timelapse and video work, but it also comes in handy when shooting in lowlight. I also love long exposure photography, to drag the shutter and slow down motion. I also use HDR for my black and white as well as product photography, so … [Read more...] about Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Zen and the Art of Tripod Maintenance
I often say that a tripod is the only bit of kit you can buy that will actually make your pictures better. Well, I spent some time maintaining mine, today and thought you might benefit from my experience. Let's talk about why your tripod needs maintenance, some tools you'll probably need, and we'll get to the Zen part at the bottom. Maintenance...? Like cars, or bicycles, or doors in your house, tripods just need some tender loving care every now and again. There are moving parts that need lubrication, and if you use your tripod half as … [Read more...] about Zen and the Art of Tripod Maintenance
More Affordable Camera Stabilizers/Tripods from Adorama
I think nearly every photographer needs at least some way to stabilize his/her camera at one point in time or another. The problem with most tripods, ballheads, etc., is that they are very expensive. Regular readers will note that I find many of the house brands from Adorama to be good quality at a very fair price. One of their newest house brands - 3Pod really impresses. I received and initially tested the 3Pod Orbit 4 Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pistol Grip Ballhead. This kit gives you everything you need to go out and shoot … [Read more...] about More Affordable Camera Stabilizers/Tripods from Adorama
Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
I really enjoy close-up photography, so when my daughter had a dance recital recently, I had ulterior motives for buying her a bouquet of flowers. Right after she was in bed, I set about photographing her flowers. In this case, I wanted to put a new lens through its paces, and this lens is uniquely qualified to photograph closeups of tulips. The Lensbaby Edge 50 is both marvelous as a closeup lens, and its tilt feature makes it ideal for focussing on long things and maintaining sharp focus. The Edge 50 Optic Firstly, the lens is a marvel. It's … [Read more...] about Close-Up with a Tilt Lens: Lensbaby Edge 50 Mini Review
Quick Tip: Turn Off Stabilization When Using a Tripod
Many lenses these days, especially zoom lenses, have some type of stabilization on them. It is usually labeled as IS, OS, OIS, or VR, and it can be turned on or off with a switch on the side of the lens. This feature is beneficial for hand-held photography, and will oftentimes give you an extra stop or two of light (for example, with stabilization turned on, you might be able to get away with hand-holding a 200mm lens at only 1/60th of a second). However, when using a tripod, the stabilization feature works against you. In order to get sharp, … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Turn Off Stabilization When Using a Tripod
Three Tips for Using a Tripod in Portraiture
I know, I know: you can't possibly use a tripod in portraiture because you're moving around too much, and reframing, and chasing kids, and it'll just get in the way and slow you down. I've heard all the reasons before, and I used to say the same things. Until I made a real effort to use a tripod in every shoot, I couldn't believe I really needed it. Now I can't shoot without it and my pictures are better, the expressions are more genuine, and my keeper rate is far higher. Getting that black box of metal and glass out from in front of your face … [Read more...] about Three Tips for Using a Tripod in Portraiture
