Why YOU SHOULD BE USING A TRIPOD to take better photos

Behind the Lens video blog with Joel Grimes. Covering topics ranging from the creative process, image capture, post processing techniques and product review.
Enjoy my course "Ten Steps to Becoming a Sucessful Photographer" FOR FREE here:
www.joelgrimes...
If you like this kind of content, visit www.joelgrimes... for more! I have over 35 hours worth of content for an amazing price. I hope to see you there!
______________
Stay in touch!
Facebook: / joelgrimesphotography
Instagram: / joelgrimesworkshops
______________

[@66xtopher]

I was told it was flash duration that freezes motion, except I found when doing family photos indoors the photos were still blurred. I realised I had to either increase my shutter speed say 1/200th) and manually adjust flash for exposure or put the camera on tripod (say if I wanted a brighter ambient background). Flash alone will still get camera shake if shutter to slow - something I found out myself. Also, you can see the image quality increase. especially on macro, with a tripod compared to handheld. But sometimes in the wild, handheld is quicker and flash and the faster shutter duration helps to get sharper images compared to no flash. But thanks Joel.

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

I've been shooting since I was 10 years old, that's over 50 years now and I can not agree with you more about the use of a tripod. When people ask me what is the most important piece of equipment I own I say a tripod. One ting you did not mention is that a tripod is a great compositional aid. I forces you to slow down and study your composition rather than just clicking the shutter at the first thing you see. A good tripod will last a lifetime so it is worth getting the best you can afford. I buy all my gear used, so I save a ton a cash that way. Case in point I picked up a used Gitzo aluminum for $50 .People today just don't want to carry anything around with them. A carbon fiber tripod would be great but they cost too damn much. If some one complains that a tripod is too heavy to carry around, just tell them that Ansel Adams had a heavy duty wooden tripod big enough to support an 8 X 10 Deardorff view camera and look at what he was able to do.A good used Gitzo Totalux aluminum tripod doesn't weigh all that much and it is stable as all hell. Need I mention the need for a tripod in commercial work were repeatability is essential ? Side note: I would never have told an editor what I use. That's a trade secret, now buy my images.

[@joelgrimes]

Fantastic comment, Dominic!! I couldn't agree more!

[@gold333]

Velbon looks better with that RRS ballhead combo. And the centre extender screw is perfect to knot a remote release around.

[@lynneftw]

I switched, happily, to Sirui tripods. Relatively unknown in the US but their design, quality and materials are top notch. Same with their higher-end ball heads. Seriously...blown away. And I've had the name brands.

[@SimonAndersonphotography]

A very basic but important concept that is overlooked in studio photography.... Great informative video. Happy New Year

[@Robiel7]

Maestro!

[@Photoshopuzr]

Joel is correct but I think really Right Stuff is a little platinum for allot of people. But they do make the best tripods in the world in my opinion. I never leave home without mine.

[@egorsechin2283]

I would love to see a comparison between 2 shots. First on a tripod and second one hand held.

[@AlecKinnear]

Do you have a camera? Do you have a tripod? Go and try it! Joel's right. Good handheld technique can help but only so far.

[@stranger7pc]

Perfect timing for this message. Just when I started questioning my "always on tripod" practices! Thanks, great input. I guess I was doing something right, (Kirk ballhead on a Gitzo Traveler here, L-bracket. My aperture practices though need improvement). Happy New Year!

[@joelgrimes]

Awesome!

[@kenlor71]

Note: sharpness isn't all that important, in some cases. Also, if you have the camera on a sturdy tripod, I would also use the "mirror up" option on a dslr.

[@lynneftw]

I like your advice on using a tripod for nearly every situation. Probably for editorial work using lighting setups, your aperture "sweet spot" is practical. For landscapes and depth of field requirements, probably not so much. Good vlog, though. I've subscribed.

[@geniusofnati]

I wondering is there a disparity in skill set for students who go through school to learn photography vs those who do not?? Do you have any recommendations on things photographers can do to enhance their style,other than generally shooting?? Maybe these could be a blog for you

[@ralphnetta4563]

Joel, Do you have scheduled any workshops in the NY/NJ/PA area coming up?

[@BrianSoutham]

Good video! But would been handy Joel to put a link in for the tripod firm please!

[@liverpix]

I admire a lot of the Magnum and other street photographers like Cartier Bresson - they always hand hold their cameras on assignment.

[@canturgan]

With a fast shutter speed.

[@limestarinc]

I moved up to Induro which is a notch under RRS products, but still an amazing option. You definitely notice the difference when using quality ball head and tripod.

[@OwenLloyd]

I'm using an Induro CT403 and BH3 ballhead - they are solid - :)

[@fotoblau]

Thanks Joel and Happy New Year to you. Are you going to be at Imaging USA in 2015?

[@petesvidz]

joe I have question I have Nikon D3200 with a battery grip attached and i am getting an L Bracket would my camera be stable enough on a tripod as there has been a lot of debate about the stability of the battery grip.

[@Pixtarami]

Great stuff ! Thank you for sharing :)

[@webmonsterchile]

thanks for your videos!!!

[@joelgrimes]

You’re so welcome Italo

[@Aps3FanBoy]

What are your thoughts on monopods Joel?

[@ocubex]

I tend to prefer monopods cause I shoot corporate events that need me to be very agile.

[@canturgan]

2:14, spotted a mouse.

[@canon550dful]

+Joel Grimes I follow you. I like your video but just i want Turkish subtitle.

[@JohnNewtoneu]

on the other hand this is handheld at night with no tripod and no photoshop flic.kr/p/qcqKCb

[@mavfan1]

and none of the super detail sharp focus Joel is talking about either.

[@JohnNewtoneu]

mavfan1 yes indeed possibly the worst hand-held shot ever proving everyone needs to use a tripod

[@mikewilson8513]

With a tripod, you will get the sharpest posible images 100% of the time,. Hand held, you wont, not 100% of the time, Its not rocket science