-PHOTO BY HOWARD MOO YOUNG
Enjoying the outdoors
Howard Moo Young, Contributor
STEADY! Three legs will stabilise a camera better than two, and it's no secret to any photographer who really wants to improve his photography.
No matter how steady you hold your camera, a good tripod can hold it steadier and give you sharper pictures. Almost every picture you take will have improved sharpness if you use a tripod correctly. But as important as sharpness may be, there is more to picture-taking than crispness.
A tripod-mounted camera frees you from basing film choices on what shutter speeds you can hand-hold. With a steady camera, you can explore any combinations of film, shutter speeds, lenses, and apertures that will yield the results you want. Even pictures taken at a 1/500-sec speed will be improved with the use of a tripod. It will also allow you to make long exposures in low light with slow film at a small aperture - if that's what the subject and situation call for.
The problem is that cameras mounted on tripods don't automatically take sharp pictures. If the tripod is small and flimsy, you may be reducing the problem, but it is still there. The sturdier the tripod, the less the vibrations, that will occur during exposure. Make sure to extend the tripod's legs for added height rather than extending the centre column of the tripod.
A cable release will help reduce movement when your camera is on the tripod. You can incur vibrations even when using a cable release with a light tripod. Remember that a heavy-duty tripod, kept low to the ground, and careful focusing help sharpness.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TRIPOD
Here are some tips for hand-holding the camera. Since most picture-taking happens with the camera hand-held, let's look at some of the problems. The most common mistake new photographers make is to press the shutter at the moment they want to take the picture. As they do, they force the camera in a downward motion, and often blur the image. If you gently squeeze the shutter, there will be less movement. You should try to anticipate the action in order to correctly time the shutter squeezing.
Even the act of breathing can affect your camera movement. When your lungs expand against your chest and arms, the movement can blur the image slightly. The best bet is to hold your breath at the time you squeeze the shutter.
To help reduce camera vibration, always look for something to lean against to brace yourself or your camera. It can be a tree, ledge, wall or even a Jamaica Public Service pole, they won't charge you for that. Some photographers carry a small 'bean bag' to cradle the camera and lens. You can also rest your elbows on a railing, countertop or even the back of a chair to steady your camera. Sitting down for your picture-taking will provide you with added stability.
If you are standing and have no support, spread your legs apart slightly like a tripod to give yourself a broader base support for your camera. Bring your elbows and arms down tight to your side instead of having them up in the air like a bird. Crouching down on one knee and bracing your elbow on your other knee for support also works. Each of these actions will bring you a little closer to achieving a sharper image.
Howard Moo Young is an advertising/graphic design/photography consultant with over 40 years experience. Email: howardmooyoung@
getcaughtmedia.com.
