Don’t get me wrong. A tripod is an essential tool in many photographers' kits and bags. A tripod is necessary for absolute stability when composing a shot requiring longer exposures than you can handhold. While everyone is different, most people can hold a camera and lens steady and achieve sharp images at 1/30 or 1/15 of a second. In my prime, I could hold a shot stable for ⅛ and ¼ of a second - not anymore, though. Many genres of photography and videography demand the use of a tripod. Genres include landscapes, seascapes, astrophotography, portraiture, products, architecture, and sports or motorsports. In other cases, a tripod allows photographers to take their time setting up a composition. There’s also much to say about having a camera on a stable platform like a tripod to swap out lenses, filters, and accessories.
What If I Don’t Have A Tripod?
If you don’t currently own a tripod, you don’t need to rush out and buy one. Unless you fall into one of the above mentioned genres, perhaps you will never need a tripod for your photography. Remembering that a tripod is just another tool to get the job done is essential. If the job doesn’t demand a tripod, or you’re still learning, chances are it can wait for now. However, sometimes a tripod makes sense - even if you’re not into long-exposure work. In those cases, I always recommend first considering a workaround (read on for ideas) or, at the very least, purchasing a tabletop tripod. Here are some ways to capture stunning images without a tripod!
IBIS and OIS
If you have a recent DSLR or digital mirrorless camera but can’t access a tripod, you don’t need to rush out and buy one immediately! Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to using a tripod in many genres of photography. Current-generation digital cameras often feature 3-axis or 5-axis image stabilisation (IBIS) that actively shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake. IBIS technology and capabilities continue to advance with each new generation, and many flagship digital mirrorless cameras offer up to 8-stops of image stabilisation. If IBIS isn’t stable enough, you can also purchase lenses with optical image stabilisation (OIS). Much like IBIS, OIS is a lens-based technology that actively works to cancel out the impacts of camera shake. OIS is especially handy in telephoto lenses where maintaining a steady shot at a 300mm focal distance is tricky.
Brace Yourself
If you find yourself without a tripod but need to capture a steady shot at a slow shutter speed, it is possible to do so with a simple camera strap. With a strong camera strap (such as a Lucky Straps Deluxe Leather Strap), you can wear the strap around your neck or across your body. Hold the camera directly in front of you with both hands until the strap is tight around your body. Holding the camera away from the body creates tension in the strap and helps you to brace the camera in a more stable position than if you were holding it without a strap. It’s not a guaranteed solution, but it will allow you to gain a few extra light stops.
Be Creative
Of course, you don’t need a tripod to achieve stable and correct compositions. Any flat surface will do the trick if you're out and about. Fence posts, picnic tables, metal trash cans, tree stumps, and even the roof of your car can step in when you’re without a tripod. It’s also interesting to see the unique angles from which you can capture a shot when your only flat is above or below eye level. While flat surfaces are everywhere when exploring inner-city areas, out in the bush, things are a little different. One of the simplest methods to achieve stable shots in rural areas is with your camera bag. Even if you’re shooting from rough terrain or a slope, placing your camera bag on the ground and propping your camera on top of it works a treat. Ensure the camera is propped up enough and won’t slip when you press the shutter butter.
At the end of the day, a tripod is only necessary if your chosen genre or approach to photography requires stability beyond what the camera can achieve handheld. A good rule of thumb is that if you feel the need for a tripod over 50% of the time, then you should definitely invest in one. As for what tripod you need, that’s a story for another time. However, if you want to experiment with slow shutter speeds or other creative applications, first borrow one from a friend for a few weeks. Fortunately, the range of tripods is expansive, with prices to suit entry-level, enthusiast, and pro photographers and videographers. It’s also worth considering if a gimbal is a better option for your style of image-making. You don’t always need a tripod, so don’t get too caught up on acquiring gear that will often gather dust.
