Tripod Advice
Picture this - a golf umbrella sits on the island on Wain Wath. Creeping round to investigate is a photographer exploring abstract patterns of rocks and water.
They brave rain, and drizzle some days wrestling under brollies - with their cameras!
Which makes the warm fruit scones and coffee at the end of the day very welcome.
What a day like this highlights is the importance of a good tripod in landscape photography.
There are many makes and variations of tripod on the market but generally the tripod needs to be sturdy and able to withstand fairly substantial wind and rain. These tend to be fairly heavy but are worth their weight in gold. It is a personal choice and there is always the option of using your camera bag to weigh the tripod down.
The tripod needs to be tall enough with legs extended for you to be able to take eye height shots without extending the central column. Extending the central column creates an unstable platform and increases the risk of camera shake.
The tripod plate needs to be able to take the weight of your heaviest lens and this information is provided by the manufacturer.
If you have a heavy zoom lens, don't get a plastic plate, you need a very sturdy plate.
Research your tripod head too. I have a 3 way tripod head which allows for fine movement. This is useful for me as I don't have the strength in my hands to grip and move some of the 'trigger' heads. It might be worth taking your camera to a store and spend some time trying different combinations.
I have found that people using a tripod for the first time tend to lean into the tripod possibly pulling their camera down when pressing the shutter thereby creating cmera shake. People really don't notice they are doing this especially with the lighter tripods.
To practise, first set up the shot, then move away from the tripod. If the sun is hitting the viewfinder, shade with your hand without touching the camera and press the shutter with the other hand or use a remote control.
If you have to prop the tripod or use as a monopod, brace it with your body, breathe in before taking the shot and breathe slowly out while taking the shot to minimize camera shake.
If you have an image stabilizer lens you must set this to 'off' when on a tripod, if using the tripod as a monopod practise with both and on and off settings to get the best result.
Using an angled viewfinder will make low level shots easier on the eyes and knees!
Yorkshire Photography Holidays
Malham Day Photography Workshops
Dates:
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 - 1 PLACE LEFT
Saturday, September 5th, 2009 - 4 places left
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Features: Waterfalls, Stone Walls, a Gorge, Limestone Pavement and a Tree!
Start/Finish: The photography workshop starts at 10.00am and finishes at 4.00pm
Cost: £70 per person
Deposit: £50 with balance to be paid before the course.
Cost does not include: insurance, transport or lunch.
Fitness level: Nothing too strenuous. You may be paddling in a stream or walking on moors. Come prepared for English weather.
Equipment needed: Digital DSLR camera, tripod, walking boots or wellies & waterproof clothing are advisable, packed lunch.
Click Here for the Outline of the Workshops
Click here for the Yorkshire Holidays Booking Form.
See you soon
Dorcas
