Tripod photography isn’t difficult; it’s just a little tricky. If you’re a photography or travel enthusiast, chances are you’ve encountered the frustrating issue of shaky photos. Whether you’re shooting a sunrise from a rocky ledge or capturing traffic light trails in the city, stability is key to a sharp image. That’s where a tripod comes in. This guide will walk you through the essentials of tripod photography, helping eliminate your frustration with your tripod and those blurry shots and elevate your photography skills. Let’s get started!
Why Use a Tripod?

You’re right! These don’t all look like tripods. The only conventional one is folded and on the left. It is my Gitzo tripod. You’ll see photos of it set up below.
The one below the Gitzo is a mini tripod from Really Right Stuff. It is strong enough to hold my Canon with a 70-200mm lens! The funny striped one is called a GorillaPod. The one that’s labeled Smartree is for iPhones.
The photo includes two Platypods, which are strong camera supports without three tripod legs. I’ve also included my Canon remote. The remaining devices support your iPhone.
So, why do you need one of these? A tripod is a valuable tool for photographers. It provides a stable platform for your camera, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing camera shake. This is particularly useful in low-light conditions, long exposures, and when using telephoto lenses. Here are some key scenarios where a tripod can be a game-changer:
- Low Light: Night photography, dusk, dawn, and indoor settings often require longer exposures.
- Long Exposures: Capturing light trails, waterfalls, or the movement of clouds.
- Telephoto Lenses: These lenses magnify your subject and any camera movement.
- Self-Portraits and Group Photos: A tripod frees you from the camera so you can be part of the shot.
1. For Tripod Photography, Turn Off IS, VR or SteadyShot



You might think that leaving image stabilization (IS), vibration reduction (VR) or SteadyShot on would help keep your shots steady, but when your camera is on a tripod, these features can actually introduce shake. They operate under the assumption that the camera is handheld and thus try to correct for movement that isn’t there. To avoid this, turn off IS, VR or SteadyShot when your camera is securely mounted on a tripod.
Here’s an extra tip: the IS switch is on the lens of Canon cameras, in the menu of many Sony cameras, and also on the camera body of many Nikon cameras. Be sure to check your Nikon to see if the switch is on both the lens and the body. If you have both switches, they both have to be turned off.
2. Use an L-Bracket

An L-bracket is another helpful tool for tripod photography. It allows you to switch between landscape and portrait orientations without altering the center of gravity. This keeps your camera at the tripod’s apex, right at the top of the pyramid formed by the three legs of your tripod, maintaining stability and balance.

If you don’t use an L-bracket, you’ll spend time trying to keep your camera level when you shoot in portrait mode. On top of that, if your camera is heavy, you’re likely to introduce camera shake when you take the photo.
You can see how lop-sided it can become in this photo of Skip’s Sony on my tripod.

3. For Tripod Photography, Lock Your Camera Down
Once your camera is mounted on the tripod, make sure it’s locked down tightly. Loose connections can lead to movement and vibration, compromising a tripod’s stability. Check all the knobs, screws and clamps to ensure everything is secure. This step might seem trivial, but it’s crucial for achieving sharp images.
If you don’t lock it down, you’re likely to see movement in photos of streetlights. Sometimes, they even look like checkmarks, sort of mini light trails of the camera’s movement recorded when you press and release the shutter button.
4. Use a Remote

Even if you’ve locked down all the connections on your tripod, pressing the shutter button can cause slight camera movements. To eliminate this for tripod photography, use a remote shutter release. This allows you to trigger the shot without physically touching the camera. Various types of remotes are available, from wired to wireless options, so choose one that suits your needs. There may even be an app for your camera on your mobile phone or watch.
You’ll see my Canon remote in the sunrise photo above. It’s hanging down from my camera. I like this one because it’s mechanical, and it has no batteries to charge. I can also set the remote to Bulb mode, which means the shutter stays open until I unset it. That comes in handy for shooting fireworks. I also use the remote app on my iPhone and my Apple Watch. (Neither of those products existed when I bought the remote in the photo! Hard to believe!!!)
5. Use the Timer for tripod photography
If you don’t have a remote, using the camera’s timer function is a great alternative. Set the timer to delay the shot by a few seconds after you press the shutter button. This delay causes any vibration caused by pressing the button to dissipate, ensuring a stable and sharp image.
Additional Tips:
While the above steps are essential for eliminating camera shake, here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of your tripod photography:
Choose the Right Tripod
Not all tripods are created equal. Invest in a sturdy, high-quality tripod that can support the weight of your camera and lens. If the tripod’s weight is important, shop for one made of carbon fiber. Your back and legs will thank you when hiking up a hill with your equipment. I hung back from our group to capture this shot. We were hiking between villages in the YuanYang Rice Terraces on a trip to China in 2012. I call the photo “Traffic Jam.”

Pay attention to how the tripod legs adjust. Some have levers to lock leg length, and others have twist locks.
You’ll want a stable center column and a durable build.

Also, don’t be afraid to spend money on it. My first tripod was a large, heavy, but inexpensive aluminum model. I bought it at a camera store for my 2008 trip to China. The minute I got home, I ordered a stronger, smaller and lighter Gitzo tripod. It’s made of carbon fiber and has lasted 16 years.
I have no problem hauling it around, and it’s easy to set up. I paired it with a Really Right Stuff ball head. The two were expensive but well worth it! You can see how small it is folded in the photo of all my tripod gear at the top.
Level the Tripod
Before mounting your camera, ensure that your tripod is level. This will save you time leveling the horizon in your photo in post-processing. Many tripods or ball heads come with built-in bubble levels to help you with this. Otherwise, you can buy a small, plastic bubble level that attaches to the hot shoe of your camera for tripod photography. You’ll see one attached to my camera in the sunrise photo above.
Use a Weight Hook
Some tripods come with a hook at the bottom of the center column. You can hang a weight (like your camera bag) from this hook to add stability, especially in windy conditions. This added weight lowers the tripod’s center of gravity, making it less susceptible to movement.
Adjust the Legs Properly
Extend the thicker sections of the tripod legs first for maximum stability. If you need to extend the thinner sections, do so only when necessary. Also, spread the legs wide to create a sturdy base, especially when shooting in challenging conditions.
Avoid Extending the Center Column
While the center column can give you extra height, it also makes your setup less stable. Extend the center column only when you need the extra height; even then, be cautious about any potential instability.
Practice Patience and Precision
Tripod photography requires more setup time than handheld shooting, but the results are worth it. Set up your tripod correctly, compose your shot meticulously, and double-check your settings. Patience and precision are key to capturing stunning, shake-free images.
Now it’s your turn.
Mastering tripod photography can significantly improve the quality of your photos by eliminating the dreaded camera shake. By following these tips—turning off image stabilization, using an L-bracket, locking down your camera, employing a remote or timer, and paying attention to additional stability measures—you’ll be well on your way to capturing sharp, professional-looking images.
Be sure to download my free and handy Tripod Setup Checklist and put it in your tripod bag. It has even more tips to help you get steady shots!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, this post about adding movement to your photography will give you more reasons to use your tripod.
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