This post will give you the basics you need to start making your own Milky Way images. If you really get hooked and want more details, check out my more detailed post. [Read more…] about 4 Steps to Photographing the Milky Way
tripod
What Is Tripod Load Capacity?
When you’re shopping for a tripod, one of the more confusing numbers you’ll run into is the tripod’s “load capacity.” It sounds pretty simple: shouldn’t that just be the maximum weight the tripod can handle?
Well, it’s a little more complicated than that, and unfortunately there’s no universal standard for determining the load capacity. So, one manufacturer might say their tripod can handle 20 lbs, while another manufacturer’s standards would rate that exact same tripod at 30 lbs. [Read more…] about What Is Tripod Load Capacity?
Holiday Gift Ideas For Nature Photographers
Now that we’re in the holiday season, you might be thinking about what you can get for your photographer friends or family. Or, maybe you need some ideas for yourself 😉
Although most cameras and lenses are pretty expensive (and might be out of “gift” range), there’s a lot of other photography stuff that any nature photographer would probably love to receive: [Read more…] about Holiday Gift Ideas For Nature Photographers
Three Great Tripod Accessories
Sometimes it can be really annoying to get your tripod in the EXACT position you need it. Just when you think you’ve got it set up how you want it, you lock in the ballhead, and realize your camera just moved down half an inch, which totally ruins your composition.
Well, luckily there are a few accessories that can help make your life easier: an L-bracket, a tripod collar, and a bubble level. [Read more…] about Three Great Tripod Accessories
The OTHER Reason To Use a Tripod
You hear it all the time: if you want sharp photos, you gotta use a tripod whenever possible.
Well, if that isn’t reason enough for you, here’s another benefit of using a tripod: it forces you to think more carefully about your composition.
When you handhold your camera, there’s a tendency to snap away photos as soon as you spot your subject. Then, after you got a few shots, you’ll just move on.
But, add a tripod to the equation, and all of a sudden you’ll be carefully adjusting those knobs until the camera is exactly where you want it. Sometimes this will take a considerable amount of time, but during this extra time there’s a good chance you’ll notice something new about your subject that will take your composition into a whole new direction. [Read more…] about The OTHER Reason To Use a Tripod
What To Do When You Can’t Bring a Tripod
Yeah, yeah, I know–you should always use a tripod. But, unfortunately this isn’t always possible. Sometimes you need to travel light, and leave your tripod behind. Or, other times you may be going to a place where they don’t even allow tripods.
So, what do you do without a tripod? How can you possibly get sharp photos without one?
Well, one thing you can do is improvise with the objects around you. The tripod is meant to stabilize your camera and prevent it from shaking, so anything you can rest the camera on will also work (just not as well). Try looking for large rocks, or tree branches, or anything else you can rest your camera on while shooting the photo. [Read more…] about What To Do When You Can’t Bring a Tripod