Support

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Key points

1. Scout your shot before setting up the tripod to avoid clumsy repositioning.
2. Spread tripod legs fully for maximum stability.
3. On level ground, place one leg toward the subject and two toward you; on slopes, place two legs downhill.
4. Extend thicker upper leg sections first for stability; avoid overusing thin lower sections or the centre column.
5. Keep the ball head loose while composing, then tighten at the exact moment.
6. Use the hook under the centre column to add weight (e.g. bag or strap with foot pressure) for stability.
7. Always remove bag weight before moving the tripod to prevent tipping.
8. Carry the tripod with camera attached on your shoulder for easy movement.
9. Turn off image stabilisation when on a tripod.
10. Use a remote shutter release, timer, or electronic first curtain shutter to avoid camera shake.

View the transcript on YouTube: Open video, then ••• → Show transcript

1. The explanation of electronic first curtain shutter vs DSLR shutters could confuse beginners without diagrams – oversimplified and may cause misunderstanding.

Please let us know if you have any feedback on this video, if you spot any issues that aren't already highlighted in the Nit-picking section, if you know of a video that could teach this section better, or if you think we need to produce our own version. If you particularly like it, please also leave a comment in the original YouTube video so the creator knows.

We'll be updating the current email option with an anonymous feedback form when time permits.

If you’d like a more serious, reflective look at tripods, or are still wondering why to use one at all, including tips on L-brackets, coastal use, stability tricks, and the creative value of slowing down, try this:

Text Nit-picking Feedback

Key points

1. Tripods enable shots that are difficult or impossible handheld, but can feel restrictive.
2. Using a tripod encourages slower, more deliberate composition and a stronger connection to images.
3. Find your composition handheld first, mark the spot, then set up the tripod at the right height.
4. An L-bracket allows quick switches between horizontal and vertical orientation without readjusting.
5. Raising the centre column slightly can make fine height adjustments easier, though not always recommended.
6. Extend one leg first, then lower others to quickly level the tripod.
7. Leg placement: one forward, two behind for stability; two legs downhill on slopes.
8. At the coast, extend lower sections first to keep sand and salt water from joints; in wind, extend thicker sections first and keep tripod low.
9. To add stability in strong wind, anchor the tripod with a bag or strap and bungee cord.
10. Collapse all leg locks together when packing away to save time.

View the transcript on YouTube: Open video, then ••• → Show transcript

Please let us know if you have any feedback on this video, if you spot any issues that aren't already highlighted in the Nit-picking section, if you know of a video that could teach this section better, or if you think we need to produce our own version. If you particularly like it, please also leave a comment in the original YouTube video so the creator knows.

We'll be updating the current email option with an anonymous feedback form when time permits.

We should probably look out some videos on monopod, beanbag and other support techniques. Email us if we haven’t done so by the time you read this.

Exercise

1. Practice setting up your tripod and packing it away.
2. Keep practising until you can do it quickly.
3. Keep practising until you can do it instinctively & safely while holding a difficult conversation.