Shooting Tip from Mark Southard

Use a Tripod

Anyone who wants sharp pictures should own a tripod. Steadying your camera with a tripod will increase picture sharpness--even when taking pictures at fast shutter speeds in the 1/125-1/500 sec range. This is especially true when shooting at telephoto settings, which magnify the effects of camera shake. If a tripod limits your mobility, try a monopod--it also enhances steadiness and picture sharpness. Some say monopods are not any good. Why do professional photographers at sporting events use them if they don't work.

Carbon fiber tripods offer sturdy shooting platforms but are lightweight. When buying a tripod be sure to check the recommended load limit for your heaviest needs. Also, get a tripod that will rise to at least your eye level when you are standing upright. You don't want to have crouch all the time. If in a store, try it out with your camera and largest lens. Try this, imagine a bird or animal high up in a tree. How will you match up with the tripod in that situation. Don't forget the other extreme. You may want to use your tripod for shots close to the ground. Try it out.

Always extend the legs first to get the height you want, and extend the center column as little as possible. Use a cable, electronic or remote release to minimize finger-induced shake. If you don't have a remote release, you can use your camera's timer to take the shot without touching the camera.

Practice opening and setting up you tripod quickly. Some shots are fleeting (birds & animals). A tripod is another tool in your photographic quiver.
Think about how you will carry your tripod while on assignment. Personally, I like to carry a backpack and can attach my tripod to the backpack. Can you carry your tripod with the camera attached as I sometimes do? This cuts down on setup time.

Here is another tip. Keep your attaching plate on your camera at all times. It will be one less thing you need to do in your setup. If you use more than one camera, invest in additional plates so you can use any camera at any time.

Remember, any tripod is better than no tripod.

Tripod heads are another separate subject for another time.