Originally posted by sbphotog: I always use my tripod for anything other than 'fun' family snapshots (ie. something anything vaguely serious!) Its not just the stability and the host of benefits that the tripod inherently provides, but for my favoured time of photography, it makes me stop and take more time to consider composition and light. For me, its much more than a tool for just 'taking' photographs, it helps me produce 'better' (subjectively!) photographs.
I agree with you 100% sbphotog!
I use a tripod for outdoor portraits mainly for two reasons:
1.) Little worries of camera shake.
2.) Consistent composition.
We all try to be ready for that rare grab-shot, but as its name implies, a grab-shot is just that - an impromptu photo opportunity which if missed, often never presents itself again with the same spontaneity.
For all other shots, I use a tripod.
In my family/circle of friends. I'm known as (Uncle) Mike, the photographer.
When at an outdoor party/event, I set up my tripod to let people know I'm taking photos. It's not uncommon for me to ask an attractive woman or couple that I haven't formally met for their permission to take a portrait of them. When they see the tripod, they realize that I am serious about photography, and usually agree.
This usually starts a mini portrait session. I take 2 or 3 shots, then show them the results to reassure them that the photos are coming out good. The subjects are then usually willing to pose for another minute or two. I often get a dozen or more shots before I see they're getting tired of posing. Of these shots, I'll usually get 1 to 5 keepers.
This mini photo session often starts more mini photo sessions, as when others hear of "the nice pictures that Mike took," they'll ask me to take their portraits.
If I know the person fairly well, I'll send them a disk of their shots to their house, but if dealing with people I've just met, I tell them I'll send a disk or prints to the host or a mutual friend. This way, I never make anyone feel uncomfortable by asking them to give their address or phone number to a stranger. By doing this, I have made a number of new friends, who then invite me to one of their parties to take photos. So it goes on ad infinitum.
If shooting inside, I always bring a tripod, as I'm a big fan of natural window light. The same tripod benefits of no shake and consistent composition apply here as well.
If I'm shooting indoors at night, then Mr. tripod gets to rest.
A tripod can be your best friend.
Mike