Using a tripod in the Studio

donkeymusic

donkeymusic

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Carlo
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Hi,

I wondered how many of you studio togs, use a tripod durig shoots, or do you shoot free hand?

Been watching some Kelby tutorials and he was using a tripod in the studio, which i hadnt considered.

Any views on this?

thanks
 
It depends on both the subject and personal style.

For still life shots I would never shoot without a tripod (well, a studio stand, which is like a tripod on steroids that's much quicker, easier and better) but for most people photography I work better without one.
 
Garry Edwards said:
It depends on both the subject and personal style.

For still life shots I would never shoot without a tripod (well, a studio stand, which is like a tripod on steroids that's much quicker, easier and better) but for most people photography I work better without one.
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Hi Garry,

two questions, first one might sound stupid but when you say still still life, i presume you arenot shotting models, kids etc?

the second is that i was looking for a new tripod for possible use within my studio, how does a studio stand differ from a tripod?

Thanks

Carlo
 
Hi Carlo,

Still life is... still - anything from jewellery to roomsets. Obviously with some subjects, models are involved too.

Studio stands are just like tripods except that they only have one leg + a weighted base, you just slide the arm that holds the camera up and down the counterweighted column, they're 12' high, weigh 4 and a half hundred weight and are fairly expensive. Very much a fixture in commercial studios, not really ideal for taking on a trek to the countryside:)
 
if you are shooting people, dont think a tripod is essential and needed. unless you want to be part of the picture or if you are shooting kids/babies and you need your hands free for getting their attention (then you will need a tripod and a remote trigger)
 
For table-top, macro, product shots definitely. It's not about steadiness, it's about holding the camera securely in one position while you do other stuff.

One portrait technique is to park the camera on a tripod and take in quite a wide view, so that the subject can move around a little. Then you fire the camera remotely, while wandering around, chatting etc.

It's supposed to be more relaxing (for the subject!) than sitting behind a great big lens looming out of the darkness, then you crop the final framing later. Sounds good, and I've seen David Bailey work like this , I think it was him, and I tried it once - didn't get on!
 
When I had a permanent studio set-up I always used a castered dolly/spreader in conjunction with my normal tripod - then again I always used to shoot medium format in those days as well and no mater what the subject would never handhold. Medium & large light-stands where also all equipped with casters as it just made positioning so much better and at the end of the session everything was just wheeled to the side.

Paul
 
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