Why You Should Avoid Using Tripods in the City
Say what? Tripods allow digital cameras to take longer exposures without experiencing "camera shake", allowing you to take clearer pictures, especially useful at nighttime or other low-light situations. So why would this article suggest you not use one when in an urban environment?
Unfortunately, using a tripod in the middle of a city can cause you to receive all sorts of undesired attention. Even if you are on a public street, to all appearances out of the way of other passers-by, operating a digital camera on a tripod can potentially get you into trouble with over-aggressive (but usually well-intentioned) security or police officers.
* Tripods, in many peoples' eyes, cross the line from one being a tourist to one being a professional photographer. Some cities may require photography permits for professionals. Even if your photos are for personal use, arguing this fact may prove pointless.
* Officers might cite security concerns, especially if you are taking photos that include government or transit buildings (in some areas, doing so can arouse a lot of suspicion).
* Some may claim an outdoor art installation or building's facade is copyrighted, requiring a permit or designer's permission to shoot photos in the area.
* On a public sidewalk, you may be told that using a tripod blocks the normal public's right-of-way. On busy streets, especially during rush-hour, this point may be valid.
* Sadly, some officers may hassle you by claiming you are on private property even if you place your tripod on a public sidewalk.
While in some circumstances, legally, you should be able to shoot photos (though your situation may vary, and this article is not handing out legal advice), is it worth the potential hassle of getting security and/or police involved? Unless you have prior permission from a building's owner and possibly a city permit where required, using your digital SLR or point-and-shoot camera without a tripod may cause you to experience much less hassle.
If you decide to not use a tripod, there are a few tricks to help ensure your photos will come out clear. Some involve a few tweaks to your digital camera settings, others may be as simple as changing how you hold your camera:
* When you don't have a tripod available and hand-hold your digital camera, set its exposure time to be as quick as possible to avoid "camera shake". Set it too fast, though, and your photos will come out dark. Experimentation by bracketing (taking multiple photos of the same subject with slightly-adjusted settings) is key to getting the images you want.
* Adjust what is called the digital camera's ISO settings to allow for quicker exposures at the expense of some noise entering the photo. With most cameras you should be able to adjust this setting to 200; many digital SLRs can give pleasing results with ISO settings of 400 or 800. Sometimes, a more expensive camera and/or a faster lens may help.
* Do not release your digital camera's shutter button until it has finished taking the photo. Even this slight movement can blur photos.
* Steady your digital camera. Hold it close to your body as you shoot. Keep your elbows in and brace them on your chest or stomach. When applicable, keep your camera closer to your face by looking through its viewfinder instead of an LCD screen. Obviously, if your hands are jittery, this can cause camera shake, so if you are more relaxed your photos may turn out clearer.
City photography can be a fun and rewarding experience with new photo opportunities seemingly around every corner. Don't let this enjoyment be spoiled by brushes with security or the law. Consider leaving your tripod at home to avoid attracting excess attention. To offset potential camera shake, practice holding your camera and adjusting its settings to allow for quicker exposures. Most cities welcome tourists to take photos but take a harder line against 'professionals' - do what you can to not be visually lumped into this category while still taking great photographs.
Copyright 2009 Andrew Malek.
Andrew Malek is the owner of the MalekTips computer and technology help site at http://www.malektips.com . Whether you're ready to buy a new digital camera and need buying advice, or need hints on taking advantage of the camera you already own, view our hundreds of free digital photography tips.
AUDIO-REPORT.COM
CAMERA-REPORT.COM
DESKTOP-REPORT.COM
GAMES-REPORT.COM
GPS-REPORT.COM
LAPTOP-REPORT.COM
PHONE-REPORT.COM
Related Articles:
Buying A Digital Camera To Replace Your Old Film Camera
I'm very conservative when it comes to buying myself new "toys". I don't buy every new gadget that comes out, but when I do buy - I get the latest technology and the highest quality I can afford. That way my investment holds its value for a long time and I'm not tempted to replace it so soon.
The Secret Behind Capturing Professional Photographs
Are you an amateur photographer and keen on knowing the secret of capturing flawless pictures like a professional photographer
If you are passionate about photography and enthusiastic about using your digital camera with optimum effect, then read on
History of the Camera
Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able to project images onto paper or glass but the study of capturing, processing and printing the images took many more years. Up until the 17th century, scientists believed that light was composed basically of the 'white' that is perceived by the human eye.
How to Know Your Digital Camera Type
Photography is one of the most popular hobbies of many people around the world Almost every individual with a camera creates his own world of pictures, least bothering the types of camera he is using
Digital Camera Photo Printer
The quality this is found in the printed photo image that you took not more than five minutes ago, and the convenience of being able to print those photographs in the comfort of your own home has led to the wide popularity of both the digital camera, and the digital camera photo printer.
Nikon Coolpix Digital Cameras
Nikon is a camera brand, best known for producing SLR camera As with the boom of digital cameras all over the world, Nikon joined the bandwagon by producing what they make best, thus the new era of the Nikon digital camera was born - digital SLR
The Early Digital Camera
A digital camera is basically a digital device that enables images to be captured. Digital camera images are stored electronically rather than on film. This process involves converting light into electrical charges, and then translating this back into the image that was seen through the digital camera LCD. Although the digital camera is a recent addition to the world of photography, the concept of the possibility of a digital camera was begun in the 1950s.
New Age Revolution With Digital Camera
Twentieth century is an age that is driven by technological progression One such progress that amazed the world was the creation of camera- a device that could capture the aura of the original and multiply it in umpteen numbers in the form of duplicates with almost similar resemblances
How To Use Free Photoshop Video Tutorials To Master Photoshop Quickly And Easily
Free Photoshop video tutorials are a great way to learn how to use the Photoshop program. They say that if you listen you forget, if you see you remember and if you do you understand. Well, by listening and watching video tutorials about Photoshop, and following along in your own program, you are doing all three together.
Digital Camera: The Future Of Conventional Cameras
Basically a digital camera is a deice use to capture pictures without the use of films. Unlike the conventional camera, the digital camera does not rely on mechanical and chemical processes. It has a built in computer and records the images it captures in an electronic form. Having and operating one does not even require the use of electricity.
Things You Need to Know Before You Buy Digital Camera
Things You Need to Know Before You Buy Digital Camera
An Overview of Features of the Digital Camera
The quality and performance of the new age digital camera is increasing significantly with its improving features enhancing the utility of the sophisticated gadget In fact the reducing prices of the digital cameras have usher in a dramatic change in the world of photography
Digital Camera Photos: From Point And Click To Pointillism
First the digital camera was the next big thing in photography. Now thousands of ten year olds are walking around with digital cameras on their cell phones, emailing themselves pictorial records of their lives.
Looking for the Best Prices Digital Camera Could Be A dauting Task
With so many different types of digital cameras available to buy these days, it can be difficult for anyone to make a decision. This confusion can increase when confronted with the ranks upon ranks of different camera models and brands which are available. To help solve this dilemma you should try and do a comparison on what types of features are available for the best prices digital camera brands can offer.
How to Compare Digital Camera Features
The day you decide that you need to buy a digital camera you will need to consider various facts. By doing this you will be ready to compare the various digital camera features and decide which digital camera you wish to buy. There are of course many features available when we talk about digital cameras so you will need to isolate what features interest you as a photographer before buying.