[6-07] “How to tripod” (part ii)

I can't do much photo studio without a tripod.

First, the lens I prefer is a bit heavy (3.6 lbs). It can't be carried the whole time—my arms would ache, pictures would shake.

I could use a lighter lens; the 85mm f1.8 weighs under a pound (0.77 lb).

Still, I prefer the comfort of a tripod.

1st, my tripod allows the camera to direct the subject.

By alternating camera movements—up, down, left, right, tilt—the subject can imitate and follow along.

It's easier for a person to follow instructions that are not spoken. There's less room for miscommunication; a simple nod of the lens is enough for most people to adjust head and neck angles.

Language can be more coercive. I still remember the photographers who made it challenging to pose.

“Chin up!” said one when I had my picture taken for class portraits. Did it help?

“Imagine a hook under your jaw, constantly pulling you up!” one wedding photographer chimed. The groomsmen laughed, and began to pretend as if some hook asserted under their jaw bones pushing upwards. Was it awkward?

But also, I use constant light in portraits. An interesting way to look at it:

Natural light (<2015) ➡ flash (2016-2020) ➡ mixture (2021)

With strobes (flash), I max'd out my shutter speed (1/200) and motion blur was not a concern because flash always freezes movement. Now if I introduce some sunlight in the shot, I actually need to stabilize the image (1/30-1/125 on a 105mm is prone to shake).