Should You Use a Tripod When Shooting Portraits?
A question many photographers ask is, "Should I use a tripod when shooting portraits?"
When I photograph portraits and flowers, I always use a tripod. Why? Because it forces me to photograph more intentionally and with a clearer vision.
I have seen too many photographers (who are hand-holding their camera) shoot still subjects with their camera’s shutter release set to “continuous” hoping they get one that turns out perfectly. This bad habit causes you to overshoot, and these extra images take up precious space on your computers hard drive. When it comes time to edit your images, they look too similar so it makes it more difficult to select your favorites.
A methodical approach works better than rapid-fire every time.
Using a tripod allows you to work more methodically. You can set up the composition you want, ensure your exposure is correct, and wait for the right moment to capture your subject.
A tripod permits you to interact with the client easier because you are not looking through the viewfinder when taking the image, and your images will be sharper when compared to hand holding your camera.
Other ways a tripod will enhance your workflow:
You won’t end up trying to edit 50 pictures of the exact same thing. This is overkill and unnecessary when shooting portraits or stationary subjects.
You force yourself to slow down. Since you know you aren’t going to snap away, you can slow down. Relax. Look at everything in your frame - especially around the outer edges. Wait for that wonderful moment, expression, or look you want to capture. Then click. A simple yet effective way to photograph.
Saves you time editing. You already spend a lot of time editing and retouching your images. If you shoot with a purpose using a tripod, you won’t take those 50 pictures but instead will maybe take 5, which are much easier to cull through when you are on the computer. Photographers who shoot with a tripod soon realize that they have just as many great images as when they shot 10x the amount.
When you shoot with a tripod, you actually create more variety because you quickly know that you have achieved the shot and can move to another pose or location. Your client will stay energized because they will see you are confident, and that will make them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
You need fewer memory cards. Shooting intentionally on a tripod reduces the number of memory cards you need, even if you are shooting RAW images.
It’s what the pros do. Portrait photographers like to use a tripod because it helps them interact with the client and more importantly, allows them to leave the camera to adjust clothing, hair, or fine-tune a pose. Since the composition is already set in the camera, there is no need to recompose the image again.
You will thank yourself later. With fewer photographs to choose from, you will save tons of time in post-production, and you will also become a more confident photographer.
Incorporate a tripod into your shooting practice to enhance your photography and free yourself from extended time on the computer.
What are your thoughts on using a tripod? Is it worth the extra effort to carry around? Has it improved your overall photography? If so, how? Please leave your comments below.
6 replies to "Should You Use a Tripod When Shooting Portraits?"
I have two tripods and a monopod, but I rarely use them. I know I should because, as you point out, it forces you to slow down and think about your composition so that you get the shot you want the first time. That said, I like the freedom of being able to move around my subject, including laying on the ground if I must. Funny, as I was writing that last sentence, I remembered that I just bought a new L-bracket for my tripod because I wanted to start using it more.
Thanks, Darryl – You should try using a tripod when photographing flowers. You may find that the images are just a tad sharper.
Good article. Very valid points here. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Betsy. Do you use a tripod when you are shooting portraits, or are you hand-holding your camera?
I normally use a tripod in the studio. I have used a tripod outdoors also for some family pictures. Photographers are normally behind the camera and very seldom in front of it.
I will consider it tomorrow when I photograph my daughter and a few of her friends for graduation 2020 cap and gown photos.
Thanks Tommy! I would be curious to know what you think after using the tripod for your graduation portraits.