longer lenses are quite heavy. You won’t be at your most creative if you’re
tired and fighting sore muscles. I think using a tripod or monopod also adds
to the “professional” appearance of the photographer, and this can help in-
spire confidence and trust in your models and clients—which is bound to
make your job easier.
When shooting below^1 / 250 second, using a tripod is critical to ensure sharp
images. If you haven’t been using a tripod, adding one to your tool kit will
drastically improve your photographs for this reason alone. (Note:Of course,
blur is not always a negative effect. It can enhance motion, create a feeling of
being a candid photo, and create an overall emotional image. The secret is to
doitinawaythatillustratesthatyouhavetotalcontrolofthephotographand
that the blur has been created intentionally to add visual impact. It should
never be mistaken for a technical error. There is something to be said for the
statement, “Shoot like you know what you’re doing!”)1-10.Notice how the lighting creates
contrastonthe model’shead and shoul-
ders, drawing your eye to those areas.
Because there is much less contrast in
the lower half of the frame, it has less
visual emphasis.
Do it in a way that
illustrates that you
have total control of
the photograph.