Why do I shoot handheld? – I will try to explain here the reasons behind my decision.
I must clarify that using a tripod is essential in specific photography situations. Depending on environmental conditions, lighting, and subject.
I’m referring, of course, mainly to manual photography. Particularly in CLOSE UP and MACRO shots where the automatic mode is seldom used.
Anyway, why do I shoot handheld?
Firstly, the weight and bulk of a good camera tripod can be cumbersome. Especially during long mountain hikes or in challenging terrain. A 6/8-hour walk becomes more complex and tiring.
Why do I shoot handheld? – Luca Love Photo
I’d rather carry an extra water bottle in my backpack, especially when the planned route lacks rest stops or drinkable water sources. Furthermore, I almost always prefer having one or two extra camera lenses in my kit. Providing more options for the photos I love capturing.
Secondarily, but no less crucial in my decision, are the photographic subjects I capture in their natural environment. My photographs often focus on floral subjects, bees, butterflies, insects, etc…. These subjects, by their nature, are rarely still or stationary in their natural environment.
Capturing photos of these subjects with a tripod is nearly impossible in practical terms due to their constant movement in nature. It’s not impossible to take photos with a tripod of a wildflower or insect… But it’s a truly rare occurrence in practice.
Can you imagine a butterfly staying still long enough for setting up a camera tripod and taking a photograph?
Referring to my previous post (LINK) about capturing butterflies in nature, the information is applicable to other small subjects, such as insects.
Again, Why do I shoot handheld?
Often, even a wildflower or a leaf is challenging to photograph with a tripod, as they may be on uneven, rugged terrain. Additionally, in natural settings, there’s often a slight breeze, moving our photographic subject. Even in a botanical garden or your own backyard, a gentle breeze can disrupt the focus on your subject, making photographic capture challenging though not impossible.
You wait for the breeze to pass and keep the tripod in position ? Ready to capture the shot once the conditions stabilize ?
Alternatively, with the camera in hand, you may move and focus on a less wind-exposed subject. A few meters can impact capturing a flower or insect. You’ll take the shot when the breeze is less bothersome, allowing stable handheld positioning. Personally, I believe it’s a better time management strategy during a planned photo session. While not always feasible, also handheld, there are greater chances of success.
The advantage of shooting handheld is the ease of managing around the subject, capturing it from various angles, especially in close-up and macro photography. This allows capturing interesting details often not visible to the naked eye, verified upon downloading images to the PC.
Moreover, easily handling around the subject (when possible) allows playing with illuminating effects and shadows created by light. If, like me, experimenting with various BLUR and/or BOKEH effects appeals, adjusting your lens aperture offers new photographic opportunities.
Therefore, while not straightforward, I rely on patience and a steady grip on the camera and lens with the other hand. Supporting the lens by hand is often very helpful, providing stability for framing and crucial to avoiding blurriness.
As a result, I take multiple photos of the same subject from the same angle. Depending on light and environmental conditions, I experiment with various apertures and shutter speeds.
At times, if uncertain about the outcome, I take 5/6 photos. I decide which to choose when importing them on the computer. It’s rare, but occasionally, I discard all that I don’t find qualitatively valid.
Why do I shoot handheld? – Luca Love Photo
Experience is crucial for achieving good results. I often emphasize that there’s nothing more useful than taking photos, experimenting, and gaining knowledge of your camera and lenses. Practice and trials will greatly assist you.
Do not be discouraged in any case. Personally, I have discarded hundreds, if not thousands, of photos over the years, and I still often reject many after a photo session.
Moreover, I occasionally use a small tabletop tripod (See photo “Primula vulgaris”)… of a well-known Italian brand, allowing for low-angle shots and adjustable height of up to about 20cm. Due to its lightweight and compact size, it easily fits in the camera backpack and proves highly useful in specific scenarios, such as managing long exposures beyond handheld capabilities, particularly under 1/100 sec. It serves as an added value to the photographic gear, enabling manual focus using the camera display without the need to lie on the ground for capturing shots.
I hope this brief post is helpful, both in the theoretical aspect and, more importantly, in the practical application.
