Equipment By Fred Greco
I’m sure many of you have been approached, while out in the field shooting, by other photographers, perhaps less experienced or maybe new to the craft, curious about the equipment you are using. I know I have; it happens all the time, and I welcome the chance to help others where I can. Inevitably the conversation begins with the type of camera, lens, jpeg or raw and then the obvious…the tripod. Those who know me personally know that I tend to be a bit anal about tripods, erring somewhat on the side of over versus under kill. It never ceases to amaze me how the tripod is often the most overlooked piece of equipment when, in fact, it shares an equal amount of what goes into the equation of necessary photographic equipment. Actually, since it literally carries the full weight of your camera and whatever lens and accessories you might be using for a shot, I’d say it rates a higher portion of that equation. I’m sure there isn’t one person reading this who doesn’t know of someone whose tripod has toppled over due to the wind or fell over in the surf. Take a typical DSLR with any kind of medium or worse yet, super telephoto lens on it, put it on a spindly tripod and see what happens. In the slightest wind, you’ll not even be able to focus, never mind get a clear shot. This is a classic case of the tail wagging the dog.
In any event, as timing would have it, I recently received a YouTube video from David Swindler, President of Action Photo Tours, headquartered in Kanab, Utah. David sends how-to and informative videos and newsletters on various photographic topics to his client-base as a means of staying engaged, especially now at this time while most of us our homebound. David and his staff are not only photographers for photographers, but are avid outdoorsmen (and women), who can and will bring you to locations that normal tours or workshops won’t or can’t get to, in this country, as well as others. In May of last year, in addition to some of the best locations of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Dave’s staff brought Paula and I to locations in Southern Utah and Arizona at Toroweap, Lake Powell and White Pocket that many photographers would never ever see. So check him out at out www.ActionPhotoTours.com.
But enough of that, we’re getting back to the topic of tripods, which happened to be the topic of David’s latest video. It’s quite informative and provides a really good primer about camera supports. All I can say is watch and learn and if you were thinking of maybe an upgrade or perhaps do not yet own a tripod and weren’t sure what type you should get, his video will bring up some good points that you may not have thought about. If anyone has any questions regarding this topic or would like some help or ideas in putting a tripod together, please free to contact me either via Messenger through Long Island Sun Chasers or fgreco.images@gmail.com.
David’s YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU2EiokhAQU&feature=youtu.be
