Hated using a tripod for years, just caved and bought one last month

Always thought tripods were for people who can't hold steady. Told myself I didn't need the extra weight. Then I tried shooting some long exposure stuff at night near the river downtown. First shot with a cheap used Velbon and a cable release came out sharp as a tack. Now I'm kicking myself for all those blurry shots I threw away last summer. Anybody got tips for keeping the legs from slipping on wet pavement?

2 comments

2 Comments

joseph4481mo agoTop Commenter

Same boat honestly. Used to think tripods were just gear for people who couldn't brace right or needed to look pro. But after one night of city lights and smooth water, I realized I was just making excuses for bad results. Now I carry mine everywhere wet pavement and all.

andrew_kelly1mo ago

lol yeah that "couldn't brace right" part hit home. I was the same way, always thought tripods were overkill unless you were shooting something totally still. But then I tried one for some long exposure work and it was like seeing my own photos for the first time. All those blurry shots I blamed on gear or bad settings were really just me being stubborn about using a tripod. Now I drag mine along to anything after dark even if I know it might not get used. Helps to have it just in case.