How to manage if you don’t have a tripod

Richmond Bridge at Night by Andrew Wilson

Many photographers often use a tripod (or monopod) to try and combat camera shake. However, it may not always be practical to carry one with you, especially if you are concerned – as I am – about your back (a camera plus several additional lenses are already a heavy load). So, sometimes you may need to improvise and find a hard, flat surface to use as a support for your camera. 

Did you know that this simple trick can also work if you are using a camera phone? While it may be difficult to always find a flat surface while out & about in the countryside, you can often find a useful wall or flat surface to hand in our towns and cities.

Sometimes, photographic opportunities present themselves without warning and you are left with no alternative, except to quickly reach for your phone. This happened to me recently as I was crossing Richmond Bridge at night. The shimmering light on the water was perfect. So I gently lent my camera on a wall and was pleasantly surprised with the result. 

LEARN MORE: For anyone interested in photography, I run a local Photography Club in Barnes & Putney. Please do get in touch if you'd like to know any more about what we do and how to join this group.

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