The Real Question About Tripods

The question I’m often asked is, “What tripod should I buy?” But the better question is, “Do I need a tripod at all?”

And the honest answer is, it depends.

Most Real-Life Photography Doesn’t Suit a Tripod

If you’re like me, you might start out following toddlers around the house, capturing candid moments, or chasing trail runners through a forest. You quickly realize you can’t use a tripod for that kind of photography because the moment is gone before you even get your camera mounted.

For me, using a tripod in those situations feels like chopping firewood in a straightjacket.

Tripods Solve Specific Technical Problems

So when do you actually need one?

Usually, when you’re dealing with very low light and still subjects, like flowers or landscapes.

In those conditions, you end up using a slow shutter speed, and even slight hand movement can make the image soft.

A tripod solves that problem by keeping the camera perfectly still. It’s a straightforward technical fix: you want sharper photos of still subjects, and this is one way to get them.

Tripods Also Unlock Creative Techniques

Tripods also come into play when you’re working creatively with long exposures.

Think of photographing the Milky Way or smoothing out the motion of a waterfall. In those cases, keeping the camera steady is part of the effect you’re trying to create.

When a Tripod Makes Shooting Easier

Tripods are also useful for self-portraits or studio work. Once everything is framed and nothing in the scene is moving, it’s simply easier to leave the camera in place.

You can compose the shot, step away, and trigger it with a remote. At that point, the camera becomes one less thing to think about.

Why I Rarely Carry One

There are definitely moments when a tripod is helpful, like shooting waterfalls or the Milky Way. But in reality, I usually have to pack light, especially on road trips or hikes through the woods.

My Experience With a “Perfect” Travel Tripod

On a recent road trip, I brought a compact tripod that folded down small enough to fit in my camera bag.

But the hand-me-down tripod had been worn out over time, and when I extended the legs, they wouldn’t stay locked. In practice, it proved unusable.

Improvising When Gear Fails - Building Tripods Out of Anything

So I improvised by setting my camera on a cooler and propping it into the correct angle with a flashlight underneath.

Sometimes I’ll build a small mound of rocks on a beach and nestle the camera into it.

Once, I made a tripod out of duct-taped firewood to photograph the Milky Way.

It’s not elegant, but it works.

At this point, it’s become part of the challenge. There’s something satisfying about figuring out how to stabilize a camera without the proper gear.

Embracing the Chaos

When you’re travelling with family, space is limited, and carrying extra gear isn’t always practical. When the small tripod failed me, it just added to the experience.

At times, it feels like I’m a photographer in a sitcom, and everything that can go wrong does.

That unpredictability has become part of the story.

Practical Advice for Buying a Tripod

Tripods do have their place, which is why I own one. But I don’t use it often, and I wouldn’t recommend rushing out to buy one.

If anything, start with a hand-me-down or the cheapest option you can find. Once you know you’ll actually use it, then it makes sense to invest in something light, sturdy, and tall enough to be versatile.

Why a Tripod Won’t Fix Your Photos

In your early days as a photographer, a tripod is unlikely to make your photos better. New gear rarely solves the real problem.

If you show me an image that didn’t turn out the way you hoped, I’ll almost always point to light, composition, or timing. It’s very rare that the answer is, “You needed a tripod.”

Creativity Matters More Than Equipment

The reason I share my DIY tripod solutions is simple. Even without the “right” gear, you’ll still find a way to make the photo.

If the Milky Way is glowing overhead and you don’t have a tripod, you’re not going to walk away. You’ll improvise, and maybe upgrade your gear later.

Resourcefulness Is the Real Skill

Nine times out of ten, photography comes down to resourcefulness rather than equipment. Learning to adapt will take you further than buying another piece of gear.

The Real Purpose of a Tripod

A tripod isn’t about having more equipment. It’s about being intentional.

If it solves a clear technical problem or helps you achieve a specific creative effect, then it’s doing its job.

In those moments, you’re making deliberate choices instead of following someone else’s checklist.

The Truth About Gear

Most of us assumed that buying a good camera would automatically lead to better photos. When that doesn’t happen, it’s tempting to think the next piece of gear will fix things.

But cameras and tripods don’t do the work for us. They work with us, and only when we know what we’re trying to achieve.

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Mat Coker is a Canadian photographer and educator who teaches photography through experience-driven insight.

He draws from years behind the camera that began at age 10 with a simple point-and-shoot camera and grew into a family photography business.

Through articles, teaching, and coaching, he guides photographers toward more intentional, meaningful images.