Tripod or no Tripod?

[sugarplum14]

Just wondering if some of you amazing photographers could help me out with something. I'm relatively new to this whole photography thing, and I have the S3IS camera. I'm going to Cuba with a group of friends soon.. for a Wedding and I want to take some really nice pictures (No.. I'm not the "wedding photographer" just someone who wants to improve her photography skills.. lol). Should I invest in a tripod.. or no? I've been trying to figure out when/where a tripod would be most beneficial.. and so far I've taken some nice shots without one.. but I wanted to make sure I'd have everything I need before I go!

Thanks in advance!

[KevC]

Tripod, all the way. However, it's cumbersome with event photography. I use it for staged shoots. A flash would freeze motion adequately for event photography (including weddings) imho.

[gsewell]

when you need a slower shutter speed for low lighting conditions thats when you will benifit, I would get one and just get used to it, cos it took me ages to take my tripod around with me without feeling like an idiot, but when you start using one you will notice the difference in quality in SOME of your pics.

Have fun in cuba it looks like a beautiful country.

[sugarplum14]

Thanks for your responses.. I was reading that it is good to have a tripod in "low light" situations.. but wasn't sure if my lack of a tripod was part of the reason that I was getting some grainy/blurry pictures. However, I have discovered it was b/c I wasn't familiar enough with the shutter speed, aperture and ISO.. and I'm just learning all about it now!

I think I might invest in a tripod before we go.. I was afraid I'd cart it all the way there and not use it.. hopefully I can find something inexpensive!

Thanks!

[Scottes]

Yes, a tripod is good in low-light, but action or movement is never good in low light. Even something as slow as a person walking will show blurred hands and feet at 1/100 shutter. And there's no way you'd get anyone to stand still enough for a sharp shot at 1/4 second. So a wedding in low light may be tough. A flash and the freedom to move the camera quickly would be better for a low-light event like a wedding. Just my opinion...

However, you'd never get me to go to a foreign country without a tripod. Who knows what you might see? A sunset on a vacation is always much better than one you see out your back door when you're on your way to work. :-)

[Billginthekeys]

for the wedding itself a tripod would hinder more than do good since it would limit your mobility. But going to cuba there much more to see im sure.

[Billginthekeys]

However, you'd never get me to go to a foreign country without a tripod. Who knows what you might see? A sunset on a vacation is always much better than one you see out your back door when you're on your way to work. :-)
speak for yourself :p