Paid Portrait Sessions-Do You Use A Tripod

Is the use of tripods recommended for portrait sessions? For "in studio" and/or outdoor sessions.

I just can't seem to get the the tripod head adjusted, to get the lens lined up with the focus point on the eyes, fast enough. Especially when the client is moving their head & changing their pose alot. It seems that shooting freehand is faster for me. I just watch my SS to avoid any shake.

Do YOU use a tripod?

i never ever use a tripod. when doing portraits of people, i really dont find them useful.

if youre using a shutter speed of 100 or more....you should definitely be able to free hand it

Use the system that makes you comfortable. But most studio Portraits are from a pod of some sort, either MONO, or TRI..

I would for indoor shots.....if I had one! Although I mostly shoot young children, so it's not really practical since they are all over the place! I wouldn't use one for outdoor shoots. (even if I had one)

If your using strobes or flash guns you shouldn't need a support. Set your ISO high enough to get something between 100 and 200 and the flash exposure should freeze the image. If your using hotlighs you may need a support.

Depends entirely on the situation; if it's rather static and/or predictable: yes, I use a tripod.
Makes it easier to get a decent framing & composition, focus is set and forget anyway, and it allows me to communicate with the model, instead of having my face behind the viewfinder...

Headcase650 wrote in post #6002511
If your using strobes or flash guns you shouldn't need a support. Set your ISO high enough to get something between 100 and 200 and the flash exposure should freeze the image. If your using hotlighs you may need a support.

ISO high enough? To get a high shutter speed with strobes?

I should try it sometime.

It's a personal choice and depends on the style. Most of the time a tripod is a hindrance, especially when the background framing is not critical.

If you're do have a background and want position everything carefully, then it's better to use support.

If you're shooting in the studio, then accept the fact that your support can weigh more than you do. That's called a studio stand.

Nope, pretty much never.

I always. I have shaky finger any way. A tripod gives you the freedom pose the shot better and take your time. It definitely works for me. Unless you're trying emulate photogs you see on TV and change a lot of perspectives quickly, a tripod makes sense. And the many times I've been the object of a studio photo shoot, the photog always used a tripod. But in the end, your photo results will dicate which you prefer. Do what works for you.

For one person I only use the tripod to hold the camera (quick release) when I'm fussing with the subject.
For groups, a tripod makes it easier to look at everyone as I shoot, without having to reframe between shots 'cause the cam had moved.

Why is that happening? You're supposed to be in charge, or are you a 2nd shooter on someone else's set?

I think it is much better to use a tripod for groups and for portraiture. I think it helps you to see everyone in the group better and assure that you don't have eyes closed or a face maker. When doing portraits, I think it forces you to be more attentive to your background and can keep you from make some kinds of errors.

Photosguy,

I have only done younger kids so far. Their movements are not alot, but enough to throw the focus point off the eyes. It's hard for them to hold still while I frame the shot. Maybe I am too slow.

In time, I believe that I will become faster at the framing & shooting, but for now shooting without a tripod seems to work best.

For group shots, I have always used a tripod, and taken quite a few shots to make sure I get one where everyone looks good.

I do plan on using a tripod when I start shooting in my studio though.

Headcase650 wrote in post #6002511
If your using strobes or flash guns you shouldn't need a support. Set your ISO high enough to get something between 100 and 200 and the flash exposure should freeze the image. If your using hotlighs you may need a support.

Yeah I screwed that up, what I meant to say was set your ISO and your lights high enough to get the aperture you want with your shutter speed between 100-200 and the flash will freeze the action.

Sorry,

We shoot a lot of kids and a tripod is a pain more than a benefit when they are running around or wont stay put.

I dont use a tripod or a monopod. i find they get in the way and limit me.. more so when I'm photographing small children that just want to run around.. I need to be able to follow them with the camera

If you must use a tripod in that situation, why not leave the head a bit loose so you can follow them?
Better to be set up when they arrive so most of their short attention span is focused on you. Pro trick: shoot a ton of shots & don't show the "almost" ones!