Tripod & Photography Page

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I have been obsessed with become passionate about photography lately in case you haven’t noticed.  I decided to create a Photography Page to keep all my photography posts organized and for easier search-ability in case anyone wants to read over my various photography posts.

Some recent posts…

My food styling and photography workshop last weekend helped to fuel my new passion.

open hamburger with tomatoes, mushroom, cheese, and lettuce

Earlier in the week I made Lightbounces which was the best 60 second and $3 dollar DIY project I’ve ever done.

lightbounces: white panels put up

A couple weeks back I was in hot pursuit of linens and pretty backdrops for my photos.   I found some vintage scarves I’ve been loving.

pink, blue, purple and green, and yellow scarves

Cute dishes that I can find on the cheap are always on my brain, too.

floral patterned dishes with ribbonsfloral patterned bowls
And I’ve reviewed books Here and Here on Food Styling and Photography

Food Styling for Photographers by Linda Bellingham and Jean Ann BybeeFood Styling by Delores Custer cover

But one thing I realized after my Food Styling &Photography Workshop was that I needed a tripod.

There is no way to get these types of shots, for me at least, without using one.

Pasta salad in green bowl

My hands are just not steady enough to hold my very heavy camera + big lens steady enough with the appropriate camera settings I need to use to get uber crisp and clear shots like these without a tripod.

open hamburger with tomatoes, mushroom, cheese, and lettuce

Angel food cake with whipped cream and berries

I had posted previously that I was contemplating getting a tripod but was on the fence.  But I realized that getting one would improve the quality of my photos, so I decided to order this tripod from CSN Stores.  I had some money as a store credit so I applied that plus used my own funds, and was able to get this previously pricey tripod (that was already marked way down) for a very reasonable sum.

Black tripod

It has what’s called a pistol grip head, meaning rather than using separate knobs to tip, tilt, and adjust the tripod’s head, I can just squeeze the trigger, and move the entire head in one fell swoop.  Such a time saver and major convenience factor added not having to deal with multiple dials and knobs.

top of Black tripod

Just screw the big DSLR camera in and get ready to shoot.  I can tell you just from having it a few days, I love it!  The pistol grip head makes this tripod way easier to use, less things to fiddle with and less wasted time trying to screw two sets of “controls” and tilts in place.

top of black tripod with screw

 

I plan to use the tripod for what I call “Photo Shoot Worthy Food”.  Meaning, for food I plan to shoot that I developed the recipe from scratch, took pictures of all the stages of the process, and plan to post the pictures to Foodgawker, Tastespotting, or Serious EatsI don’t intend to break out the tripod to shoot a picture of salad.

No Bake Vanilla Cake Batter Chocolate Truffles

Vanilla Cake Batter Chocolate Truffles

Rice Pudding with Raisins

Rice Pudding with Raisins in ramekins

No Bake Nutter Butter Special K Bars

Nutter Butter Special K Bars stacked

 

And when I’m done with the tripod, it packs up neatly in this carrying bag.   I put it in the closet to keep my living space clutter free because I hate clutter and visual disarray.

black barska carrying bag

From my last post featuring Soup, Salad, Dips, and Savory Recipes I’ve seen lately, I’m glad you enjoyed the post and recipe compilation!  It was fun hearing what you’ve been making or seen lately that has you inspired.

Questions

1. Best thing you’ve eaten or done so far this weekend?

I had a glorious day with Skylar in the 82F degree sunny weather.  We spent lots of time outside, played, laughed and had a wonderful time.

2. Do you have a tripod?  If so, do you like it or use it often?  If not, do you want one?

Lots of you answered in the comments section here, but feel free to chime in again.

3. Tell me something fun that’s going on in your world!

I am going back outside to enjoy the day

palm trees and blue sky

And then I’m going to pick up a few ingredients at the store for a recipe I’m working on…

Enjoy your weekend!

About the Author

Welcome to AverieCooks! Here you’ll find fast and easy recipes that taste amazing and are geared for real life. Nothing fussy or complicated, just awesome tasting dishes everyone loves!

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Comments

  1. You can use lighting tripods or stands to hold your back drops. I love natural light for food.
    A dimmer on is a very valuable addition to your kit, the only thing is you have to white balance after you adjust (unless you want the orange-red hue).
    I’m really enjoying your blog, keep up the good work.

  2. Wow your pictures look amazing! I’ve been into photography lately too, but sadly my camera isn’t so great. Hopefully I’ll get a new one soon as a birthday gift! :D

  3. Wow! Averie — these look absolutely STUNNING! All your hard work is shining in these photographs. I don’t have a tripod, but it’s on my list of wishes. Something fun in my world is that I’ve decided I want to earn my certificate in Holistic Health Coaching! I’m thinking of going through IIN, which is completely at-home study — they even give you an ipod with lectures downloaded on to it. I’ve been pretty giddy thinking about it. I want to focus on helping people (like me) who have just discovered they have a food allergy and need help with menu planning, and also teaching people about the ayurvedic diet. Yeay!

    1. I have a few friends/bloggers who have done the distance program thru IIN. They have loved it. Congrats on doing it!

  4. I don’t have a tripod, but I could definitely understand needing one to help you when you are taking those beautiful pictures!! I had a great time hanging out with my nieces and nephews :)

  5. I have a tri pod, but I never use it.

    Something fun that is going on in my world … I am leaving for a week vacation to NY on Saturday!!!!!!!! Can’t wait!!!!!!

  6. truly truly italian pizza was the best for me! And my white choc macadamia cookies haha. i must say your pictures are lookin’ gorgeous!! omgsh thanx soo much for the recs of the book! I’ve been becoming so interested in all kinds of photography too. Always was interested, but now with the canon I can practice fun stuff :D have a beautiful day

  7. That’s awesome that you’re so into photography. Love all the pictures and books. Very nice tripod!

    1. The asparagus festival.
    2. Yes, we have a very nice one my father-in-law gave us that works well with all our cameras. Crazy the price differences in them, huh?
    3. Not too much, I’m probably helping my mom buy a Mac today and finally grocery shopping.

    1. A new Mac…well keep me posted about what you buy (and why)…I am almost there.

      And yes, the price diff’s in tripods (and all camera gear)…is vast!

  8. :Your pictures look amazing! You definitely have a talent for photography.

  9. I’ve always been so intrigued by food styling, so attending a workshop on the topic sounds like a blast! I might have to check out those books you mentioned.

  10. Looks like a nice tripod, with a great carrying bag too.

    Best thing I did yesterday: Celebrated my SIL’s birthday with the family.

  11. Love it how you educate yourself about photography and plunge fearlessly – good job, and glad you enjoy it, and pics are getting better and better! The sky’s the limit, haha! :-)

    Something fun? I went on hols with my mother for three days and it was great! Oooh, we’ve had our share of problems(!) in the past but I’m older and more sensible and she’s changed and it was an invaluable experience – I hope to do more while she’s still up for it, physically.

    Cleaning the kitchen and washing the woollen mittens today, cause it’s spring! So not such a chore, really. Plus I have the secret fuel…biiig white chocolate cookies which I baked yesterday – a whole batch ended in the garbage (sob…) and a half a batch (I was getting careful, baking TWO at a time) went the same way, but the last eight or so finally succeeded! Chocolate…. for me? OMG it’s been a while…

    Have a nice sunday!

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