There are a lot of little elements that go into setting up the perfect product photo. If you want a crisp, focused photo, a tripod can make that much easier! I asked photographer Spencer Gordon to help us understand the basics and why and how to use a tripod to create sharper, better lit, more consistent imagery. Spencer has been taking pictures since he was a kid. He’s been working as a professional photographer based in NYC since 1992, with clients such as InStyle, Razorfish and Victoria Secret.
What exactly is a tripod and why would you want to use it?
How much should you spend on a tripod?
A tripod can cost anywhere from $25.00 on up. So pick a tripod that is suitable for your budget, level of photography experience and use ability.
A good starter tripod: Slik F740 4-Section Tripod with 3-Way Panhead.
A more intermediate tripod: Bushnell Advanced Tripod with 3-Way Head.
An advanced tripod: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT 26mm 3-Section Aluminum Alloy Tripod Legs or Vanguard PH-22 3 Way Fluid Pan Head.
Can you show us how to properly work this thing?
Ultimately a tripod is going to allow you to take better quality pictures. We all know there’s a lot more involved, so follow Spencer’s blog for more photography how-to videos.
Small Object Photography Blog | Photo How-To’s | Etsy Success Mailing List
138 comments
Sign in to add your ownGLAMSHINEACCESORIES says:
Thanks for the Info:)
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Great info!!!!!!!
1 year ago
PolClary says:
Very helpful. I've been spending ages trying to set up my tripod, and it still always ends up slightly crooked. ;)
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
gotta get me one..thanks
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I tried using a tripod for a while as I got one with my camera but I'm not overly keen on it. I prefer the looser shooting manner!
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Thanks for the information. I always need help with my pictures.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Thanks for your help! This info is good to know!
1 year ago
OsoVictoria says:
Thanks, a tripod does help steady those pictures.
1 year ago
iroirocrafts says:
Thank you! I always use a tripod for product photos, especially helps if there is lower lighting.
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
Great info. I have been trying to get better quality pictures but have not tried the tripod. Will do next time.
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Awesome..... Thank you. Esp for the video!!
1 year ago
oldworldprimitives says:
One of my 2011 New Years Resolutions was to finally start using my tripod for my product photography (after my hubby showed me how to work it, AGAIN..) and I have to agree that it's essential for getting crisp, focused photos every time,
1 year ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Thanks for the great info!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
great article. for some table top shots (small items), i use homemade beanie bags as "tripods" to shoot. thanks for including the vintage hollywood brand tripod from my store. :)
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Great interesting article! Thanks for the tips :)
1 year ago
SacredSymbolStudios says:
Thank you Spencer. Appreciated and enjoyed your videos.
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
4softpawz says:
Great tips!
1 year ago
daweigreat says:
Yes,tripod is important in picture making.
1 year ago
bedouin says:
A str8 shooter from my Canon I love taking pictures. This easy to follow tutorial may inspire me to push on to a new form
1 year ago
DecoFamara says:
Thank you so much for all this information. Very useful.
1 year ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
Thanks so much for the tripod tips! I have one but usually forget to get it out and put it to use.
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Need to begin using the tripod that is collecting dust at the moment, appreciate your tips, as our photos in our shop need to improve. :)
1 year ago
BlueEyedShell says:
Awesome! I was just thinking about buying a tripod and this helpful blog came out and convinced me :) Thanks Spencer!
1 year ago
birdzonawire says:
love this! I've been wanting to get one and didn't know where to start:) Thanks
1 year ago
TheChocolateCafe says:
I wish I had my old equipment to take better photos, all I can afford now is my phone to take pictures and a very steady hand and patience. Thank you for the tips.
1 year ago
WendyElf says:
I can see my tripod jumping up and down in the corner with great excitement - realising its going to be used at last! Hurrah (says both me and the tripod... ) ta for the info!
1 year ago
HeartOfGlassDesigns says:
Have been using a tripod since my real estate photog days. It is indispensable when wanting to capture not only good but great pics. EVERYTHING Spencer said is what I do everytime. I am so glad the ETSY folks put this together. Thanks!
1 year ago
MilaKeln says:
Very useful. Thanks for this article.
1 year ago
denises72 says:
Outstanding! On my way to buy an tripod!
1 year ago
TaylorArts says:
Thanks for taking the time to make this so clear. Looks like I'll need to make another investment.
1 year ago
Saxiib says:
I definitely need to use an tripod. These videos are great!
1 year ago
rebourne says:
thanks for taking the time to make the videos. i have a tripod and i need to use it more.
1 year ago
FrivolousNecessity says:
awesome - i'm a total shaker - i'll definitely be using a tripod more!
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
Thank you!!
1 year ago
vKnit says:
fab tips! thank you very much!
1 year ago
PixesBeads says:
I would be lost without my tripod! It allows me to get up close and personal!
1 year ago
Strauski says:
When you're travelling, a bean bag--literally a bag of beans or lentils from the grocery store--is a good base for your camera instead of a tripod. Use the self timer as Spencer suggests. Thanks for the good info, Spencer.
1 year ago
ddfoto says:
Love shooting with a tripod especially on using a slow shutter speed. Great info!
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
A tripod is the best accessory investment you can make when taking photos.
1 year ago
RisenPhoenixDesigns says:
Thank you for the info :)
1 year ago
RisenPhoenixDesigns says:
Thank you for the info :)
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Excellent, excellent, excellent. This is really useful--thanks a ton for sharing!
1 year ago
FamilyArtistry says:
Thanks for the tip Spencer. Duh use the self timer to avoid camara shake. Why didn't I think of that.
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Very helpful . thank you
1 year ago
rockriverstitches says:
Great article! I wouldn't know what to do without my tripod!
1 year ago
imakecutestuff says:
Yay for tripods! Thanks for the great video posts (and for the link to my smallobjectphotography.com blog ;) Better photos FTW!
1 year ago
misscoconut says:
I want to point out that more expensive tripods last a whole lot longer. If you're planning to use it a lot, invest in a decent metal one, not a cheap plastic one.
1 year ago
ButlerPottery says:
Thanks for the advice on tripods. I never thought of the time exposed to avoid camera shake.
1 year ago
BUTTERFLYBAZAAR says:
Thanks a bunch! I'll have to remember to do this.
1 year ago
natalya1905 says:
Great info, thank you very much for sharing! It's amazing to see how easily professional photographers play with all their equipment. Cameras, tripods, lights, umbrellas - it's kind of a show itself! I'm going to follow Gordon on Twitter and can't wait for his next lessons.
1 year ago
samdesigns2009 says:
Great lesson on tripods! Need get one!
1 year ago
GemdropsoftheFalls says:
Great stuff. Thanks Spencer!
1 year ago
BotanicalBead says:
Very good information, I'd be lost w/o my table top tripod!
1 year ago
TheJulReeBox says:
Awesome and TIMELY information! Thank you!
1 year ago
joebanker24 says:
Thank you for the info. I have used a tripod before and have gotten a way from it. I also want to try playing with the white balance on my SLR.
1 year ago
Arctida says:
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
vintagerulz says:
Very helpful
1 year ago
artofisaac says:
Good tips. The tripod used for taking pictures from overhead is interesting.
1 year ago
Hapagirls says:
Always need tips to improve my photos! Thanks!
1 year ago
littlebirdcreative says:
thanks for these helpful tips!
1 year ago
lynntodddesigns says:
this came at the perfect time... thanks!
1 year ago
fashionL says:
Thanks for your help!
1 year ago
ruddlecottage says:
Extremely good advice and tips...many thanks for taking the time to share your expertise
1 year ago
Ginaitalianfashion says:
Great tips, thanks !!!!!
1 year ago
TrendyWendyHandbags says:
Thanks for the helpful hints. I can always use help with my pictures.
1 year ago
2ones says:
Thanks.... Especially like the self-timer tip!
1 year ago
NeoArtifax says:
Much needed advice as I take most of my pictures when there is no one else around! (embarrassed...(*^o^*))
1 year ago
NeoArtifax says:
Much needed advice as I take most of my pictures when there is no one else around! (embarrassed...(*^o^*))
1 year ago
MAUpromos says:
Nice tips!
1 year ago
smallfryINK says:
Wonderful tips, thanks!
1 year ago
leavesley says:
great tips - hope there will be more :-) THX
1 year ago
RevolvingStore says:
I will dust off my tripod, set it up, and use your helpful tips.....Thanks for the reminders!!!
1 year ago
thepapermoonstudio says:
Good advice!
1 year ago
DoodlebugAccessories says:
Thanks for the info! Cleaning up tripod now and getting something else for a door stop. :)
1 year ago
beadelight says:
Thanks, Spencer! I've been using a tabletop tripod, but now I want one with the removable rod thingy so I can shoot jewelry straight down.
1 year ago
beadelight says:
Thanks, Spencer! I've been using a tabletop tripod, but now I want one with the removable rod thingy so I can shoot jewelry straight down.
1 year ago
LARRY52344 says:
thanks for the reminder getting the tri pod out now
1 year ago
ApplewoodHandwovens says:
Great info!! Thanks
1 year ago
ColoradoPenCrafter says:
Great tips Spencer! I'm a first time photographer as of this week. I bought and use a tripod and i also bought a small photo tent for soft lighting. I also use the self timer on a 2 second delay and my pictures have improved immensely. Thanks again!
1 year ago
QuiltSewCover says:
Great info! Thanks so much!
1 year ago
HillCountrySilver says:
Great advice! I find that my large tripod sits in a closet because it is si cumbersome. I often shoot with a small one that has bendable legs about three inches long, perfect for rocks, the beach, and uneven surfaces. It even has a pocket clip and my shots are so much clearer when I use it! Inexpensive and Very portable for clear close-ups of my jewelry.
1 year ago
eggmost says:
Wow thats great info!! good one!!
1 year ago
siamcollection says:
i love it
1 year ago
IsabelleKnits says:
Very helpul! Thanks for the info.
1 year ago
SigalFJewelry says:
I just started to photo with a tripod lately and I see the big difference. I have a very old tripod but it still does the work. Thanks for the tips and the info.
1 year ago
VintageNook says:
Thank you very much for the most informative video. I will try to purchase tri-pod to improve the pictures of my products.
1 year ago
MakeMeSparkly says:
we really need this :)
1 year ago
bibsnbobs says:
Great info, think I'll be heading to the camera shop in the morning. :)
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
If only I owned a nice camera.
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
This is great!! Now I'm lusting after a tripod :) Thank you so much.
1 year ago
ButtermilkCottage says:
Got one for Christmas! Now I'm a bit more motivated to use it! Thanks!
1 year ago
PetuniaRoseDesigns says:
Just in time. I needed this info. Thanks
1 year ago
MissHildebrandt says:
I once had a turtle named Tripod.
1 year ago
MaryLittfin says:
Time to dust off my tripod and put it to use again :) Thank you for the great info.
1 year ago
photostudio311 says:
For those of you in Los Angeles who don't find this fun let us help photograph your items. We have a photography studio...
1 year ago
lmayjewelry says:
Love using a tripod! Thanks for the info, very informative.
1 year ago
meringuedesigns says:
spencer you are awesome. thanks for great advice. i've been wanting a tripod forever for my dslr but just didn't know what to do. :)
1 year ago
AKingsThings says:
Oh...how I needed this lesson!
1 year ago
CorreylDesigns says:
Always continuing to improve photos! Thanks!
1 year ago
Lalalinens says:
great information, thanks.
1 year ago
CoastalArts says:
thanks Spencer, great advice
1 year ago
thisOtherthing says:
Thanks for the tips.
1 year ago
CitySistersShop says:
Thank you Spencer. Good advice and helpful to those who are seeking to be better photographers.
1 year ago
joevleather says:
Great tutorial and we are big advocates for Tripod .. aside from our camera they produce great still shots of our products .. and being very honest .. it's all about the images on the web. Great post
1 year ago
nightowlcraftworks says:
he needs a better mug ;) lol
1 year ago
TangledMetal says:
Great information. It will definitely help me out.
1 year ago
FiresideFeline says:
Tripods are life savers for indoor photos with bad lighting!! I'm not in a position where I can take all of my pictures outdoors with natural lighting so I rely on tripods and white balance to help me out. The only problem is that my tripod is only set up to hold a camera horizontally. I'm looking for a good tripod that can hold a digital camera vertically. Does anyone know where to get a good one?
1 year ago
girliepains says:
Love tripods
1 year ago
jessicaoart says:
very cool, thanks!
1 year ago
StrangePuppy says:
I kind of knew that but It's still helps to hear it, Now all I need is a tripod with proper legs...I only have a cheap plastic tabletop tripod. Working on it!
1 year ago
magdasenso says:
Now that was helpful :) Thanks!
1 year ago
lkdKids says:
love the videos! Thanks so much for the tips. Videos always make things much more clear.
1 year ago
lepetitruban says:
Great tips, thank you!
1 year ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
Fab feature, thanks so much Gordon. I've started using my stepladder for my photoshoots, but I think it is time to go a little more professional - so this great!
1 year ago
cowriegirl says:
Really helpful!
1 year ago
SirCedricsGoodHeads says:
Thanks for your tips. I would not think about taking an image of my detailed work with out using a tripod. I usually use ambient light but I am would love to know more about how to use different lighting systems. Lynda
1 year ago
thequilthaus says:
We often use our tripot - got some good hints from you - thanks.
1 year ago
natalyboutique says:
thanks ,great info. http://natalyboutique.blogspot.com
1 year ago
lindab142 says:
My cousin, a fine art photographer, sent me a tripod from NJ. I use it all the time. Lovin' it. Thanks for the info. http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com
1 year ago
DarlingCherie says:
Interesting. I have a tripod, but I don't know why I never used it for my products, thanks!
1 year ago
rockofkristia says:
I'm also into photography. Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
EmilyEckel says:
You inspired me to get a tripod. Found the high end one for $120 on the Internet. Just spent two hours reshooting most of the items in my shop. The difference in the photos is remarlable. Thanks for the " tripod episodes." I'm using an old point and shoot camera and in a year or two I'd like to up grade. Sure would appreciate some advice on that.
1 year ago
NoorJewels says:
Great tips! Thanks!
1 year ago
LisbonStory says:
thanks!
1 year ago
thelogchateau says:
Thanks for your great tips and tricks . . . you make it sound so easy!
1 year ago
CashmereJewels says:
Tripod really helps, i also think sometimes you just have to be creative to be able to take clear and beautiful picture :)
1 year ago
ElegantlyHandmade says:
Great info, I see a tripod in my near future, also need to learn Photoshop.
1 year ago
lifesimplepleasures says:
Great info! Thanks.
1 year ago
ForsythiaHill says:
Nice hat Spencer (couldn't resist). Loved the presentations!
1 year ago
ElkeHutchens says:
Thanks Spencer, I'll look you up on FB
1 year ago
DeirdreLeePortraits says:
Great info...thanks for sharing :-)
1 year ago
carabijoux says:
Great post! After 3 years of many, many attempts at photographing my jewellery, I've just finally got it right! The tripod, white balance and great backgrounds have been key... Got there in the end!
1 year ago
SticksandStars says:
Thanks... How about some lighting tips?
1 year ago
jnorvelle says:
Oh wow I just realized the good tripod I had does the over head thing. I let my daughter get away with it. Now I have a crummy vertical only one. Darn. : /
1 year ago
The Etsy Seller Handbook: All Our How-To’s About Selling | The Etsy Blog says:
[...] Setting Up the Shot with a Tripod [...]
317 days ago
yemmjewelry says:
thank you for the tip..
255 days ago
ribbon05 says:
Thanks for the tips. I will make sure to use my tripod more often.
223 days ago