Night Shooting - Sans Tripod

Rancor · May 14, 2011

I haven't had a chance to do any shooting in the past week, and its making me really sad (side note: Is that a sign that I love Photography?). I have been busy during the day and by the time I get a chance to pic up my REBEL its dark out, and I don't have a tripod.

Now I have taken some 'neat' shots at night by just placing my camera on the rail of my porch with something like ISO 800, shutter speed 4", aperture f/3.5, but these can't be aimed or adjusted, as the railing is stationary.

Also, I don't want to use my built in flash, because I hear a lot of "ugh... you used the built in flash" on the forums. Now, I don't know enough about lighting yet to understand why its so terrible, but I'm sure I will soon enough.

So here's my question: Is there a way to take good night shots, without a tripod or flash? Even if everyone says no, I'm still going to experiment because like I said, I need to hear shutter noises soon or I'll lose my mind, but I'd like to make the most of it.

480sparky · May 14, 2011

A tripod isn't mandatory.... only convenient. I've used door frames, piles of rocks, trees, anything that seems solid.

If you spring for a tripod head alone, it's surprising what you can do with just it, lunch money and some ingenuity:

Rancor · May 14, 2011

I like the massive magnet, good stuff.

LittleMike · May 14, 2011

When I started photography, I was using an old Nikon D50 with the kit lens and a simple wal-mart special $40 tripod was enough to hold the camera steady on a calm night. Not sure if you have $40 you can spend right now, but I just thought I'd throw out that when using a smaller DSLR with kit lenses, they're usually light enough that cheaper tripods can work until you get the money for a higher-quality one. Others might not agree, but that has been my experience with it. I used to take 30 minute exposures with that setup.

altitude604 · May 14, 2011

I just got a $35 monopod from Japan Camera and tested it out at night. Makes a very noticable difference than handheld. Also another option!

KevinPutman · May 14, 2011

I never use a tripod,

and rarely use the on-board flash. But then again you hear everyone yelling at me to get a tripod XD.

but I've gotten some ok pictures without them. You just have to shoot at a faster shutter speed, and compensate your exposure with your ISO.

lyonsroar · May 14, 2011

I will recommend this $50 pod as well:
Sunpak - PlatinumPlus 6000PG 61" Tripod - 620-600-CPG

480sparky said:

I moonlight as an automotive detailer and this makes me cringe. A. LOT. :meh:

480sparky · May 14, 2011

lyonsroar said:
I moonlight as an automotive detailer and this makes me cringe. A. LOT. :meh:

It's my work van... I really don't care if it gets scratched. Besides, you can't see all the rust.

lyonsroar · May 14, 2011

480sparky said:
lyonsroar said:

I moonlight as an automotive detailer and this makes me cringe. A. LOT. :meh:

Click to expand...

It's my work van... I really don't care if it gets scratched. Besides, you can't see all the rust.

Thank GOD.

PhotoTish · May 14, 2011

I bought a pod from Jessops (UK). It is like a small bean bag and cost about £8. The pod can screw into the bottom of your camera but with a grip and longer lens it is a bit top heavy so I usually sit the camera on a wall and rest the lens on the pod and it works very well. I know you could use a camera bag or something to rest the lens on but the pod is just the right height and I am an accessory fiend! :lol:

j-digg · May 14, 2011

Rancor said:
I haven't had a chance to do any shooting in the past week, and its making me really sad (side note: Is that a sign that I love Photography?). I have been busy during the day and by the time I get a chance to pic up my REBEL its dark out, and I don't have a tripod.

Now I have taken some 'neat' shots at night by just placing my camera on the rail of my porch with something like ISO 800, shutter speed 4", aperture f/3.5, but these can't be aimed or adjusted, as the railing is stationary.

You can use a lower ISO if your using a sturdy surface. You could give a beanbag or something similar a try to slightly adjust the angle, people also use bungie cords in some creative ways.

480sparky said:

Crazy, Do you trust/use this setup while driving? if so, lets see some shots

How strong is the magnet?

480sparky · May 14, 2011

j-digg said:
Crazy, Do you trust/use this setup while driving? if so, lets see some shots How strong is the magnet?

I don't drive with it. I just used the van as an example.

fokker · May 14, 2011

I have one of these:
Photo Studio Flash Spring Clamp Clip Mount w/ Ball Head | eBay

Which I've used instead of a tripod at times when it wasn't covenient to bring a tripod. The clamp fits in my camera bag and was able to hold my 40d + 17-55 lens

OrionsByte · May 14, 2011

You could pick up a few small beanbags and use those. Basically anything that you can use to set the camera down and have it stay put in whatever orientation you want will work just fine - a stack of books, a pillow, your camera bag, etc. Also, remember to use the self-timer so you don't get vibration just from pushing the shutter button.

I have a nice sturdy tripod that I use for my more serious stuff, but I also bought a GorillaPod that I keep in my backpack so that I always have it with me. It does the job well enough for most things I wasn't planning ahead on.