are  particularly  useful  when  covering  fast  events,  when using long-focal-length lenses, or when a tripod is too cumbersome to use. These hand-held supports are usually  fitted  with  a  cable  release  for  firing  the  shutter. Camera shake can cause fuzzy photographs. Some cameras have built-in capabilities that help reduce camera vibration or shake; for instance, on a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, the mirror “jumps” up when the shutter is fired-that causes vibration. On some SLRs you can lock the mirror up before taking the picture to avoid this; however, the disadvantage of locking the mirror  is  that  you  are  unable  to  see  through  the viewfinder. Also, the pressure of your finger on the shutter release can cause some camera shake. ‘This does not happen on cameras with a delayed shutter release because the camera compensates by automatically delaying  the  shutter  release.  Additionally,  cable  release can  be  used  to  fire  the  shutter  without  handling  the camera CAMERA   SUPPORTS To ensure absolutely sharp photographs, you must use some type of camera support. Few photographers can  hold  a  camera  absolutely  steady,  especially  for exposures longer than about 1/60 second or even shorter exposures when using long-focal-length lenses. When using telephoto lenses or shooting motion media, you must remember that camera movement can become critical.  Even  the  slightest  camera  movement  is magnified and becomes very apparent in enlargements of still photographs or when motion-media footage is viewed. The ideal camera support should be strong, firm, and allow as much adjustment of camera height and angle as possible. The design of a support to be carried outside the lab should be compact and lightweight, while still  providing  a  firm,  rigid  camera  support. Most pictures are taken holding the camera by hand because camera supports are often bulky, heavy, and inconvenient to carry on many assignments; however, you should use a camera support when it is appropriate to do so. This allows you to produce the sharp pictures that   are   characteristic   of   a   truly   professional photographer. Tripods The best way to support your camera is with a sturdy,  rigid,  tripod.  Tripods  are  three-legged  camera supports with flat platforms or heads in which cameras are  secured.  Most  tripods  are  equipped  with  a  head  that has an elevator center post. The camera is attached to this center post and is raised or lowered easily by cranking the post up or down. These elevators eliminate the need for readjusting all three tripod legs for making small,  last  minute  adjustments  to  the  camera  height. Tripods come in a variety of designs, sizes, and weights (fig. 5-2). The heavier models are the sturdiest and provide the best support; however, if too heavy, they are not very portable. As a general rule, the heavier your camera, the heavier and stronger your tripod must be. For some of the light, full-size tripods, rigidity can be improved by hanging a bag of sand or another weight from the tripod head This is especially useful in high winds. Another method is to hang a strap from the tripod head, and use the strap as a foothold on which to apply downward pressure (fig. 5-3). Tabletop  tripods  are  also  available  and  can  be  used almost anywhere a flat surface is available. These small tabletop  tripods  can  even  be  braced  against  the photographer’s chest. Because of their small size, they can easily be carried in a camera bag. To set up a tripod, extend one leg straight ahead toward the subject. This way the camera may be aimed by pivoting the tripod on this one leg. Extend the other two legs and adjust them to level the tripod platform horizontally.  When  setting  up  a  tripod  on  level  ground, you can waste a lot of time trying to get the tripod level if the leg sections are not fully extended. An easy solution to the problem is to mark the tripod legs in specific increments with a marking pen, pencil, or scribe. One method is to mark short lines at l-inch intervals and long lines at 6-inch intervals. Doing this reduces your frustration, saves time, and allows you to level your camera on the tripod with less effort. When a tripod  is  set  up  on  an  uneven  surface,  several adjustments of the side legs are normally necessary. Readjustment  of  the  front  leg  levels  the  camera vertically so the platform or head is level. Most newer tripods  have  platforms  that  can  be  adjusted  by eliminating  the  need  for  minor  leg  adjustments. To mount the camera on the tripod head, you secure it in place by tightening the tripod screw into the camera tripod socket. Secure the camera by tightening the camera clamp screw locknut. After the camera is mounted on the tripod, test the camera to ensure all camera controls are accessible and function properly. The camera should be stable and not shake when the camera  controls  are  operated. 5-3