Undoubtedly the most important photographic tool you can purchase, after the camera or course, is a tripod. Tripods are indespensible even if you think you have a very steady hand as you will find that nine times out of ten a photograph taken with a tripod will be clearer and so more beautiful. Even if you are immune to shaking then you still have to account for the motion that occurs when you push the camera's button to take the snapshot. In short, tripods are simply a very good idea.
So what can you do if you don't have a tripod? There are many reasons why a photographer may be left high and dry without their trusty tripod. First off, many beginners don't think about buying one when they purchase a camera for the first time.
Tripods can also be very heavy, depending on make and model, so while you might carry your camera at all times, the tripod may get left at home, especially during events like hiking trips. There are also always occasions when you don't have enough time to set up your tripod-you need a quick shot! When you don't have a tripod, for whatever reason, there a few things you can use in its place to help you take better shots.
If the main reason you don't carry a tripod is because of its weight or bulkiness, invest in a monopod. These portable devices are basically a single leg of a tripod and will help you steady your camera. To use a monopod, balance yourself against a wall or other steady object and try to be as still as possible. You can also bring an even smaller makeshift version of a tripod by carrying a long loop of rope. Attach one end to your camera and step on the other end with your foot and pull taut. The upward tension will help you stop shaking.
Of course, you can also use the world around you. Mount your camera on the nearest steady object that is at the same height at which you are shooting. Be sure the surface is clean, and use items you have to prop the lens at the perfect angle. When all else fails, kneel and rest your elbow on your leg as you are shooting. It is difficult to keep the camera perfectly steady, but by doing all you can possibly do (and by remembering your tripod next time), you can create clear photographs.
