Photo Answers
Andrew is a highly experienced writer and photographer – if you have a problem, he is here to help.
Tripod trials
Q I was trying to photograph butterflies this year with my camera on a tripod. I found it really difficult to get in the right position, but without a tripod my photos weren’t sharp enough. What do you suggest I do?
Mark Hopkins
A I can count on one hand how much I’ve used a tripod for butterflies A because it’s very difficult to quickly manoeuvre even the most flexible tripod into the right position to shoot an unpredictable and easily spooked subject. The only time I have used a tripod is when I’ve found a butterfly in the very early morning that hasn’t yet warmed up enough to fly off.
With butterflies it’s a waiting game, making the use of a tripod desirable, but I’d rather wait so I can react instantly if a butterfly arrives on plants I’m
