Using a tripod delivers quality
Some photographers hate tripods while others rely on them all the time. Many poor photographs could have been saved just by using a tripod. You will also often hear that a tripod stifles "creativity." Photographic technique is a broad brush for sure, but when it comes to architectural photography the practice of using good tripod technique is more important than ever.
While its possible to whiz through rooms snapping photos without a tripod the prospect of inconsistent quality is always there. Not using a tripod will always save time. This is the number one reason for leaving the tripod at home. So, why bother?
Putting the camera on a decent tripod affords many advantages:
- low ISO film speed
- stopped down lens aperture (for better image quality and depth of field
- slow shutter speed (capture more ambient light)
- eliminates camera shake
- ensures careful composition
- proper vertical and horizontal alignment prevents distortion
- allows for creative camera height positioning
- camera can be placed in awkward positions (corners & bathtubs etc)
- slower technique can avoid quality issues
Correct photographic exposure is dependent on three things: "film" speed ISO, lens aperture, and camera shutter speed. Using a slow film speed ISO (lower is better) and stopped down lens aperture will usually force using a slow shutter speed. To avoid shaky images you either have to resort to using a higher ISO and/or a more open lens aperture. This can negatively affect images in several ways. Using a tripod and/or supplemental lighting can counteract these issues.
Quite often you are faced with trying to balance the outside light with the interior light levels. Using a tripod gives you more options even if you are using off camera lighting to raise the interior light levels.
Most handheld photographs are taken at eye level while standing: its the most natural and sturdy position. However, many rooms look better when photographed from a much lower position. This is hard to do just by bending down: its uncomfortable and unstable. The same principle applies when taking shots of children: the photos look better when taken at their eye level instead of looking down from an adult level. This is important when shooting interiors. The tripod allows you to position the camera at the perfect height for any given room.
I find the number one reason for using a tripod is ensuring that vertical and horizontal lines will be straight and free of distortion. The majority of this kind of work is done with wide lenses but wide lenses are prone to showing bulging physical planes and other optical distortions. Using a tripod gives you ample time for your eye to carefully travel from the center to all four corners of the camera viewfinder. This exercise is much harder with a handheld camera.
The big cost of using a tripod is of course time. But when it comes to maintaining a level of consistent quality I believe its worth it...