A Photojournalist’s Field Guide: In the trenches with combat photographer Stacy Pearsall

Stabilization Devices

Stabilization devices can make a big difference in the sharpness and overall quality of photos. They enable photos to be taken with less light or a greater depth of field, in addition to enabling several specialty techniques.

Tripod

For hundreds of years, before photography was even invented, military folks have been using tripods for various purposes—to mount telescopes and stabilize weapons, to name two examples. It makes sense that photographers would employ the tripod for the same benefits—albeit nonmilitant functions. Tripods have come a long way since their wood and brass relatives; they are lighter and more versatile. A tripod may not be ideal for all types of photography, but there’s no doubt that it’s one of the ...