Tripods

A camera tripod is one of the most important accessories for any serious photographer, offering a sturdy platform to mount your camera for easy self-portraits and shake-free photos in low light. For times when a tripod is too heavy or regulations prohibit its use (such as at a sporting event), consider using a monopod. Monopods give some of the steadiness that tripods can provide, in a third of the bulk. And for truly hands-free photography or filming, a camera mount that attaches to a helmet or bike handlebars keeps your camera pointing ahead during your craziest adventures.

Most people think of tripods as a way to easily take a self-portrait. But a camera tripod also opens up stylistic opportunities that would be impossible without it, like long-exposure photography. This is especially useful at night, where you might expose a photo for 10, 15 or 30 seconds. The tripod keeps your camera perfectly still during the entire exposure. And while a monopod can't offer the same support for long exposures, it is an improvement over than hand-holding your camera. Tripods also make macro photography, product photography much easier, along with any other type of photographic work where keeping the camera stationary is of the utmost importance. On the other end of the camera-support spectrum are versatile camera mounts that are meant to be used when you're moving, not standing still. Often used with mini action video cameras, like the ones you'll find from GoPro or Sony, choose a camera mount that can attach to your skydiving helmet, your mountain bike handlebars or even the end of your surfboard for a truly unique filming point of view.