Camera Stands

Camera stands are the favorite tools of photographers for photography work in the studio. They function similarly to tripods, but have added flexibility and capabilities as to how the camera can be positioned. Camera stands can also be accessorized by lighting fixtures. Technically, the other camera supports should also count as camera stands, as they are, after all, essentially stands for cameras. But the term “camera stand” is conventionally used to refer to a specific kind of camera stand that is generally large-scale and is used consistently in more professional contexts than the other camera supports tend to be. The camera stand’s many fixtures and mounts makes it capable of doing the work of multiple tripods. The camera stand could be said to be a highly evolved version of the original tripod.

Tripod Camera Stand

As studio photography work is typically all about fine tuning and perfecting a given shoot, camera stands are very useful tools for getting all camera and lighting settings done just right. Appropriately, camera stands are much more expensive than any other camera support equipment, often ranging upwards of $500 at the least, and going as high as tens of thousands of dollars for some of the best and most professional stands. To have a professional photography stand is a mark of being a good professional photographer.

Camera Stand

Camera stands are generally quite tall structures, often reaching higher than six feet. They usually consist of a tall pole standing in a sturdy and sometimes wheeled base, with a set of “arms” that hangs at least midway up the pole and can be adjusted for different heights. The “arms” have fixtures upon which cameras and lighting fixtures can be mounted. Some particularly high-end camera stands have advanced mounts that allow for smooth panning shots and other professional camera shoot effects. Sometimes the main pole can also be pneumatically pumped in order to assist smooth elevation of the pole if necessary. Steering rings and cable guard jacking systems are a couple of other features available from the top-line brands.

Studio Camera Stand

Camera stands are built to bear much more weight than other camera support equipment. The top camera stands are able to hold weights of hundreds of pounds if need be. There are also many customized camera stands designed by the photographers themselves. Some are built to help facilitate specific photographic functions, such as certain kinds of animation. All in all, the camera stand can be an extremely varied tool in the photographer’s arsenal.