[Ed Shapiro]

You need both~

In portraiture, I use a technique called subtle tilting. I tilt the camera slightly (side to side) in order to create more dynamic lines in certain kinds of theatrical and general work, I do not use this method when there is any vertical or horizontal points of reference in the background. This works well with solid or mottled backgrounds in random patterns. I restrict this methods to head and shoulders portraits and tight head shots. The ball head makes this method east to carry out. I can start with an extreme tilt and work my way back in seconds until I see the exact effect that I am looking for. With a good ball head I can adjust the tension so that I can move the camera around without having it fall forward or sideways. I recommend the ball heads made by Monfrotto and Arca Swiss.

For very precise architectural and commercial work and/or where heavier cameras are used such as medium format or view cameras, there is nothing like a good old heavy duty conventional tripod/pan head. I have a very heavy Monfrotto head and a few older heads on hand for those usages. I have an old Majestic which works on gears and a crank mechanism and have seen them around on the used market. These heavy heads lock very positively and can just about support a house but the also need a heavy duty tripod to take their weight plus that of the camera. The only warning I have pertaining to theses big heads is don't drop them on your foot!

I know this thread is about tripod heads but let's not forget the tripods. I have found that it is better to overkill than under kill when it comes to tripod stability. There are some models on the market that just don't cut it, especially when telephoto lenses are used. Cheap tripods also have poor locking devices on their legs and won't stand up well in constant use. Good tripods to consider are made by Monfrotto, Gitzo, Velbon (higher end models) and Benbo. If you do close up work in the field look for models with reversible center columns to enable macro work in the field. I find a ball head very handy for this usage as well.

I hope this helps. Ed