Do people still believe you can make money with photography?

Every so often it happens. I was using my tripod on a tripod to do some HDR frames with the D850 + 24TS, in a deserted courtyard. Sombody came up to me and asked if the pictures were for professional use. No, I said, I just like doing things properly, I added.

I am amazed there are still people who believe they have come across sombody who is going to make a ton of money, selling photographs of their obscure monument.

Why does a tripod seem to equate with professional photography?

I think given most of the world now uses mobile phones for their needs. That any ILC camera looks potentially “professional” the D850 with 24TS on board a tripod is a pretty powerful looking set up. For lack of a better word "real" photography is becoming an ever less popular activity so high grade gear will stand out. I enjoy the use of a tripod for landscape shooting it psychologically slows you down and for me adds to the experience . Though when out and about it is rare to see anyone using a tripod or a serious ILC for that matter

Unfortunately what you write is very true. On my photographic day out in a wonderful medieval village, I do not think I saw more than one or two, dedicated cameras. Again very few actually stop and carefully look at the place they are visiting.

You are dead right about a tripod slowing you down, and I find I am more careful with the framing.

Actually it cuts both ways sometimes. When photographing interiors of monuments I have also found people interested in what I am doing, and have turned on lights and things for me. Knowing something about the history of the place also opens doors.

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It would be interesting to see a picture of your "tripod on a tripod" setup.

Camera on a tripod obviously!

You mean a bunch of people who own cameras and have websites.

Short answer - because it's a professional tool.

Long answer - the history of cameras as long been tied to the use of tripods. Someone smarter than me can name the time frame where a tripod being a requirement for photography kinda ended. I think it's around the late 40s/early 50s but that's a guess. Anyways, now a days, most people do not equate normal photography with tripods. They see it as something a professional would use because 99% of the world's photography today doesn't use one. So if you're a photographer lugging one around, don't think it would out of line to assume that person treats photography in a more serious and professional manner.

But that is usually because you are dealing with clergy, whom are usually more considerate, unless you bump into the more anal type.

Ironically true...post 911 has increased suspicions.

Tripods the majority of the time, equate 'superior' images that are more worthy of publication and producing sales.

Well, ...most images taken by a worthy photographer are "just as superior" without a tripod, of course there is a type of image that is only possible with a tripod and some images where a tripod doesn't matter one way or the other.
A tripod slows you down! That can be beneficial or just a hindrance; which depends on the Situation and how the photographer feels about it.

For my photogrphy, the tripod is a pretty useful tool. I use it when I want to use low ISO levels in dark places to get the best possible image quality out of my camera's sensor. It is also pretty vital when I do HDR. It is also a pretty useful way of slowing down and taking more care with the composition.

But, yes the tripod is just one of a number of accessories that help to create better pictures, when needed.

As sombody else said, you make some business cards, put up a website and you can call yourself a professional. How many of the photographers in your area make a good living at it?

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Please note the words 'majority' and 'equate'
...they were used for a reason.
Not having a tripod can slow you down. [right tool for the job]