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I have a monopod and it has proven to be a great asset! Lives in the car usually, and doesn't get in the way like a tripod can - especially at crowded events with a lot of parental paprazzi (or however you spell that) running around with eyes only for Jr. Also hangs from a belt loop with a small caribiner leaving hands free when needed like is often necessary at livestock events. JMPHO

Not claiming to be an expert, nor even close, but I grew up in a house with a darkroom, loading film canisters, develping and printing with a Dad who never went anywhere without a camera. He was asked to judge an area show so he would stop entering and winning, photographed everything from cells microscopically to weddings, portraits, surgical procedures, nature everything, and even seashells using an xray procedure. He gave seminars and presentations, and conducted photo tours through the piney woods of the Big Thicket.

He had many "students" that were technical geniouses, yet their photos were missing something. He taught that there were many reasons to take a picture - documentation, art, fun, etc. While straight "documentation" pictures didn't typically tell a story, many pictures were like other art forms and should evoke a feeling. The only way to do this was to put feeling into taking the picture. Look at the world through your heart's eye instead of just your mind's eye. Composition, lighting, etc are all important, but much more goes into making a picture with feeling. It all depends on what you want your result to be, the "story you are trying to tell". JMPHO

We have E-300 and 2 E-500 Olympus. We love 'em! They have been to so many livestock shows and still going strong!

Had to throw and Oly vote in!

I also have and love a little Panasonic TZ point and shoot with 10megapixels and 10x optical zoom. It is also image stabilized and it does a fabulous job!

Would love to shoot more. Dad always said "Leave only footprints - take only pictures!"