You can build a rifle tridpod by using a camera tripod with a special base to support the rifle. There is an article on how to build one at: http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/SniperSaddle.asp
is a phohotographer likely to use a tripod
Tripod....................... ================ ACTUALLY, a tripod would be used for a crew-served weapon, such as medium/general purpose/heavy machine guns. For a rifle, you're probably thinking of either a bipod or a benchrest.
Please hand me the tripod.
Please give me the tripod.
Tripod is a word. Alternatively you could go for: I steadied my camera with my tripod.
Can I use your tripod for my camera
Mis-use
I can't use a tripod for a 'selfie'. The survey equipment still requires a tripod.
The use of the tripod is to stand things on top of it in science. A tripod is used primarily to make the camera steady and give almost-hands free shooting ability.
Just like a bar stool or some tables, an object needs at least three legs to stand on its own. A photographer or even a sniper with a rifle, will use a tripod to stop the movement of the camera or a gun. With three points of contact, the camera cannot move in any direction but up.
You will need to specify the use.