A mobile radiography apparatus has a portable transport frame and a sectioned vertical column mounted on the frame and defining a vertical axis, with a base section having a first vertical position relative to the vertical axis and a top section and at least one intermediate section between the top section and base section, wherein the top and the at least one intermediate sections are translatable along the vertical axis to vary the height of the sectioned vertical column. A boom apparatus supports an x-ray source, wherein the boom apparatus is coupled to the at least one intermediate section for positioning of the x-ray source along the vertical axis and extends outward with respect to the sectioned vertical column for positioning of the x-ray source in a direction that is orthogonal to the vertical axis.