A mobile radiography apparatus has a wheeled transport frame and a sectioned vertical column mounted on the frame, defining a vertical axis and having a base section with a first vertical position relative to the vertical axis and at least a first movable section that is translatable to a variable vertical position along the vertical axis. A boom apparatus supports an x-ray source, wherein the boom apparatus is coupled to the first movable 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.