Large Scale Central

Getting the camera close

Model Photography
#1

As you all know by now, my layout doesn’t have much level ground. Because of the steep and uneven terrain, I’m finding it difficult to mount the camera on a tripod and still get close enough to the subject. For maximum depth of field, I want to use the smallest aperture, but often this means using very slow shutters speeds – requiring more stability than can be provided by a hand-held camera.

Any suggestions on how to provide a stable mount, close to the model on uneven ground?

#2

a flexible mini tripod may do the trick -

(http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/MULTI-MINI-TRIPOD-3.jpg)

0r a Klikk - http://www.klikk.it/

(http://www.photographyblog.com/images/products/klikk_mini_tripod_1.jpg)

-Brian

#3
Ray Dunakin said:
As you all know by now, my layout doesn't have much level ground. Because of the steep and uneven terrain, I'm finding it difficult to mount the camera on a tripod and still get close enough to the subject. For maximum depth of field, I want to use the smallest aperture, but often this means using very slow shutters speeds -- requiring more stability than can be provided by a hand-held camera.

Any suggestions on how to provide a stable mount, close to the model on uneven ground?


Ray,

Old trick: a small bean bag that you can shape to what is required - anywhere!

#4
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:
Old trick: a small bean bag that you can shape to what is required - anywhere!
Benchrest shooters often use two bags, a large rabbit-eared one at the end of the stock and a much smaller one under the barrel. I used to fill mine with very small shot, #10 or #12 from memory.

The whole idea was to have a malleable yet firm support for the rifle. The lead shot was perfect, as it doesn’t crush.

#5

All good ideas. Another I’ve used is various scraps of wood for supports, cause that’s what I had lying around. I need to get a cable shutter release too. Not sure if my camera supports that. I can trigger the shutter with the computer when hooked up to USB, but that’s a little inconvenient out on the layout.

#6

Actually I think I need something when the ideal camera position is six inches past the edge of the cliff, and four or five feet above the ground.

#7

A dolly boom ?

#8

RC Helicopter?

#9

Ray,
A ski pole and a C-clamp.
I think the store bought ones are called a monopod.
Later
Rick Marty