In Motion - Mustang GT

[Pixel9ine]

We've had bad weather out here lately, so I haven't had much time to test out my new rig.. tell me what you think!

1.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6660_crop-1.jpg

2.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6661-1.jpg

3.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6662-1.jpg

4.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6668-1.jpg

5. - Getting a little artsy...
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6670_PP.jpg

Let me have it!

[PostShawn]

Wow. Pretty cool stuff there. Any pictures of you rig?

Also big Ford fan myself. Nice clean looking stang.

[peacock]

:D Love your "artsy" shot, really smart !!!

[Beeej21]

Great shots... the artsy idea is cool and executed pretty decently! How did you trigger the camera sitting on the rig? PDA or some sort of transmitter ( ie Pocket Wizard )? Just guessing here..

[Kevin]

Nice shots. Creative PP work on your last shot.

[zenden]

very interesting images. The first one is my Fav..very nice effect.

[sugarzebra]

Very nice shots, especially the last one. Looking forward to seeing shots of your set up.

[JustinL]

trust me they'll let you have it. nice simple shots man, way to do it. even nicer is the Fox body! My buddy just did a 5 lug on a green/gray two tone!

[Pixel9ine]

Thanks all for your comments... the rig is actually very simple, involving autobody grade suction cups, a SLIK ultralight tripod, small P&S (a: It's the only digital I have, b: It's lighter than a 350XT or 20D) and set it to 10-second delay. The car isn't moving fast at all in these shots, it's just idle speed with a long shutter (IIRC, I shot between 1/4s to 5s). Trip the shutter, get in the car and drive!

The first few shots I took with the wide-angle lens (21mm equivalent) had the rig in-frame; they pretty much show what my setup was like:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/th_IMG_6659-1.jpg (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6659-1.jpg) http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/th_IMG_6660-1.jpg (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6660-1.jpg)
(Click for fullsize)

[Dare]

How much for the setup and where did you buy it?

[stupot]

he MADE it. great idea though

[Rubi Jane]

Great pics. Love the fact you were at idling speed yet you definately conveyed the impression of speed with your shots. Your artsy shot is a great idea and well done.

[Pixel9ine]

How much for the setup and where did you buy it?3 autobody suction cups: $15
SLIK Sprint ultralight tripod: $35
Bungee cords, package of 6: $8
Getting complimented by fellow photographers: Priceless


There are some things money can't buy, for everything else there's Mastercard.

[edel33]

3 autobody suction cups: $15
SLIK Sprint ultralight tripod: $35
Bungee cords, package of 6: $8
Getting complimented by fellow photographers: Priceless


There are some things money can't buy, for everything else there's Mastercard.

hahahahahahahahahahah

what did you need the bungee cords for? attaching the tripod to the suction cups??

[kaitanium]

thats crazy how you attached it. nice! wont the tripod flop around since bungee cords have some give?

[Pixel9ine]

I did some serious testing of the rig before taking it ANYWHERE near my car.. since all three legs are secure, there's no give anywhere in the setup. Also, since it's all so very light, there's very little mass to worry about, with bumps and whatnot. I'm actually very impressed and am hoping to expand on this a little more...

[Mike Reynolds]

Fantastic rig and thanks for the info. I've got to build one thanks. Also, those shots were inspiring and very good

[Pixel9ine]

Almost forgot! Here's two more from the shoot, once the sun had set. (I know, I forgot to reset my WB.. dangit)

6.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6679-1.jpg

7. ..dizzy...
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b41/1Fine89/InMotion/IMG_6680-1.jpg

[penfolduk]

You can JUST see the suction cups in those last two, but r still VERY cool!

Nice one

[bonzaisushi]

Nice setup and nice pictures man! Something tells me the 1d wouldnt be to secure on it :D mabye the hasselbad will?:)

[Double Negative]

That's awesome. Great shots.

[Pixel9ine]

Something tells me the 1d wouldnt be to secure on it :D...the advantage of cheap P&S Canons... hehe

and good eye penfolduk! as these were just 'test' shots, I didn't spend too much time in pp.. I'll should crop it or clone the suction cups out.

[yfzcentral]

where'd you purchase the suction cups at?

[MazerRakhm]

I like the third and fith pics! Can you get the setup closer to the car? I think a down the side 1/2 car 1/2 road would be cool.

[Pixel9ine]

I could try to get in a bit closer.. I might even be able to borrow a local photog's StickyPod for a couple of days.. you can't get much closer than that! Will post pics if & when I do!

The suction cups were pretty hard to come by.. I looked at most automotive supply stores, hardware stores; nothing. They used to be sold all over the place, but some hole-in-the-wall tool store I stumbled upon had these in stock for dirt cheap.. and they're quality; they'll easily hold my weight. One of them has even been stuck to my fridge for about three days now!

[The Emperor]

soo those suction cups are very trusty??

[Sublimejoe]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40993

[Pixel9ine]

^^ Yep, that's them... I'm impressed that you actually found them!

[J T]

^^ Yep, that's them... I'm impressed that you actually found them!

But can you REALLY trust anything from Harbor Freight?! :lol: Nice pics, by the way. I now that you shared your technique, I might try this sometime.

[Kiernan]

These are some pretty cool shots. The first one makes me a bit nauseous if I look at it too long.

Nice 'Stang, also.

[Sublimejoe]

^^ Yep, that's them... I'm impressed that you actually found them!

I used a good bit of my day at work, but I found them hahahaha

[Pixel9ine]

I shared my technique because I started all this after someone on another board showed me his setup (1 tripod, 1 bungee cord... eek!) some months ago.I kept thinking about it, planning my own setup, and finally gave it a try.

I know some of the pros put a lot of time into their rigs and take really astounding photographs, and thus aren't willing to simply give away their secrets. I can understnad that. Trial and error has a lot to do with this kind of stuff, a lot of self-learning, but you've got to start somewhere.. you've gotta have at least something to go on.

I'm by no means a pro, so I'm happy to share anything I can. Maybe eventually, I'll actually have secrets worth keeping... until then, I'm open!


Oh, and compliments to the car are very appreciated... it's my other hobby.

[Tharaka]

Nice shots. My friend was browsing around and came across this website: WWW.AsfasdS.COM Looks like a pretty good set up to me. Just thought you guys might want to see.
Stop spamming your ****ty website and product all over the forums.

[PyRoTeKniKz]

Wow, Thanks for sharing! Really got to try this sometime.

[Andy_T]

Croesus,

very good setup and nice images :D
Only thing that bothers me is that your 'stang doesn't look too impressive from that perspective :rolleyes:
It's just too clean.

Best regards,
Andy

[greg20d]

looks great ...I just cant see myself hanging 2k worth of camera and lens out there ... your braver than me ..

[Sublimejoe]

Croesus,

very good setup and nice images :D
Only thing that bothers me is that your 'stang doesn't look too impressive from that perspective :rolleyes:
It's just too clean.

Best regards,
Andy

Why you gotta harsh the guy out like that?

[Pixel9ine]

Were I fortunate enough to actually own a dSLR, I wouldn't be dangling it from the end of a tripod, either. Such are the benefits of owning a lowly (and comparably light) P&S...

And Andy.. If I've learned anything, it's that things look cleaner when you spin them... my rims/tires never looked so good! However, in all honesty, I'm part of a community of Mustang owners whose obession with keeping their cars clean borders on the clinical.

[Samiad]

I'd be wondering about stones hitting the camera if I placed it any lower.

[ajbalazic]

Great shots. I love the "artsy" one- very creative.

[J T]

Were I fortunate enough to actually own a dSLR, I wouldn't be dangling it from the end of a tripod, either.

Well, I did...tonight! :D I wrapped a towel around it just in case the suction cups gave out, though.

Here's my set up, per your suggestion. Suction cups purchased at Harbor Freight, along with cable zip ties to secure the tripod legs to the cups.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/jimthias/Car/mount-3025.jpg

And a couple of shots. The surface of the parking ramp I was on wasn't the smoothest, so I experienced a little camera shake. When I get this system figured out so I know it's VERY secure, I'll be more gutsy and go out on some roads where I may actually be seen. I'm not brave enough to do this set up in front of others, but in time I will be.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/jimthias/Car/car-in-motion-3033.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/jimthias/Car/car-in-motion-3038.jpg

Thanks for the idea, Croesus! :D

[braduardo]

This is totally awesome. I think this is exactly the type of 'idea-sharing' intended when they started this forum. I don't have a vehicle worth shooting like this, but thanks for the idea. This is an amazing technique. I would be scared ****less to hang my precious camera off a car... but it would make awesome shots. I definately be showing these to my friends.

[Pixel9ine]

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery... well JT, I consider myself suitably flattered!

Experimentation is key... play around with different angles and such. I try securing the tripod to the car while leaving the legs unlocked, then seeing what angles I can triangulate with the mounting points I have. Once I find a shot I like, I lock the legs in place and start shooting.

BTW, both on my own car and others' than I've done, I stay off the roads. It's mostly been parking lots or emtpy side streets. No in-traffic shots.. too much liability.

[braduardo]

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery...

Add to it... I bought my suction cups today. My gf's dad has a 71 Mach One that is just screaming for these kinds of pictures. When I eventually get around to actually taking the pictures, I'll DEFINATELY put them up.

[RocknE30]

Nice idea with the rig. I need to try something like that out :)

Nice action shots too!

[_andrew]

That is awesome. I dont think i would trust it, but i suppose if you are only using the camera with a small lens it might be ok! I can't believe you cable tied the tripod to the suction caps! haha, it must be true...Cable Ties solve any problem!

I wonder whether my tripod would hold...a $100 one from the local store haha

[braduardo]

The ones I got at Harbor Freight are supposed to be rated for 110 pounds. If you use a light tripod it should hold just fine. My main concern would be that the suction cups might damage the car's finish.

The way I see it, you can spend the $20 to give it a whirl, try it first with a cheap P&S or even just some dead weight on the tripod, then if that holds up, try it with the camera.

[_andrew]

I just went out to get some suction cups and no where has them. Stupid aussie shops! lol. Does Harbour Freight send overseas? I seriously can't find any online stores in australia either.

[braduardo]

I just went out to get some suction cups and no where has them. Stupid aussie shops! lol. Does Harbour Freight send overseas? I seriously can't find any online stores in australia either.

Try checking stores that sell stuff for auto body repair. That or possibly places that sell plate glass. I'm not sure if they will ship overseas. Do a google search and find out.

[Pixel9ine]

I just went out to get some suction cups and no where has them.That was my big problem initally! NO ONE sold these anymore.. I'm convinced someone tried scaling a building or something with these, and they suddenly dissappeared from the market for fear of liability. Check your local, smaller hardware stores, they might still have some. That's how I found mine.

Any kitchen & bath supplier shops should carry these.. they're used to carry glass, mirrors, marble, etc all the time.

[_andrew]

That was my big problem initally! NO ONE sold these anymore.. I'm convinced someone tried scaling a building or something with these, and they suddenly dissappeared from the market for fear of liability. Check your local, smaller hardware stores, they might still have some. That's how I found mine.

Any kitchen & bath supplier shops should carry these.. they're used to carry glass, mirrors, marble, etc all the time.

Thanks for the tip...I have a photoshoot of some modified drift cars coming up and thought it would be awesome to have the setup ready. I will check out those places suggested but I will keep searching the net! ;)

[acura nsx pilot]

I see these suction cups on ebay all the time.

I do alot of video and have external as well as internal cam mounts.

I get all my equipment from www.filmtools.com (http://www.filmtools.com) I definitly would not trust my equipment on one of those suction cups that you just pop on. I always use a vacuum suction cup with a pump. To insure the you do not damage your cars finish make sure the surface of both the car and suction cup surface is clean. I also mist mine with some water before attaching it for a better seal.

[Pixel9ine]

I've looked at filmtools.com... unfortunately, I don't have the budget for that sort of rig, though I readily admit it is vastly superior to my setup. One of the devices I've been looking into, though, is the StickyPod.. it's reasonably cheap and sturdy, but unfortunately doesn't have the same "reach" that a tripod-like mount does.

Of course, I ensure that both the suction cup and the car's surface are completely free of debris and absolutely clean, then I mist the car with some quick detailer to take advantage of the moisture for a better grip.

Of course, I'm always experimenting with a better type of mount; hopefully something worth posting will come up soon...

[_andrew]

Thankyou a great deal for that website! Will be very useful!

***Well it was useful! I just read their international customers page and due to card fraud and so on they only except orders from canada and england! AHHHH! This is really going to piss me off!

[InfamousDX]

What are good suction pods that accept like 3/8" or 1/4" rods??? I can get the metal very easily ... I just need to buy the suction pods and then the clamps that clamp them all together.

[Tee Why]

good sense of motion

[bluej511]

hey for you guys that have 4 doors i just thought of an idea..

Why not put the camera on the tripod and hang it out of the back window with the window close enough to hold the tripod tight...then strap the neck band around the seatbelt someone (for safety),

Would this work?

[Pixel9ine]

What are good suction pods that accept like 3/8" or 1/4" rods??? I can get the metal very easily ... I just need to buy the suction pods and then the clamps that clamp them all together.Personally, back when I did these shots... I used bungee cord to secure my rig. Worked for me and ensured there was some 'give' in the system, in case of bumps and whatnot.

As for the backseat shananigans bluej511 is talking about... I don't know; do what works as long as it doesn't damage your (or someone else's) vehicle. I'd be wary of using my window glass to hold anything up, for fear of shattering the glass.

[bluej511]

well i have a 2 door lol but im gonna try thru the sunroof for a different perspective

[BruceC]

Wow I really though it was shot with a high priced rig and a DSLR. Good job and thanks for the idea. Makes me wish I still had my old fox 5.0.

[BruceC]

great now I just spent $21.96

[Pixel9ine]

Wow I really though it was shot with a high priced rig and a DSLR. Good job and thanks for the idea. Makes me wish I still had my old fox 5.0.No way I'm sticking my dSLR on the end of a light tripod, dangling from a moving car.. THAT's what the high-priced rigs are for! (Too much weight for one, too much risk as well!)

You can get away with a lighter/cheaper rig, as long as you use a high-quality compact digital camera. Which reminds me... it's about time I got back out there and played with the rig some more.. keep ya posted.

[WxGuesser]

Croesus,

What speed were you doing?

[Pixel9ine]

5-6 miles per hour, max ;-) It's the long exposure (1/2 to 5 sec) that gives the sense of speed.

As an aside, I still use my makeshift tripod rig from time time, although I've now got a range of three different rigs used to achieve various effects.

[WxGuesser]

maybe you should post up some more pics.. i might be alittle more tempted to try this..

[jcw122]

This is VERY cool! I'm eager to try it myself...

[curtc]

so its only like 5mph at 10 second exposure? what kind of filter do you use?

[Pixel9ine]

so its only like 5mph at 10 second exposure? what kind of filter do you use?Wow... holy thread resurrection!

Yeah.. the car's barely rolling in these pics, maybe a little faster than walking speed. I didn't want to put too much stress on the rig.

If I remember right (these were shot way back in my pre-dSLR days), the shutter speed sat at around 3-5 seconds, in low light (just after dusk), possibly with an ND8 (3-stop) 52mm filter screwed onto the lens adapter of my A95. The fact that I shot at ISO 50 (pretty much the only noise-free ISO on a Powershot anyway!) kinda helped draw out the exposure time, too.

Play around -don't run over your camera- and experiment!

[big_d]

^Andre we gota hook this up to mine and then drive super close so we can get both our cars in it lmao thatd be some shot :D

[elysium]

I really do like the shots you have taken. They brill! Cant wait to build my rig :)

[funkybuddha]

so..anyone build this rig and stick their DSLR out on it yet?

[Colyn]

I love the info sharing I see here.

[elysium]

so..anyone build this rig and stick their DSLR out on it yet?
Will be doing this tomorrow. Only need to be going 4/5mph for it to work. :)

Just have someone keeping their hands under the camera.

[General Kratos]

A buddy of mine did this exact setup to shoot my car couple of years back with his Canon DSLR. The setup is not bad for the price if you ask me.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/GeneralKratos/96%20GSR/d2.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l193/GeneralKratos/96%20GSR/d1.jpg

[Pixel9ine]

Personally, I'd rather stick with my Powershot for this rig- I've built other rigs for my dSLR since I did this, and I can't imagine sticking an XT or 30D on the end of this rig. The whole thing was meant to be super-light and not hold a lot of weight... but, YMMV.

[jlozano180]

I'm would be scared, because I don't want my camera to fall. That be my only reason for not putting my rebel xt on a rig

[GenuineRolla]

Some very good info in this thread..!!

[Pixel9ine]

Wow - I'm surprised (and impressed!) this thread is still going - of course, rig shots have since become a staple of most car photoshoots:

http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/tn_Picture13.jpg (http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/Picture13.jpg) http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/tn_IMG_8366a.jpg (http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/IMG_8366a.jpg) http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/tn_Picture18.jpg (http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/Picture18.jpg) http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/tn_IMG_7873.jpg (http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/IMG_7873.jpg) http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/tn_Picture10.jpg (http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/Picture10.jpg)

[Jorgie]

Noob question, but how do you guts get the shoots off!? with a wireless remote?

[30DChris]

PIECE OF ADVICE: DONT wax the area where you plan to place the suction cup! if you can even remove any wax or glaze im thinkin it may help the suction adhere more......just my opinion.

[JustinL]

Wow - I'm surprised (and impressed!) this thread is still going - of course, rig shots have since become a staple of most car photoshoots:

http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/tn_Picture18.jpg (http://www.pixel9ine.com/gallery/content/Automotive/Rigged%20and%20Rolling/Picture18.jpg)

I bet the serial number on this is 0004!!! ;)

[PTHONG]

You can see where he edited out the rig on that shot. Any pictures of the new rig?:D

[Pixel9ine]

I use either the IR remote on my XT or the 10-second timer on my P&S - the 30D isn't going on a rig anytime soon!

I never bothered to take pictures of the new rig, but it's pretty straightforward - it's a metal bar with holes drilled at regular intervals to accomodate various grips and clamps for under-car mounting - no magnets, haven't found any I consider to be strong enough!

Oddly enough, the rear shot of the GT500 was the very first picture taken with the new rig - the car itself belongs to Ford Canada and was sent to us for promotional photography.

The rest of the pictures were all done with variations of the suction cup mount.

[john123]

Just saw this . Great thread ..
Have you tried this with the newer P&S cameras ?