Official Automotive Rigs - DIY Thread

[Dan McBoost]

<3

Epic shot Neil.Well done

[DamirK]

@Ali3nxist firt one not that good, angle is not the best choice, and it is too tight.
Second one is better, wider angle... so there is more surroundings in the shot. Maybe choose a better location.

[izthistaken]

Neil..amazing!

[Phunky Phong]

Do you guys take off your camera grips when you mount it onto the boom?

[O3DigitalBath]

borrowed rig (since for one reason or another I'll never be able to finish mine)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6051878561_3bba1d6f14_b.jpg

[rigshots.de]

Do you guys take off your camera grips when you mount it onto the boom?

yes!

[DamirK]

@O3DigitalBath nice!

Did you darken the windows in post or used something to light up the driver?

[O3DigitalBath]

thanks, there was a flash on him, didn't touch the windows in post.

[nede]

Hard to be there after "Digital Bath" but a new attempt :
No filter used here, and a very low set up to see under the car
Little road crossing a forest...

Feel free to tell what's wrong here (My CPL filter should arrive this week)
http://www.facebook.com/nedephotographie

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3865384/clio5.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/nedephotographie

[MODlyfe]

Some shots from this weekend

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6052893541_edec508fd0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052893541/)
IMG_6545-2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052893541/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6052891825_5dc653a386_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052891825/)
IMG_6532-3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052891825/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6052892509_c93b48dfeb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052892509/)
IMG_6548 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052892509/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6052890709_7fe9a223b5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052890709/)
IMG_6532-4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6052890709/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6053440072_3b10ab429d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6053440072/)
IMG_9433-2-3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6053440072/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6053438238_2dd4a6b631_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6053438238/)
IMG_9435-2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6053438238/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

[maranello]

Second try, my Lexus IS200: finally bright enough sun in the Norwegian mountains to use my rig with the ND110 and decent shutter time! C&C would be appreciated! :D
Will post photos of my rig later.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6052929447_1b36ce058e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6052929447/)
DSC_4564-Edit.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6052929447/) by Jarl André (http://www.flickr.com/people/jarlandre/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6053244337_7af01cb8cd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6053244337/)
DSC_4592-Edit.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6053244337/) by Jarl André (http://www.flickr.com/people/jarlandre/), on Flickr

[dylanhauge]

Phenomenal. I really like the first one, but the wide angle warp has it's charm too.

[sascrx88]

Second try, my Lexus IS200: finally bright enough sun in the Norwegian mountains to use my rig with the ND110 and decent shutter time! C&C would be appreciated! :D
Will post photos of my rig later.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6052929447_1b36ce058e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6052929447/in/photostream/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6053244337_7af01cb8cd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6053244337/in/photostream/)




these are awesome!

[Phunky Phong]

borrowed rig (since for one reason or another I'll never be able to finish mine)

[IMG]http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6051878561_3bba1d6f14_b.jpg[IMG]
Super sharp! Great job

[O3DigitalBath]

wow, really feeling that first shot of the IS200

[Phunky Phong]

Yea perfect backdrop

[VisualEchos]

Needs less vignetting, but other than that, they really are nice shots.

[maranello]

Thanks for comments all of you! I get your point about vignetting Andrew - thanks ;) Would like to get more contrast and details out of the tarmac tho, but found it hard to achieve without making the pic look unnatural - any tips?

[Chana]

Very cool shots

[Phunky Phong]

Finally bought a 10-20!

[MODlyfe]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6057545509_3a09abdb64_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6057545509/)
IMG_6515 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6057545509/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6056712691_3d7bc704c1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6056712691/)
IMG_6500-2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6056712691/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6056677559_93bf416ecb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6056677559/)
IMG_9430-2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6056677559/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

[Japan Spirit]

Hi guys
I'm new here and i will show you some of mine to know what's ok or not

1/
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4878820742_e07a478d77_b.jpg
2/
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4878213105_6376439618_b.jpg
3/
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3881372026_11c603bfc2_o.jpg
4/
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3881371104_11df94c304_o.jpg
5/
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3996548014_fb18461faf_o.jpg
6/
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4415761835_ca3c3d31b5_o.jpg
7/
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4503881730_6f482f609e_o.jpg
8/
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5728070374_9643ca1e55_b.jpg

What did you think?

See ya

[Japan Spirit]

some other
1/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5944121091_924b58852f_b.jpg
2/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5944679044_a5344a2ac5_b.jpg
3/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6057269234_989346e1cf_b.jpg
4/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6054013775_068fbc9616_b.jpg
5/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6054012109_689eae51a3_b.jpg
6/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6054550672_b4bf4bac5d_b.jpg
7/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6054004945_f91b4f707b_b.jpg

see ya ;)

[Supra_t]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6063442079_bc3f7ec773_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30871201@N05/6063442079/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/30871201@N05/6063442079/) by James Cause Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/30871201@N05/), on Flickr

[VisualEchos]

Great shot of a great car.

[nede]

very nice done supra_t

[Maddix]

Do you guys take off your camera grips when you mount it onto the boom?

I'd need a saw for that...so: no. I am using the 5D MK II of a friend.

Just did a shot for a local fire department:

http://andre.a-k-photo.de/pictures/ffw1.jpg

[rigshots.de]

I'd need a saw for that...so: no. I am using the 5D MK II of a friend.

Just did a shot for a local fire department:

http://andre.a-k-photo.de/pictures/ffw1.jpg

Dare you, copycat! ;)

But n1 result!

[tman2782]

LOL!! How many firemen did it take to push that?

[Maddix]

@Ivo: naja, nicht ganz. Tut mir ja leid, dass es eine Feuerwehr ist. Ein Bus ist demnächst geplant :D . Danke :)

@tman2782: none, it actually rolled out by itself (slightly prone driveway).

[apixelintime]

borrowed rig (since for one reason or another I'll never be able to finish mine)


did you flip the file or is this really a RHD?

[Dan McBoost]

My newest

http://gallery.mcboost.com/albums/userpics/10002/IMG_4981_copy.jpg

[apixelintime]

some other
1/

2/

3/

4/

5/

6/

7/
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6054004945_f91b4f707b_b.jpg

see ya ;)


You have a TON (tonne) of bounce in your boom... How do you get the car sharp? Plate shot of the car shanding still and editing it in?

[rigshots.de]

@Ivo: naja, nicht ganz. Tut mir ja leid, dass es eine Feuerwehr ist. Ein Bus ist demnächst geplant :D . Danke :)

@tman2782: none, it actually rolled out by itself (slightly prone driveway).

Schon ein wenig, siehe Signatur ;)

Mein Hubschrauberplan ist immer noch nicht ad acta gelegt. Ich hoffe das mein nächster Bundeswehrbesuch mehr Klarheit bringt.

[O3DigitalBath]

did you flip the file or is this really a RHD?

its RHD, glass top, everything...all the normal jdm stuff.

[DamirK]

My first try! Rig is not finished yet, have to add a cable to decrease shaking..
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6070284855_c8ea9168e0_z.jpg

[Nismode]

Great for a first attempt.

[Phunky Phong]

Nice, the over exposure works

[VisualEchos]

Agreed, very nice for a first try. Welcome to the addiction.

[DamirK]

I did not care much about an angle or composition much, main goal was to see if the rig needs more work. And it definitely needs a cable, which I have but forgot to take few pieces with me :) Will try again with it in next few days...

Thanks for comments! I'm already addicted :))

[mellofelow]

DamirK, very nice. What's your boom's material? And its OD diameter and thickness?

[DamirK]

I used similar what everyone has here... 50mm poles, 2m thick, 4x1.2m pieces.
For couplers I used 50mm x 5m thick pole and took it to a machine shop to take off 1mm or so, from outside layer, so that they could fit in tightly into the 1.2m poles and hold them together.

Just regular aluminum...
Now I just have to work out best settings for the tension cable, or whatever it is called :)

5Dmk2 an 17-40 helps as the camera does not have to be too far away from the car. I think if the pole was even a bit longer it would be lot more unstable. But will have to use it few more times to work out best solution.

[quickster]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6044940111_76c9e98745_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5961545327_54c1c32d4d_z.jpg

orig pic has full car

[neil1138]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6073799792_32f568aea7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/neil1138)

[DamirK]

I guess that coukd help a lot, but make it harder in postprocessing

[The Ran]

You could always remove it for a shot of the stationary car and then blend it into the final image.

[DamirK]

That is right :)
What is that thing, attached to the pole, holding the black rod, called?
At the bottom he is using a super clamp to hold it.

[nede]

I don't understand why you put 2 suction cups in the middle of your boom
If I remember well my meca studies, forces are applied at each end of the boom so the middle is just a ''pivot"
I would place 2 suction cups at the right end here

[neil1138]

I guess that coukd help a lot, but make it harder in postprocessing

This is my setup (minus one suction cup, needs replaced). I've used it on many long exposure rig photos (30s+). The post isn't bad, mainly because the support arm is a small diameter.

You have to keep in mind, even the best rigs bounce. Even if you make your rig rock solid, there will be flex in the rubber suction cups and there will be flex in the body panels. Mounting at corner points/body lines helps but it doesn't eliminate flex completely. To compensate, you have to incorporate a support arm (or two) attached to a second/third body panel. Essentially tripod the rig. If you eliminate play in the Y (for the car hitting bumps in the road), you'll be good to go.

If you are going to do normal rig photos, you don't really need this fancy stuff. If you want to do long exposure rig shots, drift rig photos, etc, etc, only then do you need to upgrade your rig. Or if you want extremely sharp shots at long rig lengths.... Two cups just aren't enough.

You could always remove it for a shot of the stationary car and then blend it into the final image.

You could do this on shorter rig shots (<5s) but on 30s+ ones, this doesn't work all the time.

What is that thing, attached to the pole, holding the black rod, called?
At the bottom he is using a super clamp to hold it.

;)

I don't understand why you put 2 suction cups in the middle of your boom
If I remember well my meca studies, forces are applied at each end of the boom so the middle is just a ''pivot"
I would place 2 suction cups at the right end here

Huh? Two cups in the middle are used to prevent rig sway, side to side. You place them like this (/\). Normally I use two cups at the middle, two cups at the end and one cup at the bottom for the support. 5 total. When you are doing shots like this, the standard 2 cup setup is not enough. Even 3 cups isn't enough.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5429202271_429e746940_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/5429202271/)

[DamirK]

I know what it is, I saw it in the shop... just forgot what it is called :)

[VisualEchos]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6044940111_76c9e98745_o.jpg

Dude, where have you been hiding this? Fantastic light on the car!

[Nismode]

Neil, any other details on your rig setup? Thanks for the explanation thus far. Took a look at your flickr, WOW.

[dylanhauge]

Neil - Hope you don't mind but I added you as a flickr contact. I just want flickr to keep my apprised of whenever you post car pr0n.

[nede]

neil1138
thank you

I went to your flickr after you answered...wow crazy stuffs there!
Sorry for my bad english, hope you can understand what I mean.

I totally agree with you for dynamic rig shot!

[Ali3nxist]

Hi Guys , i have bought a " Cameron77mm Multi-Coated FADER ND Filter"
and just tried it today, but .. i wasn't able to get any shutter speed slower than 1" (1 sec).
ISO 100, sunny day ,early in the afternoon.
Aperture f./22

can anybody could give me any tips ?
I use it on a 12-24 f/4 lense.

any tips go reach slower shutter speed ?

(and how about focusing ?)
thanks guys

(for rig shots)

[The Ran]

That sounds about right, going by sunny16 you'd get 1 stop less for f/22 and then you're getting about 6 from the fader ND. If you can get an 8 stop ND you'd get 4 seconds, or some 10 stop welding glass would get you 16 seconds, 8 at f/16, 4 at f/11, etc.

EDIT: You might also get lucky over exposing a stop or two and bringing it down in post. Just use the histogram and push the highlights as far to the right as you can.

[Ali3nxist]

That sounds about right, going by sunny16 you'd get 1 stop less for f/22 and then you're getting about 6 from the fader ND. If you can get an 8 stop ND you'd get 4 seconds, or some 10 stop welding glass would get you 16 seconds, 8 at f/16, 4 at f/11, etc.

EDIT: You might also get lucky over exposing a stop or two and bringing it down in post. Just use the histogram and push the highlights as far to the right as you can.

I have a ND Filter Adjustable 2 to 400 exposure (fully variable for 1 through 8 stops)
however, didnt get able to reach near a 4 sec exposition today.

also, i was wondering in which mode , you guys using ND Filter while Car Rigging are using : Speed Priority ? Aperture Priority ? Manual Mode ?
i guess i really need to stay at ISO 100 (lower ISO) in any time .. i know.

What you guys do about focusing ?
Remove filter, set Focus, Set back Filter on Lens and Shoot?

i had focusing problems today .. seems like my focus was a bit "bad".. is this due to filter ?

i use a wireless remote with 2 seconds delay before taking picture.

hope you can help me , and give me any tips you have !

THANKS GUYS !

[The Ran]

You should meter without the filter and then adjust your settings in manual to compensate for the light loss (you'll need to experiment with a variable ND). You can sometimes get away with using Av or Tv but the large light loss can mess with the metering. As for focussing, it's best do do it without the filter because the light loss also messes with the AF sensors, then put the filter on. Another option if your lens has depth of field markings on the focus ring you can use that, or just set it to the hyperfocal distance as the depth of field will be huge anyway.

[Phunky Phong]

First time trying a higher angle
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6078784042_07715c7353_b.jpg

[MODlyfe]

Into the Sunset...what do you guys think?

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6068568112_3976506c2d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6068568112/)
IMG_6577 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6068568112/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr

[apixelintime]

Into the Sunset...what do you guys think?


IMG_6577 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53988648@N04/6068568112/) by MODLyfe (http://www.flickr.com/people/53988648@N04/), on Flickr


I think it is really cool! Love the reflection!

[kam-photo]

coming soon :)

[neil1138]

Neil - Hope you don't mind but I added you as a flickr contact. I just want flickr to keep my apprised of whenever you post car pr0n.

Added you back. I appreciate it!

neil1138
thank you

I went to your flickr after you answered...wow crazy stuffs there!
Sorry for my bad english, hope you can understand what I mean.

I totally agree with you for dynamic rig shot!

Thanks my friend. I saw your rig setup a few pages back, it's impressively long. You might want to consider adding a guy wire system or a support arm to help with the boom sag. It really will make a difference :)

Neil, any other details on your rig setup? Thanks for the explanation thus far. Took a look at your flickr, WOW.

Thank you! Details... For the most part it's just like most aluminum rigs out there, just with more components. I've just upgraded and upgraded it over the past year. 5 suction cups, 7 super clamps, stronger coupler design, adding a support arm, better guy wire system, etc. Essentially making it robust enough to easily handle 30 second rig shots (which are my favorite) and drifting shots.

If you guys have any questions, I don't mind answering them.

[quickster]

Dude, where have you been hiding this? Fantastic light on the car!

lol thanks andrew. thanks to your boom haha.

[StE823]

some tunnel/underpass shots...

8 sec
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5857/20110825003.jpg

13 sec
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6082084270_a018e35d8c_o.jpg

[Supra_t]

8 sec
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6081548075_26962f9816_o.jpg

Nice! Great light on the car, must be a quiet freeway?

[JDubya]

So how many of you use an under-car rig? If you do, could you post your setup? I've only seen one or two here.

[StE823]

Nice! Great light on the car, must be a quiet freeway?

Thanks, not a freeway, it's a road with dead end.

[Nismode]

That must be a long road lol. Where is it?

[Phunky Phong]

I need to find a spot like that around here! Clean man. Great job

[ronaldo.s]

So how many of you use an under-car rig? If you do, could you post your setup? I've only seen one or two here.

I havent seen much on here except for the ones you've probably seen on the earlier pages.

Most cars now are all slammed and and under-car rig would seem to be too much hassle to attach/detach.

[DamirK]

Here is a second try :)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6087082090_a378317657_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eurodubs/6087082090/in/photostream)

This one has a better background, any sugesstion will help.
Still not sharp as it should be. Might add a third suction cup support, from bottom...

[Phunky Phong]

Go back and edit the rig out of the windshield

[DamirK]

Ah... Forgot to do that ;)

[maranello]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6089239892_97be1e1e95_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6089239892/)
DSC_4284-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarlandre/6089239892/) by Jarl André (http://www.flickr.com/people/jarlandre/), on Flickr

An old test shot that I rejected, but got bored an did a edit today.

[nede]

A brand new picture from this afternoon... heavy sun...

Any advice is welcome!
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3865384/gt1.jpg

[VisualEchos]

"Vanilla Sky"

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6091723832_85f83fd797_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualechos/6091723832/in/photostream)

[quickster]

^^^absolute perfection mr echos

[rigshots.de]

Where is the "this-picture-is-perfect-and-i-hate-you-because-it-looks-better-than-my-pics" button?!

[maranello]

Great job V.E.! Is it a composite? Im thinking of the sky beeing rich in details while the car is turning quite a bit.

And another question for those who shoot at night and in parking houses, is it necessary
with ND-filters or would the lack of natural light solve the case?

[neil1138]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6091437869_20fec828e5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/6091437869/)

<3

[Nismode]

How do you get the car to look so far away Neil? Lol.

And great shot Echos. Your sig for your flickr is spelled wrong and the link is broken lol.

[Candersson]

Great shots!
Is there any, unedited, including the rig?

[VisualEchos]

And great shot Echos. Your sig for your flickr is spelled wrong and the link is broken lol.

How the heck did I jack that up? Thanks for letting me know!

Thanks for all the compliments guys, Flickr Explore today!

[rigshots.de]

Thanks for all the compliments guys

I said: I HATE YOU :D:D:D

[VisualEchos]

I said: I HATE YOU :D:D:D

I know, I know, there are times when I hate you too...lol.

[rigshots.de]

I know, I know, there are times when I hate you too...lol.

;) ;)

[VisualEchos]

Great job V.E.! Is it a composite? Im thinking of the sky beeing rich in details while the car is turning quite a bit.

Sorry man, just saw this, yes, the sky is a drop-in, though the original had plenty of color. I think it's the Zaino!! :cool:

[Nismode]

How the heck did I jack that up? Thanks for letting me know!

Thanks for all the compliments guys, Flickr Explore today!
Might be getting a rig from you soon!

[VisualEchos]

Might be getting a rig from you soon!

Sounds good, got one left from this last batch, used it on that last shot...lol. I don't even have a boom anymore, I just use customer booms :cool:.

[Sky1802]

"Vanilla Sky"

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6091723832_85f83fd797_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualechos/6091723832/in/photostream)

What kind of filter are you using? The sky is well composed.

[VisualEchos]

Just a circular polarizer (I wait for the light, never use an ND). The sky is a drop-in.

[maranello]

Sorry man, just saw this, yes, the sky is a drop-in, though the original had plenty of color. I think it's the Zaino!! :cool:

Ok, like the result! Do you shoot all your composites yourself or is there an online database full of amazing material somwhere :lol:

[neil1138]

How do you get the car to look so far away Neil? Lol.


Good rig placement and having a long boom.

[Nismode]

Good rig placement and having a long boom.
How long are we talking? 15'? 20'?

[neil1138]

You saw the photo I posted of my rig the other day:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6073799792_32f568aea7_z.jpg

It's 12 ft long in that photo. I have a 4th section that extends it to 16ft but I rarely use it at that length.

The E24 shot I just posted, the rig was at 12ft. In fact, I haven't used the 16ft rig in nearly a year. You honestly don't need a rig past 14ft or so. Unless you really want a super wide field of view. Look through my photos, only 3-4 rig shots were taken at 16ft. And those were the first few rig shots I did, back when I was obsessed with rig length (which doesn't matter). It's how you mount it that matters

[VisualEchos]

Yup, with a standard rig-shot lens (10-12mm on CS, 16-18mm on FF), 14' is all you need. However, if you like really long shots, like my friend Stephen, or are shooting very large subjects, 17' is the max you'll need.

[StE823]

Yup, with a standard rig-shot lens (10-12mm on CS, 16-18mm on FF), 14' is all you need. However, if you like really long shots, like my friend Stephen, or are shooting very large subjects, 17' is the max you'll need.

i still want carbon fiber... :(

anyways some impromptu rigshots I did for my friend at a local annual subaru meet yesterday..

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6091290403_90c88c8af2_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6091830188_723f0d55e3_o.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6091829268_a4b9e3b2de_o.jpg

[VisualEchos]

Love that first shot man, spot-on.

[nrowensby]

Do any of you take photos from your rig while the car is sitting still in order to have a perfectly sharp car body?

[VisualEchos]

The pro's do a lot of that, but it becomes a real difficulty in editing. I've tried every trick in the book, and just planning, waiting for the light, and doing the shot slow and methodical works best for me.

[ChadAndreo]

I was looking at the exif data on the Subby shots and was wondering were those shots taken in seconds or fractions of a second?

[VisualEchos]

Stephen's rig is hella-sturdy, I've seen him do 15 seconds...

[quickster]

Stephen's rig is hella-sturdy, I've seen him do 15 seconds...

people say HELLA in missouri? :p

[VisualEchos]

LOL, yup.

[neil1138]

Do any of you take photos from your rig while the car is sitting still in order to have a perfectly sharp car body?

I've done it before in the past and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The problem with doing that is the reflections blur as well so when you merge a static car shot onto a moving background, it looks odd. Solution for this is to take multiple shots while moving and merge the sharpest car shot. But in the end, if you have a solid rig, there is no need for this.

Stephen's rig is hella-sturdy, I've seen him do 15 seconds...

30 second rig FTW.

My 30 second ones are probably my favorites. Fun to do and the results are stunning

[Supra_t]

Ok, like the result! Do you shoot all your composites yourself or is there an online database full of amazing material somwhere :lol:

+1 to this! Would love to know of a stock site with wicked sky's!

Great shot btw VE! Probly the best of yours yet!

[VisualEchos]

My 30 second ones are probably my favorites. Fun to do and the results are stunning

30 seconds? I've never seen a 30-second shot that I couldn't duplicate in 5 seconds. It all comes down to light and vehicle speed. A lot can go wrong in 30 seconds, but hey, if you have the rig to do it, why not, right? :cool:

[StE823]

30 seconds? I've never seen a 30-second shot that I couldn't duplicate in 5 seconds. It all comes down to light and vehicle speed. A lot can go wrong in 30 seconds, but hey, if you have the rig to do it, why not, right? :cool:

this... +1

[lcrazyaznl]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6080749268_2769167e35_b.jpg


did a shot for a friend at a parking lot meet
it was a bit bumpy but this was one of the best picks out of the many we shot.

[neil1138]

30 seconds? I've never seen a 30-second shot that I couldn't duplicate in 5 seconds. It all comes down to light and vehicle speed. A lot can go wrong in 30 seconds, but hey, if you have the rig to do it, why not, right? :cool:

I don't really agree with this. I mean, I've experimented and taken quite a few rig photos. The distance (traveled) needed to achieve this kind of blur/effect with the light streaks/etc can't be done in any time period short of 12-15s at the very least. You would have to be driving very quick to do it in that time (or be turning at a very sharp angle).

I've seen photos on flickr with similar results at 20 seconds and even 12-15 seconds but the shorter ones were composites. 5s is not possible in my experience.

this... +1

Especially with the 2nd photo, we were already driving very fast for a rig (around 10mph, doing loops under lights). Any faster to get the same distance covered in 5s and the end shot would be a blurry mess due to rig bounce at high speeds.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6043508540_b1f2a90491_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/6043508540/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5371736569_53d2fc8a45_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/5371736569/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5327545753_8b32729527_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/5327545753/)

[RL.]

I LOVE those shots neil!!!


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6099050492_42744ed2cd_b.jpg

[VisualEchos]

I don't really agree with this. I mean, I've experimented and taken quite a few rig photos. The distance (traveled) needed to achieve this kind of blur/effect with the light streaks/etc can't be done in any time period short of 12-15s at the very least. You would have to be driving very quick to do it in that time (or be turning at a very sharp angle).

I see what you're saying now, because of the space you're using in order to get these really long light-trails, you pretty much have to have a longer shutter speed. It's not so much about the background blur, it's about the trail.

I'll buy that, and stand corrected.

[tman2782]

I LOVE those shots neil!!!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6099050492_42744ed2cd_b.jpg

Down LOW!! I love this sorta rig shot!

[StE823]

a shot i did for an autoblog feature...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6105959625_b17760c37e_o.jpg

http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/2011-infiniti-ipl-g-coupe/

[raytran]

a shot i did for an autoblog feature...

Congrats on the feature Ste!

Some BTS pics of a recent shoot I did. Waiting for the feature to be posted before I upload the pics. Should be early next week! Apologies for Facebook quality..

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/311660_10150285597778647_509048646_7812606_5148943 _n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/311542_10150285598803647_509048646_7812616_7827509 _n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/296588_10150285598003647_509048646_7812607_7140549 _n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/314828_10150285598578647_509048646_7812613_561913_ n.jpg

[ronaldo.s]

Didnt use all 3 boom pieces for this one mainly because it was a pretty busy road but I got the shot looking like I wanted.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6108310548_5310f9ea30_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronaldo86/6108310548/)
Thai's S2000 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronaldo86/6108310548/) by Ronaldo.S (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronaldo86/), on Flickr

[Blvck]

What's the trick to getting the car so sharp? Glass? Compositing a still shot with the rig motion shot?

[BlueBomberTurbo]

A stable rig and a decent road.

[VisualEchos]

Some BTS pics of a recent shoot I did. Waiting for the feature to be posted before I upload the pics. Should be early next week!

Sexy-ass wheels on that STi! Can't wait for the shots!

[quickster]

lol heres one more wrx shot.



http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6111110545_078284e80a_o.jpg

[Phunky Phong]

Very dope!

[azndragonv]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6111362577_95b20df9f6_b.jpg

[JeShUa]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6113130023_f3c15bf1ab_b.jpg

Waiting on my NDS filter so I can get a different location!! Tired of parking garages!! Lol. I get kicked out of anywhere else with decent lighting at night. Plus I want day shots LOL.

UPS delivered my filter to the wrong address and that person didn't have it. WTH!

[raytran]

Stance:Nation feature:
http://www.stancenation.com/2011/09/05/that-good-stuff/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6091772578_655011472d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raytran/6091772578/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6091229921_e31ec46629_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raytran/6091229921/)

[JeShUa]

They're both a little blurry. What filter was used?

[raytran]

They're both a little blurry. What filter was used?

Stacked a CPL and ND ahah

[JeShUa]

What value ND?

[raytran]

What value ND?

6 stop.. Or maybe I just missed focus by a bit since I don't have live view :confused:

[Chana]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6043508540_b1f2a90491_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/6043508540/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5371736569_53d2fc8a45_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/5371736569/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5327545753_8b32729527_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/5327545753/)

Awesome pictures!

[bradttu]

My first try at rig shots. I was pleased.

Sorry, this is the only shot of the rig.
http://www.bradstillwell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/rig.jpg

Shots
1.
http://www.bradstillwell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/85_1.jpg

2.
http://www.bradstillwell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/85_2.jpg

[Phunky Phong]

First one is awesome!

[Ken Cravillion]

First one is awesome!

Agreed!

[bradttu]

Agreed!

Thanks guys. I can't wait to try it again.

[Mr. Joshua]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6115573296_4cfe9e60e1_b.jpg

[raytran]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6121442483_7bb82342e1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raytran/6121442483/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6121441703_a6efd271b7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raytran/6121441703/)

[VisualEchos]

Oh the FD hawtness!!

[Mr.AnviL]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6121442483_7bb82342e1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raytran/6121442483/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6121441703_a6efd271b7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raytran/6121441703/)

Would kill for one.

[jeremycliff]

Haven't done any rig shots in forever. Here's two of my latest ones.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6121924394_ba00770e85_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremycliff/6121924394/)
GTHAUS Widebody e92 BMW M3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremycliff/6121924394/) by jeremycliff (http://www.flickr.com/people/jeremycliff/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6120020249_d05f89d592_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremycliff/6120020249/)
Arctic-Camo e46 BMW M3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremycliff/6120020249/) by jeremycliff (http://www.flickr.com/people/jeremycliff/), on Flickr

[kwando]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6111362577_95b20df9f6_b.jpg



Hi Vincent!

[StE823]

last night i got bored, and see what can i do with a black car at 2am with a friend...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6123812515_56b9cb4462_b.jpg

[plawa]

Greetings rigshooters,

I've been watching this thread long enough for me to decide i want to give it a shot (haha). I am reasonable fine with the photography and PP part of it (or at least that's what I think now) but I do have a couple questions aroung the logistics of your shoots. I am not looking for rigshots to become a source of income, I'll be perfectly fine if the rig eventually pays itself off and I get to make nice pictures of nice cars. It's still just a hobby..

So here's my thinking

- I will be buying the usual Avengers, super clamps, magic arms - no home made suction cups, I don't want to skimp on the gear and risk that I put a dent in a Ferrari when they pop off
- i'm not clumsy, i've never broken any of my photo gear, my car is in mint condition but I still don't feel super comfortable with a metal pole close to an expensive car. I need to check whether my current insurance policy covers the damages if I say scratch the paint..
- i've read the (to me at least) horror stories of circles on paint where the suction caps were or even cracked windshiels (which can hoepfully be avoided by placing the suctions cups close to the edges of the window). Do you get the car owners to sign a waiver saying they're doing it at their own risk or do you accept the risk yourself?

I hope I'm not overanalyzing this but i know how sensitive people are when it comes to their cars and I really don't want to lose more money on this than I'll ever make out of it.

Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

[VisualEchos]

1. Buy quality equipment, and don't skimp on the boom (yes, mine is the best for the $$$).
2. Wax the car before you attach the suction cups.
3. Re-pump every minute, without fail.
4. Make the owner sign a release.

WIN

[Phunky Phong]

I was thinking about making a release form. How many of you guys actually do that?

[plawa]

1. Buy quality equipment, and don't skimp on the boom (yes, mine is the best for the $$$).
2. Wax the car before you attach the suction cups.
3. Re-pump every minute, without fail.
4. Make the owner sign a release.

WIN

I'd very much like to get a boom from you but I guess shipping to Europe is not exactly for free.. the rest is good advice, I'll stick to it, thanks!

One last technical question - what's the most suitable ND filter (for those who use it)? I tested exposure during a sunny day, f/9, ISO 100 + CPL gives me ~1/50s, if my math is ok ND 110 gives me 10 stops, i.e. 20sec (!) , ND 106 gives me 6 down to 1.3s.. I think I'll go with 106, 1.3s is a good starting point and i can always stop the lens down a bit for longer exposures plus it won't always be sunny.. certainly not around where i live.

Thanks, I hope to share some non-embarrasing results soon..

[VisualEchos]

Phunky: I use one.

plawa: Your results will be fine, just get out there and do it :). FWIW, I use a .9 ND when I use one, which is almost never.

[azndragonv]

Hi Vincent!

lol Hi

[Kevin Kessler]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2422776028_5cc8c1b361_o.jpg

Nice work, now how much of a PITA is it to clone the camera rig out of photo?

[Kevin Kessler]

last night i got bored, and see what can i do with a black car at 2am with a friend...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6123812515_56b9cb4462_b.jpg

Excellent shot, I really like the red trim on the wheels

[JDubya]

Which magic arm is everyone using? I see many variations like variable friction and whatnot. Is the "camera platform" any good or is it better to get a different ball head?