Taking low shots with a bad knees

[mac0118]

Hi All,

In an effort to take better photos I realize that I have to view things from a different perspective. Shoot high (birds-eye view) on the subject or shooting low (snails view) on the subject.

The problem I face is that shooting low with my DSLR requires getting down on my knees or stomach to get the shot. I have extremely bad knees which prohibits me from getting down and up. I realize that I could just set the tripod low and take the shot with a remote, but I have no idea what I will get as a resulting photo. I also realize that I could sell my DSLR and get a point-and-shoot with a swivel screen, but I really don't want to do that either. I really like my Rebel XTi.

Is there anything out there in the way of accessories that can assist with viewing and taking these shots with my DSLR without getting down on my knees? Alternately, does anyone have any ideas on a method that would allow me to do this?

[darosk]

Have you looked at one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/183200-REG/Canon_2882A002_Angle_Finder_C.html)?

[mac0118]

Looks like this would solve my problems. Thanks.

[bsaber]

If only it wasn't so expensive. Hoodman makes one for a little bit cheaper http://hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1018

[birdfromboat]

remote view on a laptop? I don't own a liveview body other than my g10. would a 5dmkII or any other liveview connect to a laptop and give full control to the laptop?

[JWright]

If only it wasn't so expensive. Hoodman makes one for a little bit cheaper http://hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1018

Any information on the quality as opposed to the Canon right angle finder?

[bsaber]

Any information on the quality as opposed to the Canon right angle finder?

No personal experiences so can't say.

[Fade2]

I really don't see how these units can help a person with "VERY BAD KNEES".
Being that you have to get down on your knees to use them.
Defeats the purpose! Ya think?

[bsaber]

I really don't see how these units can help a person with "VERY BAD KNEES".
Being that you have to get down on your knees to use them.
Defeats the purpose! Ya think?

Good point... but it would at least allow a slightly lower angle without the bending of the knees :)

[DDCSD]

Have you seen the Nikon D5000? It has a nice swivel screen and is said to be a very nice camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5000/

[DDCSD]

I really don't see how these units can help a person with "VERY BAD KNEES".
Being that you have to get down on your knees to use them.
Defeats the purpose! Ya think?

Yeah, a couple of inches isn't going to help out the OP much.

[bsaber]

Have you seen the Nikon D5000? It has a nice swivel screen and is said to be a very nice camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5000/

Swivel screens would be a nice addition to the Rebel series...

[DDCSD]

Swivel screens would be a nice addition to the Rebel series...


I really like Nikon's implementation on this. I wouldn't mind seeing it on a 1 series camera. Would be great for concert shooting!

[bsaber]

I really like Nikon's implementation on this. I wouldn't mind seeing it on a 1 series camera. Would be great for concert shooting!

Very true

[JeffreyG]

Too bad nobody makes a digital twin lens reflex.

I mostly shoot children doing all kinds of activities, so I'm on my knees more often than not when shooting. I injured a knee recently and I was squatting in all sorts of awkward positions to take pictures.

Depending on the OP's specific knee problem I suggest either getting a small folding stool that allows them to sit low or a set of knee pads that lets them drop into position without having to lower themselves through the strain zone. Another trick is a cane or monopod to help them pull themselves up and down without relying on leg strength alone.

[mac0118]

Actually its my right knee that was injured 25 years ago. The knee cap is basically shot. Also the ligaments on the right leg were injured at the same time so they have very little strength in getting me back up again. My left leg has carried most of the work for the last 25 years and is now starting to act up occasionally.

The right angle viewer does provide me with a little more options in taking the photos. It doesn't allow me to get the "snail's view" but it does allow me to get the "cat's view". I think it can be accomplished by putting the camera on my tripod and leaning over with my good leg bent holding me up and my bad leg extended back for balance. I can also use my cane to balance me from side to side while looking through the angle viewfinder and using my cable remote to fire the shot.

I'm thinking I might go for the Hoodman instead of the Canon model. I have also seen some cheaper models from Hong Kong on EBay. Not sure how good they are though.

Anyway, thanks to all for you informative comments on this.

[Fade2]

Actually its my right knee that was injured 25 years ago. The knee cap is basically shot. Also the ligaments on the right leg were injured at the same time so they have very little strength in getting me back up again. My left leg has carried most of the work for the last 25 years and is now starting to act up occasionally.

.



I know the feeling I've had 2 surgeries on my right knee the last being ACL surgery and I have a very hard time getting up and down......Once I get on my knees I'm staying there lol.

[photoguy6405]

Re: articulating screen

My A95 has one, so it's not like the concept is foreign to Canon.

I really don't see how these units can help a person with "VERY BAD KNEES".
Being that you have to get down on your knees to use them.
Defeats the purpose! Ya think?
Yep. You'd still need to get down on your knees 95%+ of the time anyway. You just wouldn't have to lay on the ground.

I feel the OP's pain, though... my knees are also bad and I feel it after a day of some types of shooting. I have knee-pads which help alot, but I don't take them with me as often as I should.


Too bad nobody makes a digital twin lens reflex.
I think I started to salivate over that idea. :lol:

[yanr]

With the flexibility of digital images (i.e. it's quick to delete the bad ones ;) ), in a pinch, you could probably just hold the camera low, P&S style, squeeze off a couple of shots, then chimp.

Obviously this isn't the best solution, as composition is pretty much out the window, but I find myself blindfiring my SLR from time to time, just because there's really nothing to lose.

[mac0118]

This seems to have some promise

http://www.intro2020.co.uk/pages/zigview.htm

Not sure of the price though

[Karl Johnston]

Try using volleyball knee pads. They work great and some of them are quite soft. Sports shooters often use them

I didn't read everything, sorry, that may be a more affordable approach though. Keeping some hot packs (the dry ice ones) may also be an addition to keep in your camera bag.