My Elevated Situation ...

[Digital Prophet]

Ok, so here is the deal. I am thinking of a shot that I would like to work into a shoot that I will be having soon. But I don't know how to swing it.

I want to pose two models on chaise lounges and shoot them from about. I would like there to be very little perspective so I am thinking I need to get the lens at least 20' in the air. But how do I do this?

I thought about renting or building a boom arm. And the shadow factor really didn't bother me. I would just shoot towards the light source so the boom shadow was off camera. But how would I focus and actuate the lens. I guess I could buy a remote for the camera and splice in 20 or 30 extra feet of cable. But how can I be sure of the shot?

Does remote capture allow for focus adjustment? It would have to be auto-focus, wouldn't it? Am I just going to have to get a giant ladder climb up there focus and remote shoot? Would remote capture let me view the shot immediately or do I have to retrieve the camera? Since I have never used it I don't know.

Any thoughts would be appreciated because I don't know crap.

- Digital Prophet -

[juneappal]

One thing you will have to deal with is getting the camera to point straight down. I did some aerial photography of ruins in South America with a P&S and a kite, and I solved the leveling problem by using a picavet (http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/equip/picavet.html )
Since you are only doing this once, you may decide that it will be easier to just keep raising and lowering the boom arm until you get it right.

As for shutter release...I don't know the details of remote capture.

It seems like you might be happiest with your creative control if you find a way to actually be up there - maybe suspended from a pulley in climbing gear?

Whatever you do, post a picture of your setup!

[PhotosGuy]

If the shot was for a client, I'd rent a "cherry picker". Otherwise, use side light from early/late in the day & shoot from a tree, bridge, etc. Maybe use a long ladder & anchor it with cables.

[Curtis N]

You could rent a couple scaffolds and run a platform between them.

[Digital Prophet]

Hmm. The scaffold idea isn't too shabby. Combine that with the side lighting and it might just work. I will have to look into that more. Thanks for the ideas.

- Digital Prophet -