I'm at odds with photography

[solo1]

At 81 years old I'm not the best photographer for taking macro photos of wildflowers or nature in general.
I'm convinced that really good photos depend on some agility and flexibility on the part of the photographer. I'm sadly lacking in both.

While I get along fine with using my 70-200L lens, my ability using my Tokina 100mm macro leaves something to be desired,especially with my 30D. It sure would be nice if the lcd on the 30D would tilt upward so that I could view without bending these decrepit old knees but, sigh, such is not the case. Even my right angle viewer, while somewhat alleviating the situation, is not the complete answer.

Can you visualize a distinguished looking old gentleman with white hair sitting on the ground contemplating how on earth he's going to get back up after taking what he thought was his best photograph ever? LOL!

Oh well, it's been a long time since I took photos in Korea in 1953 using a Voightlander Vito II. However, I still enjoy doing this and after all these years I finally was able to buy two L lenses. Photography has come a long ways and digital is the only way to go!

[Mark_Cohran]

Sounds to me like you need a photographer's assistant. :) I use one from time to time -- usually a friend or family member pressed ganged into service. On the other hand, there are devices which can adapt to your viewfinder and provide an LCD flip screen.

[xarqi]

Until Canon releases an SLR with an articulating screen for Liveview, your best bet may be tethering your tripod mounted camera to a small notebook computer.

[FlyingPhotog]

This suggestion if probably anethma to what photographing nature is all about but have you considered bringing blossoms indoors and working in a more controlled environment with studio lighting and a table top workspace?

A nice, well-lit and well-composed close up is just that, regardless of where it's shot or how it's shot, eh?

[Becca]

Hoodman makes a right angle viewer that might help. It at least lets you look from the top rather than haivng to get down where you can look into the viewfinder.

http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1018

[neilwood32]

Until Canon releases an SLR with an articulating screen for Liveview, your best bet may be tethering your tripod mounted camera to a small notebook computer.

In your position, i think this would probably be a very good option as it allows the camera to be positioned exactly where you ant it for the best shot but with the screen at a position of choice for you.

Not sure what model of camera you have but if you have liveview, you can set it so that the preview will display on the lappy (ie what would normally be on the lcd in liveview) making it very easy to do focus/ DOF adjustments. That will allow you to hit focus bang on where you want it.

[solo1]

In your position, i think this would probably be a very good option as it allows the camera to be positioned exactly where you ant it for the best shot but with the screen at a position of choice for you.

Not sure what model of camera you have but if you have liveview, you can set it so that the preview will display on the lappy (ie what would normally be on the lcd in liveview) making it very easy to do focus/ DOF adjustments. That will allow you to hit focus bang on where you want it.

I have a Canon 30D as mentioned and, as mentioned, I also have a right angle viewer. The 30D of course, doesn't have live view. Since I take photos of wildflowers it wouldn't be practical to bring them back to a home studio. In fact state parks seriously frown on disturbing the environment by picking wildflowers.

Having said all that, I have been contemplating buying an additional Canon body with live view, a Canon 40D or 50D. Your suggestion of a laptop with a live view camera body is excellent. Thanks to all of the respondents.

[WMS]

solo you might also want to consider on of these;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460256-REG/Seculine_S2B_S2_Type_B_Digital.html#features

Wayne

[breal101]

If you use a laptop outside you might want a darkcloth (a dark towel works great) to view it. They aren't any easier to see than the LCD in bright light. It could be a lot of fun, people who see you are going to think the old guy has finally gone bonkers, the camera is over there what is he doing under that towel? :lol:

[Mike]

solo you might also want to consider on of these;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460256-REG/Seculine_S2B_S2_Type_B_Digital.html#features

Wayne

That's just what I would have suggested.

[Jon]

You might take a look at the ZigView adapters (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460256-REG/Seculine_S2B_S2_Type_B_Digital.html) - basically a video camera connected to the viewfinder eyepiece and a bendable (detachable in some models) LCD for your 30D. Probably more effective for all-around use than LiveView as not as bulky as a tethered laptop would be.

[WMS]

The zigview adapters also allow for remote shutter release, which would be very convenient for low-level camera positions in micro photography.

Wayne

[neilwood32]

solo you might also want to consider on of these;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460256-REG/Seculine_S2B_S2_Type_B_Digital.html#features

Wayne

I didnt even know these existed! Although at $399, a newer camera might be as viable an idea.

[WMS]

It would be nice If Canon were to offer a removable LCD display with an integrated remote shutter release. My first encounter with the Zigviews was watching a local newspaper photographer use one with a monopod to simulate aerial photography. He had the camera with the Zigview mounted on his monopod which you withholding overhead and using the release of the remote view function to frame the photograph and a remote shutter release to take a picture.

Wayne