Alternatives to Light stands?

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Ant

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Anthony
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So this weekend me and a mate are thinking of going out on the mountain bikes to a local forest, so as i can practice, and learn how to take some decent shots with off camera flash.

I have two tripods, but as i'll be carrying camera + 2 lens + 2 flash + transmitter/recievers i'm not really into using my tripods.

So what are the alternatives to tripods/lightstands? There will be loads of trees about, so i'm guessing that i can just stick the flash guns on the trees. I may however take one tripod with me.

So how would i go about attaching the flashguns to the trees n biznets? I've drawn a blank, but something was saying elastic bands n stuff.

:thinking:
 
bunjee cords?
 
You can loop a cord through the tripod mount end of your trigger and hang it with flash from a branch. Flash will be upside-down and liable to swing in the breeze unless its back is against the trunk or something.
 
I would also suggest bungee cords.
 
Bungee cords, string/paracord and Gaffer tape. Gorillapods around bike frames. Mates holding onto flashes.
 
Take a chainsaw - cut out a shelf

Also useful for removing those really old Oak trees that always seem to have grown in the wrong spot for one's composition - had to chop 10 down once in Notts Forest for a good landscape, 3 had Eco-Warriors up them too - damn nuisances

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
Take a chainsaw - cut out a shelf

Also useful for removing those really old Oak trees that always seem to have grown in the wrong spot for one's composition - had to chop 10 down once in Notts Forest for a good landscape, 3 had Eco-Warriors up them too - damn nuisances

DD
Click to expand...

:lol::lol:
 
DiddyDave said:
Take a chainsaw - cut out a shelf

Also useful for removing those really old Oak trees that always seem to have grown in the wrong spot for one's composition - had to chop 10 down once in Notts Forest for a good landscape, 3 had Eco-Warriors up them too - damn nuisances

DD
Click to expand...

That was you then, was it? :annoyed: I was picking branches out of my arse for weeks after.
 
Ant said:
...So how would i go about attaching the flashguns to the trees n biznets? I've drawn a blank, but something was saying elastic bands n stuff. :thinking:
Click to expand...

Super clamps combined with mini ball heads can be quite handy, the ball bungee's are definitely the cheapest and most 'flexible' option:

_TOM0481.jpg


with a flag too!
_TOM0439.jpg


Not too great for attaching to large tree trunks but branches and thinner trunks..oh yes.
 
Hmm, some stuff to think about!

I missed out going to calumet today in liverpool, but i may go tomorrow morning, as they'r open for a few hours.

Failing that, a couple of sandwich bags, and a trip to B&Q for some bungee cords.

Cheers guys.

Oh, and the shelf with a chainsaw seems a good idea ;)
 
Ant said:
Oh, and the shelf with a chainsaw seems a good idea ;)
Click to expand...

Steady m8, I've just applied for Copyright on that one :nuts:

Back to something more serious then...

I used to fasten flashguns to rod-rests used by fishermen, they come in different lengths up to 5ft long and can be seriously bashed about - i.e. into the ground - and are then easy enough to tape/strap a flash to

Whatever tree you find will NOT be in the right spot to hand one from I suspect, but I look forward to seeing the results

Good luck

DD
 
Velcro strips, cable ties looped together (using releasable ones of course) or luggage straps (with the metal buckles) - all available from DIY/Auto stores relatively cheaply....
 
For all who want to see what i ended up with, click here.

Got a bit wet, as it was piddling it down, and was also hailing at points.

And i gave up finding things to mount the flashes to, i just took 2x tripods, which are now drying off. :D
 
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