photographing through a window

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Bazza
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I think I have come up with the ideal solution. The thing that has annoyed me is if I use a camera/camcorder on tripod it is too far away from the window. If I manage to rest if on a widow sill it is too close as either the lens or microphone hits the window. Having tried both ways I have never been really happy with either.
Now found the rock solid answer to both problems.

_DSC7532aaawww.jpg

Now I have height reach to clear the widow sill

In the photo above I used a moman tripod foot set on the widest foot spread. Attached to that is a Surui SL-200 extn tripod centre ( shown fully extended). On top of that is a Manfrotto Befreelive head (MVH 400 AH) and I used my Panasonic HC-X1500 camera as an example.
Now the rig still has space ,not being right up close to the window, to allow for even a long directional microphone to be attached.

Being able to move the camcorder around without having to worry about the stability is a real joy, no more holding on to keep the thing steady or from tipping over.

View: https://youtu.be/UPOfA7fEejE
 
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Necessity is always the mother of invention:)

But I wonder if you have a travel tripod with a small minimum height? If so, have tried with two of the legs on the cill and the rear leg on the worktop :thinking:
 
Yes I have and although does works ok except the centre column restricts how low it can go, but the area it covers leg wise may not always be the best solution let alone the weight
So thinking about ground area covered this setup only need as a 1ft (30.5cm) and works at a minimum height of17" (42cm) with that camcorder, ( at ground level)
working on a desk/table top space is a prioity which may be limited .

even tried as bin picture below with it just on a window sill but movement impossible let alone could to fall
E7ER0Wl.jpg


I don't think there are many ways I have tried and not been happy with until I found this solution in the first photo
 
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If you are using an Arca Swiss clamp head ....how about using an extender (say a 100mm lens plate?) plate to move the camcorder forwards (in the first image) towards the window? Though if the rig is currently balanced the CoG shift will not help :(
 
If you are using an Arca Swiss clamp head ....how about using an extender (say a 100mm lens plate?) plate to move the camcorder forwards (in the first image) towards the window? Though if the rig is currently balanced the CoG shift will not help :(
Thank you for your suggestions much appreciated. I think I have tried everything ,including an extn plate, but in the end that rig I originally posted is ideal for not just windows looking out of . with just using the extn arm as well helps when hand held and can have additional attachments add on the lower end (thinking about a glide cam conversion later on
(t
 
Here's my 'budget' version......plenty of height adjustment and small (but stable) footprint. - I also haved a modified 'frying pan' version! ;)

IMG_0544 (2) by Glynn Hobbs, on Flickr
Now that is what I am talking about re: necessity being the mother of invention:lol:
 
great idea Glynn but I would hate to be carrying that around or trying to get it as hand baggage on a plane I can and it all fits into a Tamrac system 6 camera bag

P1051798aa.jpg


and that is where I win you loose
 
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To avoid reflections from back lighting of the window glass, it's best to shield the space between the camera lens and the window glass somehow. They make a very large diameter rubber lens hood that works quite well for this if you can keep the face of this hood against the glass while shooting. A totally black unlit room behind you is another way. They are flexible enough that you can angle the camera with the hood face still against the glass. With no light from the room bouncing off the window and into the lens your photos taken will be much better.

Charley
 
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