Shots through operating theatre viewing window

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kartracer

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A medical charity requires some action shots, pehraps during procedures, which would be taken through a viewing window at the operating theatre. These are to be general shots, and not technically, or specifically related to the procedure. I envisage a few wide shots, and some close ups.

How would I approach shooting through the (likely) plate glass? I have only an 18-200mm on my D90...
 
Very difficult. Glass may not be clear and will almost certainly distort the pictures. Can't you get scrubbed up and be in the theatre?
 
Alas no. The equipment would have to be scrubbed up too. And not sure about photo/video electronics being allowed (often, its heart surgery...). I'm not a pro, and would not dare enter theatre!
 
I have done some work in operating theatres - always found the staff very helpful and co-operative. I'm not sure you're going to get what you want through the window! Camera gear doesn't need scrubbed up - just don't lay it down anywhere. You'd be in gown and wellies! At least that's been my experience.
 
That's a tough one; unless the glass is of particularly good quality (and clean) it will create both reflections and distortions.

If you really do have to shoot through the glass then you need to have the end of the lens as close to and as perpendicular to the glass as you can. If you have a rubber lens hood (rather than a hard plasic petal one) then try to have that firmly in contact with the glass and you might be able to angle the camera a little if you need to.

Good luck with the shoot ~ interesting project :)
 
what bristolian said re rubber hood

maybe stealing a fast prime as shallower depths of field can help clear up mucky foregrounds (like the plate glass)
 
When my partner was taken in for an emergency C-section the staff positively encouraged me to take the camera in. (I wasn't going to, was more interested in been there for my partner rather than peering through a view finder).

In the event I didn't get to take any pictures as she had to be put under a GA.
 
I've done work in a theatre too..with heart surgery as well. Trust me there's enough electronics floating around in there before you take the camera in!!

Where is this? PM me if you like, as I have done plenty of stuff in Cardiothoracic theatres before...and in a past life used to work as a Nursing Assistant in them too.
 
Thanks jamesb84, the shoot is a way off yet, just planning ahead... I'll pm you soon-ish.
 
there might be issues with patient confidentiality. the theatre staff (especially the surgeon) must know that there is someone taking photos during an op. just let them know you're shooting for charity and they'll likely ok you.

shots taken from a gallery might not be the most useful as you'll only be shooting from top-down. not much variety in composition and there won't be much impact.

if you're allowed in, how much protection you have will depend on how close you get to the sterile field. if you're planning to get close-ups, you'll probably have to gown up and cover the non-glass bits of your gear with a shower cap or similar.

if you're shooting during a procedure, theatre lamps are amazingly bright and warm. might cause exposure difficulties.

also, how good are you with blood? :D
 
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