Photography By Pole - Updated Wired Release

[wensley]

All,

After a lot of toying with the thought of purchasing a pole to open up some new locations and add a new challenge to my railway photography I have finally bitten a bullet.

The pole has arrived:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harris-731-...001681&sr=8-1&keywords=harris+decorators+pole

The remote control CamRanger is on order:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/CamRanger-W...UTF8&qid=1412001709&sr=8-2&keywords=CamRanger

Modifications to the pole are ongoing to mount a Manfrotto tripod head, which combined with a stand designed for an iPad on a microphone/music stand should see the set-up good to go.

The plan will then be to use the CamRanger to wirelessly control my 5D MkII whilst 5m up, viewing the live view on the iPad screen which will also offer full control over the camera settings.

Watch this space for some test images!

 

[wensley]

Well ... apologies for the delay in updating, but the pole is now in action.

The CamRanger arrived a couple of weeks ago and I thoroughly agree with the various reviews posted online; straight out of the box, registered on the app and then virtually plug-and-play. The app is really straightforward to use and leaving the camera in 'M' mode gives full control over all the settings even with the pole at full extent. I was glad I opted for the hotshoe mount when buying off Amazon as this makes mounting the CamRanger much easier without the need to cable-tie it to the pole head in its protective pouch.

See the two images attached showing the pole, iPad, camera and CamRanger at fully collapsed length. I need a screen-glare protector for the iPad as viewing the live view image isn't too easy in direct sunlight. My only other comment in the Live View feature (essential for decent framing) is that is does drain the battery in the camera - especially as I've taken to removing the grip and using a single battery when up the pole for weight reasons.

I nipped out the other morning to give the whole set-up a go, one shot at 4m and one at 5m when I had a feel for it. Having the camera swaying in the wind can be a little un-nerving, nut holding with one hand isn't an issue and I found you soon get used to it! For stability I'm sticking to using my 50mm and 40mm prime lenses as it means the centre of gravity for the camera is still close to the head of the pole.

The second attachment shows the pole in use at full stretch.

Here is the link to my first attempt with the kit up at the full 5m, it really transforms the perspective in my opinion:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/15494522302/

It's just a case of getting used to using the camera in this way now and I'm hoping this will add a bit of fun and variety when out and about shooting.

I've now set eyes n a 7.5m light rig which can be used in the same manner, but all in good time

 

[eastwestdivide]

Watch out for live wires overhead!

 

[wensley]

Watch out for live wires overhead!

I've heard that from my work colleagues a few times already!!
Not one for AC routes, too much clutter at 5m anyway, and the small matter of 25kv

 

[PaxVobiscum]

A pole used carefully is a great platform for a camera and inherently safer than a quadcopter/drone. I've previously seen some very good photos taken with these and yours are excellent. I don't know why more people don't use them, or even a simple monopod and remote for video.
Keep posting!

 

[Oswyntail]

..... it really transforms the perspective in my opinion:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/15494522302/....

Would it be possible to put a similar shot in the same location but not using the pole, for comparison?

 

[wensley]

Would it be possible to put a similar shot in the same location but not using the pole, for comparison?

Here we go ... taken a few weeks earlier. Same working at the same time of day, taken slightly to the left of the shot with the pole. You can probably see how much it transforms the background!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagm...ist-pBctEf-o8cGXi-dbS14Q-pzbGew-aSgjAc-aSgzTX

A pole used carefully is a great platform for a camera and inherently safer than a quadcopter/drone. I've previously seen some very good photos taken with these and yours are excellent. I don't know why more people don't use them, or even a simple monopod and remote for video.
Keep posting!

Thanks for the kind words! As well as being significantly safer and not subject to the same restrictions the pole also allows me to get DSL-R quality optics which isn't possible with a drone. Admittedly it's a little restrictive in terms of which lenses I can use but my 5D MkIII is still capturing the photos which is a big bonus I think they will slowly become more popular, but I guess it's a fair amount of cost and a bit of a leap into the unknown!

I've been on holiday and took the pole along for a bit of practice, it's still a little un-nerving but I think I'm getting a lot quicker at setting up and have got the hang of using it and holding on. The difference it makes to what is visible in both the foreground and the background is amazing and I've found it good for landscape as well as rail.

I'll keep you posted and there should be some more rail images coming soon.

 

[Oswyntail]

Here we go ... taken a few weeks earlier. Same working at the same time of day, taken slightly to the left of the shot with the pole. You can probably see how much it transforms the background! ...

Thanks - it does seem to make the background more of a context.

 

[wensley]

Another couple of examples here today from Whitley Bridge...

Without pole (66707):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/15532829957/in/photostream/
With pole (47843 & 47812):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/15716108371/in/photostream/

The 'with' shot is from a height of around 3m as I was overcome by the wind for the first time when attempting to set up to full height. I ended up with the pole almost parallel to the ground with the camera drooping precariously back over my shoulder!! Luckily it wasn't an expensive lesson to learn but I'll certainly be more careful of wind in the future.

My only negative comment regarding the CamRanger is that the cable to the camera is a loose fit in the socket on my 5D MKIII and is prone to come out when the camera is up and swaying. This would mean a total loss of connection and, potentially a missed shot. Simple fix: an elastic band holding the cable into the camera!!

 

[james60059]

I really admire these pole photographers, first person who I seen was Jason Cross, the founder of the EMRPS. I was toying with the idea and nearly did however I came across a problem. I couldn't find a compatible wireless remote that would connect between my tablet and the camera (a Nikon D7000) unless I've been looking in the wrong place.

BTW the shot of the 2 47's are mint.

 

[wensley]

I really admire these pole photographers, first person who I seen was Jason Cross, the founder of the EMRPS. I was toying with the idea and nearly did however I came across a problem. I couldn't find a compatible wireless remote that would connect between my tablet and the camera (a Nikon D7000) unless I've been looking in the wrong place.

BTW the shot of the 2 47's are mint.

It's a real challenge, seeing Jason at various events was probably the thing that finally swayed me to give it a go! I think the CamRanger will be compatible with your Nikon ... but I'm not certain. Worth a look on their sat.

I'm glad you like the Class 47 shot! I've been travelling a lot for work lately and have been tied down with some very big projects nearing completion. Hopefully I'll get back out again soon!

 

[wensley]

Apologies for the delay updating. I've finally had chance to get out and practice some more with the pole, and will shortly be upgrading to something more stable and higher!

Here are a few shots for folk if you're interested...

67024, 91107 and BN16, Ulleskelf https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/16979789487/

2857 on the SVR
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/17031250606/in/photostream/

4566 on the SVR
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/16437083633/in/photostream/

34053 on the SVR
https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/17056428561/in/photostream/

I've still had a few cock-ups but reckon I'm getting the hang of it now I'm getting more regular use out of it.

It still comes highly reccomended!

 

[GB]

You've got this down to an art, well done!

 

[wensley]

You've got this down to an art, well done!

Cheers GB ... I'm still learning but the results so far are promising

 

[wensley]

After a few months of craziness at work, it's been good to get back out again this last week. The pole has been pressed back into service!

One or two farces occurred, probably because I'm a bit rusty, and cost me the odd shot, but I pretty much got what I was after

Today's efforts...

WITH the pole at 5m, 60054 on 6D11 Lackenby to Scunthorpe

The same view WITHOUT the pole this time last year

Up in Scotland yesterday, the extra height proved useful in getting the train clear of the bridge structure, and getting most of the A90 clear of the train roof

And after making a mess of some FLIM 86s this is all I was left with on the WCML, the height makes the hills visible over the OHLE and shows some of the roof detail

Not a bad few days all in, the remaining shots can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/clagmonsterrail/

Hopefully there'll be the chance to get out more soon and test the pole at a few more locations, but the biggest issue is the wind. Cue this fine piece of kit ... soon to be added to the arsenal

 

[wensley]

Well ... it arrived today, and is seen here in all it's glory

This pole is 25ft (7.3m) from Manfrotto, and is designed as a studio light stand. The beauty of this is the tripod feet make it much more sturdy, and there is no need to hold it whilst shooting. The design is also 'plug and play' for a Manfrotto tripod head.

Here you can see my 60D with 40mm f/2.8 swaying around at full height, with CamRanger attached in the hotshoe mount.

For comparison, here are three views of Welbury again:

Ground level(ish)

5m up with the old Harris pole

Today at 7.3m, a slightly different composition and the breeze knocked the shot a bit off course

I'm really impressed with this bit of kit, and think the extra height and better build/features makes it worth the hefty price tag for somebody seriously into trying some new photographic challenges.

The only bit of kit I fancy now is a remote control tilt/pan head to allow ultimate control of the camera while it's up there

Comments welcome as always...

 

[Tommy1581]

Great work wensley. If I had one of those I would be scared in case my camera broke! Have you had much bother from people with the pole, because I'll have a think about getting one.

 

[wensley]

Great work wensley. If I had one of those I would be scared in case my camera broke! Have you had much bother from people with the pole, because I'll have a think about getting one.

Tommy, I've had no trouble. They're becoming more common but you still get plenty of odd looks!!

I'd recommend starting with the Harris 5m pole as it is a bit of a dark art until you get used to it. I found it very odd not watching the train itself, but looking at the screen as it approached.

Not the cheapest way to take you're photography to a new level but I'm thoroughly enjoying it and think it's worth every penny.

Including pole, CamRanger and the tilt/pan head I'm looking at my gear will have cost over £500, plus the camera, but to start off you could get a Hanhel Inspire and a Harris pole for £150.

 

[Tommy1581]

Tommy, I've had no trouble. They're becoming more common but you still get plenty of odd looks!!

I'd recommend starting with the Harris 5m pole as it is a bit of a dark art until you get used to it. I found it very odd not watching the train itself, but looking at the screen as it approached.

Not the cheapest way to take you're photography to a new level but I'm thoroughly enjoying it and think it's worth every penny.

Including pole, CamRanger and the tilt/pan head I'm looking at my gear will have cost over £500, plus the camera, but to start off you could get a Hanhel Inspire and a Harris pole for £150.

Cheers for the advice and prices, I'll certainly consider it.

 

[wensley]

Cheers for the advice and prices, I'll certainly consider it.

Not for the faint-hearted ... but it's great when you get the hang of it!

Feel free to drop me a PM if you decide to take the plunge

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I imagine one would not use one of these things near an overhead electrified railway or near a National Grid line....?

 

[455driver]

I imagine one would not use one of these things near an overhead electrified railway or near a National Grid line....?

You would only get it wrong once!

 

[wensley]

I imagine one would not use one of these things near an overhead electrified railway or near a National Grid line....?

Indeed not! Nowhere near OLE and I always have a good look up before sending the camera skyward.

A further comparison here of with/without pole...

Ground level

Approx. 20ft up, you don't always need the full length

The main target of this trip out was 56103, seen below, which brought out two Manfrotto poles (including my own) and a Harris!



Having spoken to the two other pole 'fotters' present I've decided to invest in a wired shutter release; using the live view image to rig the pole, then triggering the camera 'traditionally' when the train enters the frame. Obviously this requires a rather long cable...

This is compatible with my existing shutter release, and should negate missed shots due to shutter delay or frozen live view images via the iPad.

 

[wensley]

Been playing with it again out and about, the wired release is a vast improvement, and coupled with the freestanding pole I can now line up the shot with the wireless, switch off the live view and them fire with the shutter release; much more reliable and instant reaction on pressing the shutter. The only issue I've found is you have to pick a spot in the frame, using the live view image, where you need to press the shutter. If you fired by eye as the train passes you'd never line up right as the perspective is so much different from that height.

I may look at a pan/tilt head with remote control at a later date as the extra heigh means you're often looking 'too level' and I've had to move the pole up and down a few times to manually adjust the tripod head...not ideal if you're pressed for time!