Head Braces

[Robert Kalman]

Recently I started researching the availability of head braces because I want to experiment with portraiture that requires exposure of several seconds. (Not interested in alternative processes, such as collodion, simply want to slow the portrait process down even further on conventional film).

So I found these two possibilities (see snaps), one produced by Claude Levet for $600; the other hand made by Three Graces Studios for $150.



Both of these are made of cast iron and probably way too heavy to transport into the field.

I've seen some do-it-yourself creations, but these seem way too flimsy for what I want.

The German photographers, Ute Mahler and Werner Mahler, used a sturdy, lightweight portable chair that looks like it's made out of aluminum to make the portraits in their book, Mona Lisen Der Vorstädte. You can watch their video . Also, these are some screenshots from the video:

I think this is what I'm looking for. Anyone have any knowledge of how to track this down? Or, alternatively, does anyone use a similar head brace/chair arrangement for portrait work?

Thanks very much!

[DrTang]

what I sometimes use is a rod with a wooden knob glued to the end attached to a lowboy light stand

the subject can be touching the knob with the back of their head and know they are in focus


of course I shoot with strobe so I'm more concerned with the subject moving into and out of focus than keeping them still

[ScottPhotoCo]

I have the one from Claude. It's a lifetime purchase and is a great piece of kit. Expensive but worth it. Transportable but I wouldn't want to schlep it long distances from the car.

[Mick Fagan]

That head rest looks like a simple home build job if you wish to. Looks like a wooden tripod leg, maybe from a Berlebach tripod, inverted and with the foot converted to hold a soft rest.

They certainly like smoking.

Mick.

[Lachlan 717]

Have a look at floor lamps with angled heads. IKEA often do them.

A lot lighter than formal braces, and a lot cheaper.

A simple "remove the light socket and replace with clamp" should do the trick.

[Lachlan 717]

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Years ago I bought a head clamp from an ironworker who was selling them on one of the Collodion forums. It looks very similar to the 19th century designs (I have one of those too), and after modification works great. But honestly, the original design can and should be improved on. It is a pain to use, and there are less expensive ways of letting the sitter know where their head is supposed to be. Using a modified microphone stand or a floor lamp all sound like great ideas, and certainty more flexible and portable than the original design.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Don't forget the wet sponge.

[Lachlan 717]

Don't forget the wet sponge.

I'm shocked that I forgot the sponge....

[arkady n.]

Emm...You might have some blurring of the head...
http://time.com/3808808/first-photo-...air-execution/