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Thread: Overhead still lifes

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2002
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    Lehi, UT
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    107

    Overhead still lifes

    I've enjoyed reading the still life thread, and now I want to try my hand at an overhead still life shot. What technique works best for pointing a 4x5 camera straight down? My tripod won't accomodate shooting in that positions (at least, not that I know of). Any help would be appreciated!

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Dec 2005
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    El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula
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    5,808

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    Lay the tripod on a table with The camera hanging over and weights on the legs.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Manchester, UK
    Posts
    51

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    I use a Manfrotto repro arm with a counter weight plus a magic arm with superclamps to make it super secure. I have a sinar p mounted with a 240mm lens so the camera is pretty big when extended for close up work.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Pieter's Avatar
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    Jul 2018
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    939

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    I use a Manfrotto arm with a counter weight, too. I also like to keep the subject surface low to the ground and tilted about 10º so I am not working off a ladder to compose--maybe just a step stool or apple box. It can also make lighting a little easier.
    Click image for larger version. 

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  5. #5

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    Norma #4 Copy Stand Finally Together by Nokton48, on Flickr

    With Sinar Norma Clamp you can attach the 4x5 Norma to anything I used marine grade plywood.
    Flikr Photos Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/

    “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
    ― Mark Twain

  6. #6
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Dec 2011
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    22,386

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    Old Arkay studio stand works great

    https://www.largeformatphotography.i...=1#post1330277
    Tin Can

  7. #7
    Pieter's Avatar
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    Jul 2018
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    939

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    Yes, a pedestal stand (Arkay, Manfrottto, Foba) is ideal but start at over a grand. And most are over 6' tall. A bit pricey to try something out.

  8. #8
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Dec 2011
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    22,386

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    I bought 2 used for $200.

    Few use or want one and they are easy to shorten

    They don’t wear out...
    Tin Can

  9. #9
    Pieter's Avatar
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    Jul 2018
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    939

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    Quote Originally Posted by Tin Can View Post
    I bought 2 used for $200.

    Few use or want one and they are easy to shorten

    They don’t wear out...
    Lucky you. I have never seen one that cheap and I've had my eye out for one for a while...it has to be local, no one would ship something that big. I missed out on one this spring because I didn't have a truck I could borrow.

  10. #10
    Drew Bedo's Avatar
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    Oct 2006
    Location
    Houston Texas
    Posts
    3,225

    Re: Overhead still lifes

    I have done a few overhead table-top set ups. I went to e-bay and found a Spiratone right angle attacvhment, "Circo-Mirrotaqvh" I think it is called.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails B00241 copy.jpg  
    Drew Bedo
    www.quietlightphoto.com
    http://www.artsyhome.com/author/drew-bedo




    There are only three types of mounting flanges; too big, too small and wrong thread!

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