Creating an overhead shot in studio can seem like a basic task at first, but the space can quickly become cluttered as the set becomes more complex and more assistants are on location. This video shows how to build an inexpensive, sturdy camera rig that won’t come crashing down in the middle of a shoot.
Washington-based Photographer Tony Roslund uses an $8,000 Foba Asaba stand in his studio, but that’s not exactly something many up-and-coming photographers can afford. Plus, as Roslund mentions in the video, it’s not practical to haul to an on-site photoshoot. Instead, there’s a camera setup that can utilize the stands you already own with a few pieces of grip.
Check out the video above for details on how to create your own overhead camera rig. As a bonus, Roslund also shares some other great tips on how to build up a simple, clean looking platform for the products being photographed to lay on top of. Hint: check out IKEA’s as-is section for good deals on nice looking surfaces.
Do you have a different approach to overhead camera setups? Let us know in the comments below.
This is a pretty rock solid option. I often have to do quite large overhead shots that cover a wide area (think 10x10 or more). We have gone to attaching a ball head to a manfrotto super boom. It is not terrifically stable but Ithe articulating end is really useful for positioning without getting up on a ladder or lowering the whole rig. It won't fall over, but it is prone to vibration.
Same, ballhead on the end up a boom w/ a weighted C-stand. I level it with a digital angle finder cube then raise the stand up to height.