How are you focusing when you have your camera directly on the ground?

9 years 3 weeks ago #432359 by Moossmann
I'm trying this online assignment where you take photos from a different perspective.  And todays assignment is down low.  Setting the camera on the ground and looking through the view finder to focus is a bit tough.  Anyone know a trick to this?  


thanks!


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9 years 3 weeks ago #432361 by stuartsbarbie
If your camera has an LCD screen that can help.  I personally don't feel I get as much control using the screen, but sometimes we have to make due with what we have. 


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9 years 3 weeks ago #432364 by Robert Chen
I want to say it's hoodman that has a 90 degree elbow for your view finder.  

Nikon D300 24-70mm f2.8
70-200mm f2.8
50mm f1.4 & 50mm f1.8
105mm f2.8
2 SB800

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9 years 3 weeks ago - 9 years 3 weeks ago #432399 by garyrhook
I will either (a) lie on the ground in whatever way I need to, or (b) use the articulated screen on my D5100 (despite the fact that some view that feature as unprofessional) with Live View to frame and focus. I really like the idea of the hoodman, too.

Whatever it takes. What's a little dirt?


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9 years 3 weeks ago #432522 by Joves
On my belly, head turned sideways. I will keep doing that until I either cannot get back up easily, or my neck gets too stiff.


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9 years 3 weeks ago #432525 by Screamin Scott
Right angle finder if need be...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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9 years 3 weeks ago - 9 years 3 weeks ago #432704 by hghlndr6
You mean like this?  Just lie prone & get dirty.  It ain't difficult. ;)
That 90º finder is a good idea though.  Will have to check that out.

_DSC3994.jpg by hghlndr6 , on Flickr
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9 years 3 weeks ago #432729 by Tim Entin
:agree:  +1 prone position on the ground with my head tilted to see through the viewfinder  


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9 years 3 weeks ago #432849 by Tim Dordeck
Time to get down on the ground, and move your body into what ever position you need to in order to view.


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9 years 3 weeks ago #432913 by Frost Photography
It's pricey, but these 90 degree elbows are a miracle when you don't want to lay down on the ground


www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home...&is=USA&Q=&A=details


"The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera."
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9 years 3 weeks ago #432932 by garyrhook
WOW. "Pricey" is right. I'd rather get dirty.


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9 years 2 weeks ago #432990 by Joves
:rofl:  :agree:
Yeah pretty much. I can wash my clothes till they are shot over paying that for convenience. I should try making one myself. I have a bunch of optical flats, and prisms I could play with.


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9 years 2 weeks ago #433014 by Shadowfixer1
I place my camera on a monopod, turn it upside down, and place the top of the camera on my foot down low and control it via WIFI on my iPhone. You can make all adjustments for exposure and then touch the screen where you want the focus to be and it will focus on that spot and take the picture. That won't work for most people because of the camera they have. The same goes for a high vantage point. Extend the monopod and hold it up in the air and control with the iPhone.
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9 years 2 weeks ago #433019 by Baydream
I use the articulated viewfinder and LiveView. Getting too old to get down there. Well, it's actually the getting up that's hard. 

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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