Right Time, Right Place

weepete · Oct 9, 2014

So I'm up on the Isle of Skye for work and today has been GORGEOUS! Sunny for the most part and a few bits of cloud. After we finished I carefully worked out an awesome location for shooting the sunset in perfect conditions.

After ariving at my chosen spot with the light just the way I'd hoped and with an hour and a half before sunset there was time to explore a wee bit. I got my camera, set it up, grabbed my lenses, ND filters, GND filters, IR filter, CPL, radio triggers, cable and backup wired shutter release. .....and promptly realised I forgot the blooming tripod which was in my house a 5.5hr drive away.

Sunset was one of the best I've seen. Bummer.

Gary A. · Oct 9, 2014

Bummer. In a pinch I use the top of my soft camera bag for hands free support.

weepete · Oct 10, 2014

Cheers mate. Unfortunately I was on a beach with some big boulders and just couldn't find a way to prop my camera up at the angle I wanted. Fortunately it wasn't a total loss as we did get there early enough to fire off some shots before the light meant my ISO was starting to creep up a bit too much for my liking. There really is no substitute for a decent tripod at times.

CameraClicker · Oct 10, 2014

Sometimes tripod substitutes don't have the desired height, but unless I know I will need a tripod, it stays home. Big rocks sound like workable substitutes. Have you considered something like the Gorillapod or a sturdy table top tripod, you could leave in your bag, or the car's boot (trunk, here) for occasions when the main tripod is unavailable?
Glad you enjoyed the sunset, even if you didn't photograph it as desired.

sm4him · Oct 10, 2014

Been there, experienced that, more times than I can count!

That's when I have to remind myself that sometimes it's good to just ENJOY what you are seeing and experiencing.

Braineack · Oct 10, 2014

should have used your cell phone.

Civchic · Oct 10, 2014

Braineack said:
should have used your cell phone.

Ha. Our sunrises this week have been fabulous. I totally used a cellphone on Monday morning. The picture was ok. A cell phone shot.

I brought the camera out Tuesday morning and got the shot - yeah, that's why I bought a camera. What a difference!

waday · Oct 10, 2014

sm4him said:
Been there, experienced that, more times than I can count!

That's when I have to remind myself that sometimes it's good to just ENJOY what you are seeing and experiencing.

Definitely agree with this. There was one time when my wife and I were watching fireworks, and I was trying to fiddle with my camera and missed a good portion. My wife pretty much hit me over the head (well, not literally) and told me to just enjoy it for what it was. The moment with my wife couldn't have been captured by a photo. :joyous:

weepete · Oct 12, 2014

CameraClicker said:
Sometimes tripod substitutes don't have the desired height, but unless I know I will need a tripod, it stays home. Big rocks sound like workable substitutes. Have you considered something like the Gorillapod or a sturdy table top tripod, you could leave in your bag, or the car's boot (trunk, here) for occasions when the main tripod is unavailable?
Glad you enjoyed the sunset, even if you didn't photograph it as desired.

Cheers mate, I've got a gorilla pod too that usually comes with me when my bigger tripod doesn't. While I'm working I have a van so taking the larger tripod is no problem. That's the galling part of it!

gsgary · Oct 12, 2014

It wouldn't be the end of the world for me because i hate sunset photos, why didn't you use your van as a tripod ?

weepete · Oct 12, 2014

I couldn't have composed it the way I wanted from the van mate.

JustJazzie · Oct 12, 2014

I saw someone use their shoe once. ;-)

sm4him · Oct 12, 2014

JustJazzie said:
I saw someone use their shoe once. ;-)

Now THAT would make a good picture.

4rum · Oct 14, 2014

Easy to offer suggestions

here's mine. String pod. Purchase a 1/4 by 20 (thread per inch) ((standard stud size for almost every tripod mount in the world)) eyebolt. I bought stainless steel but will try to find brass because I like brass. Simply loop a piece of para cord about 12 feet long through the eye. Leave two 'running' ends. You'll tie them at the length you need them. When the ends are tied together the cord makes a loop. Insert your feet and spread your legs to adjust the height. Tie it shorter and kneel for even more stability. Hold the camera firmly and pull up to tighten the triangle formed by the attachment point and your feet. You'll be surprised at the stability you get. Not a tripod by any means but it takes up VERY little room in your gadget bag. Try it around the house. It's so inexpensive if you don't like it ... toss it.

weepete · Oct 14, 2014

Sweet, I like that suggestion mate. I've got a black rapid strap that I use so already have an eyebolt thats used for that. Just need to get some paracord and I'll be sure to try it.