Not long after I started shooting more seriously, I stumbled onto an article about a small folding aluminum ladder that doubled as a dolly. At the time I was starting to do model shoots that required a bit of equipment and wardrobe. The ladder/dolly solved two (or more) problems for not much money and without taking up much space wherever I had it. At the time I was also shooting car-related events and subjects and that ladder was brilliant. I could carry gear easily and also use it to either gain access or have a different point of view - or both. I still have it and use it today, almost 20 years later.
Exactly like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1004335-REG/travel_smart_by_conair_ts32lht_ts32ht_ladderkart_stepladder_hand_cart.html/overview
No longer available through them but it seems to be available at other (sketchier) online retailers.
I have a plastic folding stool that fits in my carry on luggage (I fly from Seattle), and I believe that it's 12" high. The stool just fits into my backpack, so it's easy to carry around the track. The stool's just tall enough to look over the fences at DIS, but I'm 6' 1", so if you aren't as tall, you'll need something taller.
This year my buddy and I went to Home Depot on the way to the track from Orlando Int'l and he bought an orange HD five-gallon bucket. You can carry stuff in it, then tip it over and stand on it to take pictures over the fence. And it costs only $5! After a while, the small diameter of the bucket makes it uncomfortable to stand on, but that could easily solved by buying TWO HD buckets. They stack inside of each other so they wouldn't take up any more room carrying them around the track, and you could put them next to each other to stand with one foot on each bucket.
In reply to RacerBoy75 :
Love the two-bucket solution.
Also, at least some of the fences at Daytona have been replaced–and with taller ones....
Nukem said:
In reply to wae :
Thanks! Seems like a solid option. That Orlando shop might be another (I fly into Orlando, because the flights are cheap).
If looking for camera/photo gear in the Orlando/Daytona area, some more options:
Kiwi Camera
Reformed Film Lab
Colonial Photo & Hobby
Clem's Classic Cameras
No association, YMMV, etc., etc.
In reply to msterbeau :
That looks really cool. I am going to have to try and find something similar.
That's why IMHO shooting hill climbs and rallies are so fun. You can get some great pics.
Here's another cheat to add to Chris' list.
Want to shoot some action but don't have track-side access or a long lens?
Get the cars as the head to/from the track and/or grid.
And, yes, flying a GRM sticker during the IMSA race. :)
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I'll also add Harmon Photo to your list–it's where I get my film developed, at least, and they seem to have a pretty good selection of new and used cameras and gear.
Knowing where the light is helps. Shot with Nikon COOLPIX at the International Hairpin on the spectator side of the fence
ChrisTropea said:
In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :
I have a step stool like this one: Link
It works well but you do have to be careful of what surface you set it up on. Using the fence as something to lean on helps a lot too.
I use one exactly like this that I bought 15 years ago for a variety of tasks including photography. It's bigger and a bit more unwieldy than yours but it also has wheels and can carry 200lbs as a dolly. A feature I use often, rather than lugging a backpack full of gear on my back.
Amazon Link
Spitsix said:
Knowing where the light is helps. Shot with Nikon COOLPIX at the International Hairpin on the spectator side of the fence
Yes, a good place to shoot. If you get near the top of the bleachers, you can shoot above the fence.
Kinda tempted to now do an event with just a 50mm lens.
Maybe.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
It's a great way to add some challenge/fun to any event you are shooting–especially if you are shooting film.
I've been doing it recently when I go out with one of my cameras.
In reply to Colin Wood :
When I am shooting for fun I always have a 5omm on my camera. I like how it forces me to think in a different way other than that I could just zoom in or out to get the right framing.
David S. Wallens said:
A 50 is pretty perfect.
Unless you are at Daytona, where most of the time, the cars are pretty far away. Even in the garage area, I end up using my 80mm.
I’ve done Daytona with a 50, but it was on a crop sensor so, yeah, figure 75mm in 35mm equivalency.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Being 6'-2" has a few advantages
In reply to Spitsix :
As someone who’s like 5-foot-7, yes, I bet. :)
