SportsShooter.com - NASA Shuttle Atlantis launch photo equipment (need advice)

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NASA Shuttle Atlantis launch photo equipment (need advice)

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

Jacksonville | FL | USA | Posted: 1:23 PM on 06.30.11

->> Hey guys,

I'm going to next week's Atlantis shuttle launch. Still awaiting for media credential confirmation but have bought a ticket for the visitor's center viewing area just in case.

I'm trying to prepare for both location scenarios. Shooting from the visitor's center and from wherever the media shoot from. Also wondering where credentialed media can go and shoot from.

Any tips on gear (lens selection, remote camera location set up ect) or any other pointers as to getting around and what to expect when I get there would be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking of buying an overxposed plate. Is the mini able to support a 1d/300/2.8 setup?

Thanks in advance.

D

Scott Morgan, Photographer

Rockford | IL | United States | Posted: 1:33 PM on 06.30.11

->> I'm no expert, as I've only shot one shuttle launch, but it's unlikely that you'll be credentialed if you haven't heard back yet. When we got creds for the launch I shot, it was many months prior, and there was a lot of information sent out in the weeks and months ahead of time. I'm sure media coverage will be heavy for the launch. I'd be willing to bet a lot of media is already on site and has been shooting roll-out, practice flights, etc.

That being said, some of the best shots I've seen have been away from official press areas. All you are likely to see from those spots is the contrail, so pick an interesting foreground and run with it. You could set up some remotes with a few different foregrounds if you really want, and had have your longest glass in your hand.

Robert Hanashiro, Photographer

	Los Angeles \| CA \| \| Posted: 1:43 PM on 06.30.11
	->> Gene Blevins and Nikon's Ron Taniwaki hopefully will chime in on this.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 1:46 PM on 06.30.11
	->> They called our publisher yesterday and it looks like we should be getting credentialed just not sure until we get the official thumbs up. Looks like maybe they're running behind with the extra demand. Who knows.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 1:48 PM on 06.30.11
	->> Side note. By remotes I mean remotes set next to me while shooting. Either on a tripod or on the ground.

G.J. McCarthy, Photographer

	Dallas \| TX \| US \| Posted: 1:48 PM on 06.30.11
	->> "I'm thinking of buying an overxposed plate. Is the mini able to support a 1d/300/2.8 setup?" Sure -- use this all the time. You need a good ballhead. - gerry -

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 2:03 PM on 06.30.11
	->> Gerry, thanks! Is the mini pretty stable or do you at times feel like you wish you had the bigger overxposed? Also are the risers needed? D

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 2:07 PM on 06.30.11
	->> On the Overxposed mini is it possible to mount two cameras on it using risers or would it be too awkward compared to the bigger plate? D

Jack Howard, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Central Jersey \| NJ \| USA \| Posted: 3:23 PM on 06.30.11
	->> Check with Ben Cooper, NASA Photographer. I've known him from forums since he was in HS, and he is a FANTASTIC photographer, super-smart, and super-helpful resource for people looking to make the most of rocket launches: http://www.launchphotography.com/

G.J. McCarthy, Photographer

	Dallas \| TX \| US \| Posted: 4:55 PM on 06.30.11
	->> Daniel: I have the mini. The riser will be helpful if you need to angle the 300 up (make sense? to clear the slr body from the ground). If you're going to mount multiple cameras, though, you might want to spring for the bigger one. I mainly use mine for basketball and such, so the smaller one was better. Good luck!

Mitch Traphagen, Photographer

Ruskin | FL | USA | Posted: 5:27 PM on 06.30.11

->> Daniel - Gene Blevins is a great guy who provided me with a lot of info. He's getting ready to fly soon but you could try to email him.

Mission credentials come out on 7/4. Except for those with permanent credentials, as far as I know, all other events leading up to this have had individual credentials.

I would say "I'll see you there" but I have the impression that it will be a bit packed at the press site.

Steve Ueckert, Photographer

Houston | TX | | Posted: 2:06 AM on 07.01.11

->> From the KSC Media Center you will want a 400 - 600 mm on a Canon 1.3x crop camera.

My avatar was shot with a 600mm from there on a Mk IIn.

Bring an audio recorder with a shotgun mic, and maybe a Y cord input with audio blended from a radio for the count down.

A wide lens on a super clamp @ 3 - 5 fps running continuous (trigger cord locked on) will offer some interesting looks too.

Scott Andrews with Canon (he has a trailer at KSC) is the remote guru for launches but if you haven't already been in dialogue with him you are at the end of a very, very long line considering the historical aspect of this launch.

Jason Myers, Photographer

West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 2:51 AM on 07.01.11

->> I'm going also for my first time (and last time). Bought 4 tickets to the Visitor center as I didn't even attempt to get credentialed. Going to do the best with what I'm bringing (D3s 300 2.8 and 1.7 converter) then using the in camera crop options for a little more reach. Trying to make it an experience with my girl who will be in tow and didn't want to completely miss out on the experience.

P.S. Have two tickets to the visitor center if anyone is interested.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

Jacksonville | FL | USA | Posted: 2:18 AM on 07.02.11

->> Got word that credential has been issued today. Ok, fantastic. Now I'm wondering where I can shoot from, how early I can come to set up (hours before or can I come a day before to get photos of the shuttle being prepared ect.

Curious to know how the time sched goes. Do we get photos of the astronauts entering the airstream trailer then head over to the shooting area? How does the day usually pan out?

Trying to work out camera setup.

1dmkIV with 400/500 or 600? What do you think would be best? Tripod or monopod?
1dmkIII with 300 or 70-200 as remote
5D or 40D with 24-105 as remote maybe?

Any other camera lens setups that are recommended?

Also trying to work out triggering. Will pocket wizards be ok? Is there a channel sign up sheet?

I hear about audio triggers but that looks like it maybe complicated or expensive possibly for a one time use.

Thanks!

D

Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant

Boise | ID | US | Posted: 2:42 AM on 07.02.11

->> Daniel-
If you've got any (very basic) experience with plugging circuits into a breadboard, you could make a very inexpensive audio trigger yourself:

http://hiviz.com/kits/assembly/SK2-DU-A.htm

Pinout for Canon's N3 is here:

http://martybugs.net/blog/blog.cgi/gear/CanonN3Connector.html

(PC Sync, Audio Sync, and N3 just work by shorting the connection through them, so it's pretty easy to work with)

Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant

	Boise \| ID \| US \| Posted: 2:44 AM on 07.02.11
	->> Also, I've had good luck with the eBay n3 connectors fwiw. Wired is the way to go if there are lots of signals around.

Mike Carlson, Photographer

Bayonet Point | FL | USA | Posted: 6:23 AM on 07.02.11

->> Daniel, I think by the time you get there you'll quickly discover the distance you're actually going to be away from the launch vehicle (was my thought the first time I went, anyway). As Steve pointed out with his avatar - you're literally miles away. Given the time frame, a remote near the vehicle seems like, well, a remote possibility.

You might have better luck using the 24-105 to get some looks at the people watching the launch...and, to be honest, that might be the better story.

Without a remote you're going to get a fairly distant image of the vehicle, but the real story that differentiates it from the 134 previous launches may be the estimated million or so people they expect to show up in the area. That's actually where many of the seasoned launch shooters will be - out in the crowds. Their remote cameras will be already set up, getting much better views of the launch than you'll be able to achieve... You'll still be able to see the launch from various places where people will be viewing it.

Anyway, just a thought. Enjoy the experience.

Romeo Guzman, Photographer

Orlando | FL | United States | Posted: 8:52 AM on 07.02.11

->> Daniel, media site (count down clock) for launch is about 3 miles, I use a 400, I have used it with a 1.4 and found it to tight for my taste so I just shoot straight 400. If you want to catch the astronaut walk out, plan to get there early, I will say get there 1-2 am. They will start transport of media to the Operations and Checkout Building around 5-530, but the line for the buses will start way earlier.

Like many have mentioned it will be the largest media crowd ever for a launch.

Here is the link to the launch schedule starting on Monday till lift off.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news/135_hours_events.html

See ya there

Steve Ueckert, Photographer

Houston | TX | | Posted: 2:49 PM on 07.02.11

->> If you shoot at the KSC Media Center you are pretty much locked-in to shooting from the lawn area by the Count Down Clock. Get there a day in advance and pick your spot and mark it with a set of stix. Plan on bringing a short step ladder (3 steps typically works) for crew walkout which you can use for a place to sit at the Count Down Clock lawn.

There is a VIP viewing area nearby which some have used for crowd reax but you may need an escort to reach this site (across the media parking lot from the count down clock site.)

I would suggest a hard wired remote release with a locking feature for your wide lens. When the countdown reaches T Minus 5 seconds lock it on and forget about it. Set your cycling rate so that you avoid hitting the buffer.

My preferred look from the Media Center is with a 600mm (on a 1.3X crop body.) I have used a 500mm with a 1.4X extender on a 1.3X crop body and not felt over lensed. From 3+ miles away the shuttle is pretty small. It all depends on how much flame and smoke you want in your shot. Remember that sucker gets to moving pretty fast after the first 10 seconds or so and it's moving away from you. If you use a tripod plan on a height at least head level, I preferred a mono pod with a tilt head that I could reset as the shuttle got higher in the sky.

Click on my avatar to see some other shots. The remotes are always set ~ 36 hours in advance and use a sound trigger (thanks again to Scott Andrews).

If you are into crowds consider the Visitors' Center on the causeway, you'll need a ticket for the launch and it will be packed, if you go there get there very early.

For a daytime launch use an exposure of minus 1/2 to 1.0 stops below bright daylight, set manually. The flame brightness will zap any attempt at AE.

Phil Hawkins, Photographer

	Fresno \| ca \| usa \| Posted: 2:39 PM on 07.03.11
	->> Just took a look at Ben Coopers website of launch shots; WOW! Check it out: http://www.launchphotography.com/index.html

Jim Colburn, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Omaha \| NE \| USA \| Posted: 9:22 PM on 07.03.11
	->> If you've never seen a shuttle launch live, and you intend to follow it as it rises, be very prepared, as those suckers go really, really fast once they've cleared the gantry. It looks like a slow, easy ride on TV but it's ZOOM and they're up there...

Dave Einsel, Photographer, Photo Editor

Houston | TX | United States | Posted: 12:23 AM on 07.04.11

->> Daniel,

If you are looking for an excuse to buy an Overxposed Plate I guess you could but I'm not sure where you would place it. Maybe right at the water's edge in front of the media center or else the mass of humanity will block any view from the ground. You might consider a couple of good ball heads super-clamped to a good tall tripod that you should use to establish your space and hold a 400-600 for shooting mug shots of the orbiter. I made a similar image to Steve's avatar of STS-26 (first following Challenger accident) with a 600. It was cool but the image I made with a 105 ran 22" deep on our front page. Not perfect but it worked.

http://daveeinsel.photoshelter.com/gallery/Shuttle/G00008i71qTYnk5I

Don't forget to turn around and photograph the crowd.

Good luck. I wish I could be there.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

Jacksonville | FL | USA | Posted: 5:19 PM on 07.04.11

->> Thanks for everything guys! Does anyone know who is the canon rep for this shuttle launch at NASA and if possible can you message me his/her email address & phone number?

Still trying to work out a sound trigger. Don't think I have enough time to order one to be sent out.

Does anyone have a suggestion on where I can buy one or if anyone will be selling them (someone who will be at the launch?). I contacted Thom and his triggers look great buy $400 is a bit steep for my pockets for something with such limited use.

Any suggestions?

I was thinking about using an intervelometer (canon's tmer remote) but am extremely nervous about not getting it to fire at the right time and missing the shot.

D

Sam Morris, Photographer

	Henderson (Las Vegas) \| NV \| USA \| Posted: 9:52 PM on 07.04.11
	->> Daniel, seems like you are on a tight schedule and you are dealing with a once (maybe twice) in a lifetime opportunity. I am a very frugal person, but if I were in your shoes I would just buy the sound trigger and sell it later.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 10:23 PM on 07.04.11
	->> Sam you're right. I ended up buying it, (wife will prob leave me now) but hopefully the photos will be priceless.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 11:48 PM on 07.04.11
	->> Got in contact with Canon. All set. Thanks guys! D

Al Diaz, Photographer

	Miami \| Fl \| USA \| Posted: 7:25 PM on 07.05.11
	->> Hi Daniel, I'll be covering the launch and I just launched my new blog! http://bit.ly/aldiazphotoblog In celebration I'll be giving away a free Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise® 70 Pro, credential holder and passport holder. Visit my blog for contest rules! See you there, It will be a blast!

Michael McNamara, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Phoenix \| AZ \| USA \| Posted: 11:31 PM on 07.08.11
	->> Daniel, let's see the photos!

Jason Myers, Photographer

	West Palm Beach \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 4:43 PM on 07.09.11
	->> My effort from the Visitor Center was an epic fail :) but the fact I was there and got to see the last launch live was pretty dang cool!

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 12:46 AM on 07.19.11
	->> Here are my photos the end result. Wish I could have done better (gotten longer glass) but with the limited time I had to work with what equipment I had (couldn't rent or get loaner from cps in time). http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotobiashoots/sets/72157627063841973/ Cheers.

Gray Quetti, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| Fl \| USA \| Posted: 7:27 AM on 07.19.11
	->> Nice work Daniel, especially with so little time to prepare.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 11:55 AM on 07.19.11
	->> Thanks for the kind words Gray.

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 4:19 PM on 07.19.11
	->> Quick video I shot of media equipment lined up waiting to be sniffed for bombs by dogs before heading out to set up remote cams. http://youtu.be/ku2P9BIWX8w

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 4:22 PM on 07.19.11
	->> Here's my stop action/tilt shift video I made of the launch. I decided to mount the Canon G12 to a Manfrotto flex arm + super clamped it to the tripod I was shooting from. http://youtu.be/3hJ2gsFG2x0 Here's the same set up but for the night launch of the Delta IV rocket launch a few days later. http://youtu.be/j3QYyLqERi8

Mitch Traphagen, Photographer

	Ruskin \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 2:32 PM on 07.20.11
	->> Nice work, Daniel! You must have been within 100 or so yards of me at the press site. Are you covering the landing tomorrow?

Daniel Goncalves, Photographer

	Jacksonville \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 10:50 AM on 07.23.11
	->> Darn Mitch, missed your post. The landing was a zoo. Were you stuck on the "sauna bus"? I ended up with my whole body in heat cramps that should have sent me in an ambulance. Good times. Hope to catch you at the next one. Daniel

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