Recently, we’ve had enquiries from people asking for advice on how to mount their camera or lighting for a very specific type of shoot that standard techniques won’t be able to do. While we don’t always have an immediate solution available that will solve these issues, we at Dragon Image are always coming up with unique solutions by combining various items to create a kit. Here are a few ideas for various solution kits that we have available!

Flatlay Photography/Video Mounting System

You see it all over social media and Youtube these days - videos or photos showing a person making food, creating art or showing a tutorial, with the camera above the action facing directly downward for a birds-eye view perspective. Well here’s how to achieve that look!

What You’ll Need:

• 1x Lightpro C-Stand

• 1x Manfrotto Hex Plate

• 1x Manfrotto Ball Head

• 1x Lightpro Shot Bag

How does it go together?

• Set up the C-stand in position, get it at your desired height and extend the boom arm over the top of where you want to shoot.

• Attach the hex plate to the knuckle over the top of where you’re shooting.

• Attached the ball head to the hex plate.

• Put a shot bag on the largest leg of the C-Stand, so that it is facing away from everything else and providing a counterbalance. 

• Attach your camera to the ball head and position it to face directly over the top of the area to want to shoot.

https://www.dragonimage.com.au/overhead-camera-c-stand-kit.html 

C-Stand Boom Operator

This isn’t a new trick by any means, but if you’re recording sound for an interview but don’t have a boom operator, then you’re in luck! With the help of a C-Stand and a boom mic holder, you can have your boom pole sit safely and comfortably while recording quality sound for hours on end.

What You’ll Need:

• 1x Lightpro C-Stand

• 1x E-Image Boom Holder

• 1x Lightpro Shot Bag

How does it go together?

• Set up the C-Stand to your desired height, then angle the C-Stand arm in the direction of your interview subject.

• Fix the boom holder into the knuckle at the end of the C-Stand arm and angle it upright.

• Place the boom pole into the boom holder so it fits comfortably, and angle the shotgun mic downwards towards the subject’s mouth, so it is as close as it can be with being in frame.

While boom holders aren’t necessarily a brand new item and have been around for a while, it is definitely a very handy addition to your kit if you’re a one-person band kind of filmmaker or videographer. While some people tend to clamp their boom pole straight into the C-Stand knuckle, it’s recommended getting this boom holder, as not only will it not potentially crush and damage the boom pole, it isn’t tightly fixed meaning you can slightly twist and adjust the angle if the subject moves their head as they speak.

https://www.dragonimage.com.au/e-image-boom-holder-bsa-01.html 

No Boom Operator? No worries!

Expan 3-Hook Background Support System with Autopoles

If you’re a photographer or content creator who is looking for a home studio setup, but you’re renting a space and can’t screw holes into the walls, this is the set up for you. With the 3-Hook Expan System you’re able to mount multiple backdrops at once, and by attaching the hooks to autopoles rather than screwing them directly into the wall, you have a system that becomes really easy to pack down if you need to travel with it.

What You’ll Need:

• 2x Lightpro Autopoles

• 1x Lightpro 3-Hook Expan Background Support System with Aluminium Tubes

• 4x Lightpro Super Clamps

• 3x Backdrops of your choice - paper, velvet, etc.

How does it go together?

• Measure the distance between your autopoles, which should be slightly longer than the length of the aluminium tubes you’re using. We sell our tubes in 3.25m lengths, however we can shorten them slightly if your space is tight.

• Once you have measured the space, put up both autopoles so that they are close to perfectly straight. 

• The hooks should each have four screw holes - two at the top and two at the bottom - which line up with the screw holes on the superclamps. Screw the hooks into the super clamps so that each hook has two clamps on them. Attach the hooks to the autopoles by tightening the super clamps onto them.

• Fit each of the three backdrops onto the three tubes. If you have paper rolls, you may need to do a few rolls of tape around the aluminium tube, so that the paper roll fits comfortably. If you are using a velvet or other material backdrop, you may need to tape one end onto the aluminium tube and then roll it up that way. 

• Once the backdrops are on the tubes, fit the expan clamps inside the aluminium and tighten them. The tubes are then placed onto the hooks, with divots on the expan clamps fitting directly onto the hooks.

• Apply the chains onto the gear wheels on each expan clamp, allowing you to roll the backdrops up and down.

This system has proven to be very popular amongst photographers who are starting out with their home studio, as well as schools, universities and businesses needing a system that doesn’t screw into walls and is able to be set up in a classroom or office without hassle. You can also check out the video below, which goes into detail how to set this system up!

Endless backdrop variety, both in your studio and on location!

These are just a few different systems we have available for various camera, lighting, audio and backdrop setups, and while they vary in complexity, they are each really handy for specific types of shoots and conditions. In addition, they may be a great starting point for you to come up with your own creative rigging solutions based off your requirements! If you have any questions about any of these systems, or simply want to learn more about a particular product, contact your local Dragon Image today!