Shooting from ground level

[mattcryer]

I love the effect gained by placing my digital slr on the floor/very low down.

Does anyone have any good tips on how to set-up a shot like this? I don't have live-view on my camera, and I've found focusing on the subject I want to bring out rather difficult, due to not being able to properly compose the shot through the view-finder.

Is it just a case of patience and repeat attempts?

Thanks

[wulf]

Focus is based on distance of the subject to the camera... so set the focus up from a similar distance (you have more latitude if the subject is further away), put the lens into manual focus mode and then you should get the subject sharp.

Wulf

[Klaidas]

Oh yes, that's an annoying problem if you don't want to get down low on the ground and focus through the viewfinder!

Usually it's trial and error plus focusing by distance, as wulf said. Good thig new SLRs now come with live view - it's just a matter of time before you upgrade anyway.

[navy.wife_2004]

i always do trial and error. shoot shoot and keep shooting. lol. but if you get a towel or just plainly get dirty, you can get down and halfway see thru it. then at least position it close and snap.

[mattcryer]

Thanks for the suggestions. Wulf: One problem I had was the auto-focus changing the subject when placing the camera down and taking the shot. Not sure why i hadn't thought of the simple solution focusing then switching it off!

[PhotoNewt]

In addition to pre-focusing by distance as mentioned, also decrease the lens aperture so you can increase the DoF and the chances of getting your intended subject in the zone of acceptable sharpness.

Also using a tripod that can be set close to the ground (or a bean bag) can also increase your compositional opportunities by allowing you to shoot upward and give your viewers a fresh and unique viewpoint.

[rouxster]

I was thinking you also might want to look into getting something to not only protect the bottom of your camera, but you can also get some control over the shooting angle by using, a Pod.

http://www.thepod.ca/

[Major_Small]

I use a bean-bag or whatever is available to brace my camera, and just do what it takes to look through the viewfinder. Lots of times I need to pre-focus (I use manual focus). I've been seriously looking into getting one of these to make the whole process easier. Plus, I like the whole medium-format focus/compose from the hip type deal.