Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Photography tips for the projection room

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Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 05-12-2009, 07:41 AM:

I have recently started playing around with photography as a hobby. I was hoping some of you might have some tips for taking pictures in the projection room during operating hours. Specifically when your main source of lighting is from the projector bulb or overhead can lights.

Some specific subjects I have in mind are plattered prints - both moving and stationary. Projector/soundhead - both stopped and operating, as well as other equipment. High quality images of make/model plates would also be a plus.

I've seen some nice images of actual film stock. Are these usually captured with a light box?

I know that many of these can be captured well with the automatic settings, but I'm trying to learn how to properly compose photos myself.

Posted by Mike Babb (Member # 1379) on 05-12-2009, 09:50 AM:

Justin, I'm sure others can tell you ways to capture it correctly but if you have time and a digital, you should just shoot and shoot, try angles and lighting changes, if you have manual controls mess with them, you might find that your best photos aren't done by the book...i'd recommend a tripod though if you are shooting in low light...i don't own one but a gorilla pod might be good for a booth, attaching to various bits of conduit and equipment for nice angles and stability

Posted by Thomas Hauerslev (Member # 566) on 05-13-2009, 02:01 AM:

Use exisitng light, no flash, stop the lens down to f11, long exposure, 200 ASA, use a good solid tripod like a Gitzo, use a wide angle lens like an 11mm and be patient, set time aside to do it.

Maybe script it before you go - make your mind up what you want to capture.

Here are some of my own examples at the bottom of this page: http://biografmuseet.dk/festival/2008_imperial_bio/galleri/index.htm

Also some here: http://biografmuseet.dk/news/2009/imperial_galleri/index.htm