Remote camera

A remote camera is a camera placed by a photographer in areas where the photographer generally cannot be. This includes areas with limited access, tight spaces where a person is not allowed, or just another angle so that the photographer can simultaneously take pictures of the same moment from different locations.

Remote cameras are most widely used in sports photography. 35mm digital or film, and medium format cameras are the most common types of cameras that are used.

Necessary Items

The general list of items that are necessary to set-up and use a remote camera are:

1. A camera with automatic film advance or motor drive

2. Mounting Hardware

3. Safety Cables

4. Triggering Units and Cables

5. Gaffer tape & Black wrap

Uses & Practices

Remote cameras are used by photographers to make more pictures and from different angles. Remotes are very popular in sports photography. Remote cameras are widely used in sports such as basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer among others.

Cameras are often placed in angles that a photographer cannot physically be during a shoot. Examples include behind the backboard at a basketball game or over head in the rafters of an arena during a hockey game.

Placement

Remote cameras that placed in suspended positions usually are mounted with clamps and arms. Most widely used are Bogen Super Clamps and Variable Friction Arms, often referred to as "Magic Arms". The camera and lens are connected to the Variable Friction Arm which is attached to the Super Clamp which in turn is secured to a fixed item such as a basketball post, hand railing, or rafter. Ground plates or miniature tripods are typically used for remote cameras placed on the ground. tralala

Triggering

Remote cameras can be fired via hand triggers, radio transmitters, or the self timer built into the camera.

For remotes that are in close proximity to the photographer, hand triggers can be used. A hand trigger consists of a button or switch that is connected to the camera via a wire that is set to fire the camera's shutter.

For remotes that are placed away from the photographer, radio triggering systems such as Pocket Wizards or Flash Wizards are used. A radio trigger consists of a button or switch that is connected to a radio triggering transmitter or transceiver which is set to fire a radio triggering receiver or transceiver that is connected to the camera via a wire that is set to fire the camera's shutter.

Safety

The number one priority with remotes should be safety for other people during the shoot. Steel safety cables should be used to secure each part of the remote camera to a secure fixture. Safety cables are made of braided steel cord with steel carabiners on each end.