How can I automatically trigger a camera to photograph runners crossing the finish line?
Asked 8/31/2018
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2 answers
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I want to photograph my cross-country team as they cross the finish line, ideally with the race clock visible in the frame. My idea is to mount the camera off to the side and use a beam or trigger at the finish line so the camera fires automatically when a runner breaks it. What equipment and shooting technique should I consider to make this work reliably?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
4
Sounds like you need a laser trigger on the finish line.
Check out something like the Cactus lv5
As for other equipment you'll need a tripod and possibly one or two flash units depending on your lighting situation.
You'll want to use completely manual settings to keep all photos exactly equal.
Most importantly you'll want to keep a reasonably high shutter speed to prevent any movement in the photo.
Originally by user70010. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user70010
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A beam-break remote trigger is the right basic idea for this. A laser/beam trigger system can fire the camera when a runner crosses the finish line, with the camera mounted in a fixed position.
Key things to consider:
- Use a remote trigger designed for beam interruption, such as a laser/beam trigger setup.
- Mount the camera securely on a tripod so framing stays fixed.
- Shoot in full manual exposure so every frame looks consistent.
- Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the runner’s motion.
- Depending on available light, you may want one or two flash units, but only if lighting conditions require it.
You’ll also want to pre-compose carefully so both the athlete and the clock are in frame at the trigger point. Since the camera is in a different location from you, reliability and repeatability matter more than changing settings shot to shot.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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