The 486 RC2 is an old head. I’m not sure what model has replaced it. As you say it’s difficult to see from the pictures. Get down to a Calumet and check out the whole range at first hand. If I was buying again now I’d probably go with Gitzo or Arca Swiss but my Manfrotto heads show no sign of wearing out so there is no reason to replace them.

Cheers, Damien.

I can’t seem to locate one anywhere in-stock (also ur link to W.E. takes you now to a totally different head) instead I keep getting pointed to the 496RC2 is this an update? Cant’ get a response from Manfrotto if it is. On the product shots it looks as if the ‘opening’ on the top isn’t as rounded thus limiting the forward/backward tilt.
Just wondering if you’d seen this head and if that was the case.
Thanks, Martin.

Thanks for your kind comments on my DVDs. You are right about the head. You need a ball and socket head. The ‘monopod head’ doesnt do the job of tilting up or down with the camera in portrait mode. Why the makers didn’t think of that I’ve no idea. Get yourself a ball and socket head.

Cheers, Damien.

I purchased the ‘Big Day’ & ‘Winter weddings’ DVDs from you at the Focus exhibition this year.
I found that the DVDs have helped me significantly to improve in the sector by ‘filling me in’ on the shoot experience I was lacking.

I’ve Just been out and purchased a Manfrotto 644CX Monopod with a 234RC head. As I’ve only ever used tripods before and liked the idea of using one for the overhead technique (which in the past Ive stood on a chair at a venue!)
Although, I think I’ve taken the wrong advice from the supplier in the choice of head, I notice you use the 486. I’m a little worried about not being able to tilt just the camera down.
I suspect only time will tell, but have you tried this head?

Thank you,

Martin

This DVD is very inspirational! I pick up new ideas and techniques each time I watch it.

When using the 70 – 200 f2.8 lens hand held without the tripod mount, or when carrying the camera by the strap over the shoulder with this lens attached, is there any way that the weight of the lens could damage the lens mount on a 5D Mk2? I didn’t realise how heavy this lens was until I started to use it recently – you make it look like light work on the DVD!

Thanks
Alan

I watched the DVD few times already and I love it so much! It is the best I have seen so far.

I know many wedding photographer always carrying two camera, but you and Julie just carry one. I do prefer to work with one camera, but sometime changing lens is a headache. After saw your DVD, it looks very easy to switch lenses.

I also never thought about using a monopod. Now I think I will get one. I will also check out the bag that you use. I am using a backpack and was thinking about a roller. But those type of bags are not easy to change lens.

Thanks,
Alex

Use a 24mm or wider on a full frame camera. Start with very wide until your confidence grows. I used a 16mm lens setting for the pictures in the Big Day DVD. Practice makes perfect.

Cheers, Damien.

Great book, DVDs etc – also love the blog. I’m not sure if this is the correct part of the blog to ask, but here goes…

I attempted to do an overhead shot with my camera on a monopd high above my head and a remote release to fire off a whole bunch of frames. All I got was photographs of the grass and pavement around the couple. Any tips – or is it just practice?

Steve

Yes, I swap lenses with the camera on. I swap lenses about 50 times a day without any issues.

I hope this helps,

Damien.

Do you swap your lenses without turning the camera off?

Rob

Thanks for your question and your kind words. When I use the monopod I focus on the subjects feet then raise the camera 6 feet into the air and the focus will be spot on. Below is the answer from the same question earlier in this thread…

I use just the centre point for focusing and I occasionally flick the camera into manual focus for the odd tracking shot. Coming down the isle is one such time where it is safer to focus and reframe the first shot then flick the camera into manual focus and maintain the same distance between me and the couple. That way the focus doesn’t throw to the alter etc. This process is automatic for me because I’ve done it hundreds of times.

I do spot focus and re-frame at times when I shoot overhead. Other times I focus at normal height and whilst keeping the shutter half pressed I put the camera in the air slightly in front of me so that the camera is the same distance to the subject.

TIP: Imagine there is a piece of string between the camera and subject and you have to keep the string taught. Keep this in your mind when framing or doing tracking shots.

When I take pictures from above my head it is automatic framing that I employ. It is like running back for a tennis ball and even though you are facing away from the court when you hit the ball you instinctively know where the ball has to go. I always use a wide angle lens setting and I can look up at my camera and know where it is pointing. When I first started using this method I used to cut off heads just like anyone else but before I lowered my hand I’d tilt the camera back look up at the screen to spot check. If I needed to make an adjustment It would be easy to do. If you lower your hand down and look at the camera you have to start from scratch if the shot needs repeating.

Practice makes perfect. It’s like ice skating, difficult at first then after a lot of practice it becomes intuitive.

I hope this makes sense.

Damien.

Received your DVD’s a few days back and have watched them already twice. They are absolutely great! I have a question about focussing: In several instances you raise the camera above your head to take a picture. How do you focus, especially when you use your monopod in the air. Are you guessing the distance and focus manually, or is there another trick to do this? Very curious to here from you.
Regards,
Rob

The finished album was square. We leave it entirely up to the couple to chose the size, shape and cover material for their album products. We use the Jorgensen range of albums and our clients can choose what they want. The price stays the same.

I hope this helps.

Damien.