I recently read some suggestions for photographers headed to the Galapagos Islands. The use of a bean bag in leiu of a tripod was one idea that intrigued me. Has anyone done this or heard of it or seen likely beanbags? I'm trying to imagine how I could lighten the load and simply the process as I will be in the company of a group of people and don't want to become the ball & chain around their feet as I try to set up shots. (I also don't want to miss shots because I'm too slow)
You can create your own "beanbags" that are lighter and still solid enough. Go to a craft store and find some plastic beads. Smaller will allow you to make fine adjustments and larger will give you more support. I wouldn't go any larger than what would be comfortable as a bracelet on your wrist. The bag material should be flexible but weather resistant if possible. You could go with some sort of popcorn or rice in the bag but if it gets wet, it will swell and mold or rot.
As far as the bag goes, it depends on your camera/lens combo for weight and balance. For a typical camera w/o a gigantic zoom lense, I would have one that is about 3 in either across if it is a circle or each side square, for flat areas, one that is probably 5 or 6 in to provide a bigger base on a pointier setting. I would go for the smaller beads in the smaller size and larger beads or a mix of large and small in the larger bag. Obviously you can go with as many or as few beanbags as you want but I would suggest at least two so that you can stack them if need be.
You can experiment with bag sizes and bead sizes if you have time/material. I don't know if you have a sewing machine/skills but that would allow you to customize more. Outdoor stores may have small weather resistant/proof bags for you to try. Usually for stuff like toiletries or to keep a bunch of small stuff together.
A quick, cheap solution is to put one sock inside the other and fill with beads. Whatever you try, try it out before you leave and get comfortable with it. Put the bags in crevices, on angles, on pointy objects, anything to mimic the environment you think you will experience. That way you will have an idea of what to do when the time comes.
@csievert Thanks for the link., I have thought of a monopod...doubling as a walking stick for negotiating rocky trails. @pengu1n Hadn't considered a gorilla pod. @all71s Wow, thanks for this wonderful advice. It sounds like you've used this technique...with some success? Thanks everyone for some great ideas and links.
@ldpaul let me know how the experimenting and the actual shoot goes. I am following you so I can see the results too! I have used bean bags for mulitiple applications, they have always come in handy. One thing I didn't mention was check out some websites for pattern shapes, sizes and ideas. Here are two I found just typing in "bean bags for photography" in my favorite search engine.
I often prefer to hike with a stick, so I added a camera mount to the top of my walking stick with a quick release plate... I do enjoy my gorrilla pod... but bean bags have their use....
If you have ever tried to shot from the back of a moving truck or out the window of a plane (like with the windor removed from a small place)... it is a must... everything boucing around... I duct tape my bean bag down and have at it if the lens bounces up and down it is fine hitting the bean bag...
When I used DSLR a lot I used to carry tripod with me. The tripod got larger and larger, then it became too much I then reduceD the weight back and eventually carried only a monopod if I really needed it.
Now I use the floor, benches, poles, or anything i can lean my camera on :-)
When on a recent wildlife photography course the instructor recommended making your own and using seed to fill it so that you have both a beanbag to get a steady shot and have something to attract birds and small mammals.
@mrgtrueman Not to criticize but wouldn't be easier to have a handful in your pocket? If you end up using too much or can't seal the hole, your beanbag will cease to be a "beanbag". Just a thought. However it is a great idea to combine items and save space, if it is done right.
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You can create your own "beanbags" that are lighter and still solid enough. Go to a craft store and find some plastic beads. Smaller will allow you to make fine adjustments and larger will give you more support. I wouldn't go any larger than what would be comfortable as a bracelet on your wrist. The bag material should be flexible but weather resistant if possible. You could go with some sort of popcorn or rice in the bag but if it gets wet, it will swell and mold or rot.
As far as the bag goes, it depends on your camera/lens combo for weight and balance. For a typical camera w/o a gigantic zoom lense, I would have one that is about 3 in either across if it is a circle or each side square, for flat areas, one that is probably 5 or 6 in to provide a bigger base on a pointier setting. I would go for the smaller beads in the smaller size and larger beads or a mix of large and small in the larger bag. Obviously you can go with as many or as few beanbags as you want but I would suggest at least two so that you can stack them if need be.
You can experiment with bag sizes and bead sizes if you have time/material. I don't know if you have a sewing machine/skills but that would allow you to customize more. Outdoor stores may have small weather resistant/proof bags for you to try. Usually for stuff like toiletries or to keep a bunch of small stuff together.
A quick, cheap solution is to put one sock inside the other and fill with beads. Whatever you try, try it out before you leave and get comfortable with it. Put the bags in crevices, on angles, on pointy objects, anything to mimic the environment you think you will experience. That way you will have an idea of what to do when the time comes.
As I was crafting this reply @pengu1n beat me to it. Here is the link: http://joby.com/gorillapod
http://naturephotography.fredhurteau.com/bbbhowto.htm
http://photobeanbags.com/
I wasn't thinking anything this big because you have to pack them down there and around with you all day, but it is a jumping off point.
"doll stuffing" pellets in art supply stores and craft stores such as Michael's and Hobby Lobby would be the right size for "small beads"
If you have ever tried to shot from the back of a moving truck or out the window of a plane (like with the windor removed from a small place)... it is a must... everything boucing around... I duct tape my bean bag down and have at it if the lens bounces up and down it is fine hitting the bean bag...
Now I use the floor, benches, poles, or anything i can lean my camera on :-)
I've made one and plan on using it this weekend.