cameras-msg - 3/17/08

Use of cameras in the SCA. Hiding cameras.

NOTE: See also the files: p-cameras-msg, SCA-PR-msg, recruitment-msg, SCAguests-msg.

************************************************************************
NOTICE -

This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.

This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

I have done a limited amount of editing. Messages having to do with separate topics were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the message IDs were removed to save space and remove clutter.

The comments made in these messages are not necessarily my viewpoints. I make no claims as to the accuracy of the information given by the individual authors.

Please respect the time and efforts of those who have written these messages. The copyright status of these messages is unclear at this time. If information is published from these messages, please give credit to the originator(s).

Thank you,
    Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous
                                          Stefan at florilegium.org
************************************************************************

From: garwood at milo.UUCP (Berwyn)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: RE: Cameras at events
Date: 17 Jun 1993 02:25:33 -0400

At our last event there was a fellow wandering around with a bundle of
sticks on his shoulder.  He appeared to be a traveling stick merchant or
something, but concealed inside his bundle was a camcorder.  His bundle of
sticks has provided some excellent footage for our demo table.

Berwyn


From: Dave.Aronson at f120.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Dave Aronson)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Cameras at SCA events
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1993 20:39:52 -0500

ddfr at quads.uchicago.edu (david director friedman) writes:

 ddf> If people are
 ddf> trying to maintain a medieval atmosphere, than using something as
 ddf> noticable and strikingly out of period as a camera on a tripod
 ddf> (unless you are very clever about disguising it, or shooting from
 ddf> inside a tent where you cannot be seen, or something similar)

Which brings to mind a neat trick I saw a few Pennsics ago.  Someone had a
camcorder hidden inside a small barrel that he carried on his shoulder, with the
lens aimed out a hole in the lid.  If it weren't for the bit sticking down in
front of his eye, and the fact that his hand went inside the barrel (which could
be kluged off by a fake hand on the outside), one would never know.


From: salley at niktow.canisius.edu (David Salley)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Cameras at SCA events
Date: 18 Jun 93 14:39:21 GMT
Organization: Canisius College, Buffalo NY. 14208

In article <740371074.AA06809 at blkcat.UUCP>, Dave.Aronson at f120.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Dave Aronson) writes:
> ddfr at quads.uchicago.edu (david director friedman) writes:
> ddf> If people are
> ddf> trying to maintain a medieval atmosphere, than using something as
> ddf> noticable and strikingly out of period as a camera on a tripod
> ddf> (unless you are very clever about disguising it, or shooting from
> ddf> inside a tent where you cannot be seen, or something similar)
> 
> Which brings to mind a neat trick I saw a few Pennsics ago.  Someone had a
> camcorder hidden inside a small barrel that he carried on his shoulder, with 
> the lens aimed out a hole in the lid.  If it weren't for the bit sticking 
> down in front of his eye, and the fact that his hand went inside the barrel 
> (which could be kluged off by a fake hand on the outside), one would never 
> know.

Lord Robert of Hazeltine from the Barony of Rhydderich Hael is the inventor.
It's not a real barrel, he found a real barrel to be too heavy after awhile.
He used the barrel as a mold to make a paper-mache barrel which he then 
reinforced with chicken wire on the inside.  The outside was painted to look
like wood.  The barrel is hinged on the bottom so it opens like a suitcase
to give him access to the camcorder.  The entire inside of the barrel is full
of carved styrofoam which holds the camcorder in place.  He also carved a
few small niches in the foam to make slots to hold the various accessories.

It's astonishingly realistic looking.  Most people don't even realize that he
has a camera much less that he's filming.  You have to be within two feet of
him to realize the knothole is a lens and that the viewfinder is sticking out
the side.
                                                       - Dagonell

SCA Persona : Lord Dagonell Collingwood of Emerald Lake, CSC, CK, CTr
Habitat	    : East Kingdom, AEthelmearc Principality, Rhydderich Hael Barony
Disclaimer  : A society that needs disclaimers has too many lawyers.
Internet    : salley at niktow.cs.canisius.edu
USnail-net  : David P. Salley, 136 Shepard Street, Buffalo, New York 14212-2029


From: "Andrea B. Gansley-Ortiz" <ag1v+ at andrew.cmu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Filming at Pennsic (searching for advice - please read)
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1993 15:54:10 -0400
Organization: Information Networking Institute, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

I am posting this message for Mistress Ts'vee'a bas Tseepora. Please refer
to the address at the bottom of this message if you are interested in
finding out more about Filming at Pennsic.  -ag

       ***           ***           ***           ***            ***

I am sure it will be possible for you to shoot your project at Pennsic, with
a little pre-planning.

First, the Pennsic War is complicated for novices, even with prior SCA
experience and a group of people to camp with.  Since you are not in the SCA,
there are a lot of details you might not know to take care of prior to your
arrival. Try to talk to your friend not just about the particulars of garb
and a tent, but the mores of the Society and a description of the Pennsic War
in particular.  (I really don't recommend the Pennsic War as a first event,
it can be overwhelming to say the least.)

In order to shoot video at Pennsic, you should make arrangements with the
Autocrat, who for Pennsic XXII is Lady Elena de Vexin.  There is an
Autocrat's Point in the location known as St. Aiden's Square.  It will be
open during the day.  Stop by there when you arrive at the War.  You will
need to discuss your plans with Lady Elena, as there are places and
activities that you may _not_ shoot, and she will discuss this with you.  She
may want to arrange an escort for you, especially as you are not well versed
with SCA customs.  She can also help to make arrangements for good locations
to shoot other activities such as courts, etc.

Regarding shooting the battles:  you will need to discuss this with Sir
Bardolph Windlaufer, Pennsic XXII Marshal-In-Charge.  As Duke Sir Palymar has
told you, you will probably find him the most easily on the Battlefield.
Check the event schedule in the Program for 'Armor Inspection' times (I think
from 10-4 weekdays).

How large of a battle does your project need?  You might find it a whole lot
easier to shoot one of the non-War point battles (there are at least two that
are melee oriented) being held earlier in the week than to try to shoot the
War points.  The Program contains descriptions on the 'Battlefield Schedule'
that will help you to decide if a particular battle is suitable to your
needs, both for the melee shots you need and for individual combat.  Please
obtain permission from the contact person or sponsor before setting up to
shoot, as this is only courteous.

It is extremely unlikely that you will be allowed to do something so unsafe
as try to videotape during the woods battle.  There is a woods activity on
Tuesday, being run by the Dark Horde.  If you need footage of fighters
running through the woods, they might be able to help you much more safely.
Go to the Horde Camp and ask for Semaj.

Other activities that you might find useful for your project: the balls and
other dancing, fencing, archery, classes, marketplace, courts, and (maybe)
parties.  I would be happy to discuss the schedule for Pennsic and help you
devise a list of contact personnel you may wish to approach.  As editor of
the Program, I would be glad to help you with places and times of various
scheduled activities.

Regarding legal issues:  The Pennsic War is a private event, held by and for
the SCA.  It is not open to the public.  If you were planning to sell your
video, you would need to obtain waivers from the people you shoot, even crowd
scenes.  Not doing so leaves you open to a lawsuit.  Of course, since the
video is for your private use (as a classroom project with no distribution
intentions) permission from your subjects is less vital, but still important.
You should ask permission before shooting anyone up close, even in a group of
other people.  Please discuss the legalities with one of your professors or
you might try to find a lawyer who specializes in 'Arts and the Law.'  (You
might be able to get some free advice from the law school at your university
- my father, an attorney, occasionally gives lectures on this topic at our
local university)  If someone tells you they do not wish to be taped, please
respect their wishes, no matter how good a shot it might be.

Video tips:  in order to find 'reasonably realistic weaponry' - buy a roll of
metallic silver duct tape before the War.  Offer it to the fighters you use
for the one-on-one footage to wrap their swords before the fight.  On a sunny
day, the glints of light off the tape will seem more 'realistic' than plain
duct tape.  Fighters will probably be amenable to rewrapping their swords for
your project.  I don't know how many swords a roll will cover, but you should
get at least two.

You could also talk some fighters into letting you shoot an 'armor repair'
session - I find a bunch of half-armored guys fixing popped rivets and
leather straps to be very photogenic, and a good pre-battle activity.  If you
can afford to buy a case of beer to share with the fighters, this would be a
much appreciated good-will gesture.

If there is any other help or advice about Pennsic I can provide, please do
not hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached at (412) 361-6754 or 206 S.
Pacific #2, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.  My e-mail address is only good until
September, but it is: galst5 at vms.cis.pitt.edu

In service,
Mistress Ts'vee'a bas Tseepora Levi
aka Gail Lefkowitz 
    (BS in Video Production, Northwestern University)
    galst5 at vms.cis.pitt.edu


From: alberic at infinet.com (Brian Meek)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things we tolerate
Date: 24 Aug 1994 19:47:06 GMT
Organization: InfiNet - Internet Access (614/224-3410)

Greetings all;

On the subject of cameras and other oddities, I saw a neat device at Pennsic
this year.  (actually 2 neat devices..)
the first consisted of a small wicker basket with a little piece of deerskin
as a top cover.  The deerskin flopped over the sides a small distance, thus
neatly concealing the two camera ports cut into the sides of the basket.
(a lady's hand basket)  the two cameras sat back to back,one had a 50MM lens,
and the other had a 28, both had 'silentwinders', and a pair of cable 
releases running up into the handle of the basket.  For the ultimate in 
stealth photography...  (for the curious, one of them was a Zeiss Ikon, 
and the whole mess was rigged by an ex-fed.)  the other neat trick I saw,
besides some ingenious methods of dealing with rain and mud involved the
use of a small wine cask to conceal a videocamera....the lens peeked out 
of the bunghole.  (of course) The cask was shoulder held most of the time.

--
*#*##*#*#*##*#*#*#*##*###*##*#*#*#*##*#*#*#*#*##*#*#*#*#*#*#*#
       Alberic at infinet.com -or- Alberic6 at delphi.com
                    Speaker to Machines.  
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*


From: sclark at epas.utoronto.ca (Susan Carroll-Clark)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things we tolerate
Date: 25 Aug 1994 15:06:32 GMT
Organization: University of Toronto -- EPAS

Greetings...
	Concealed cameras do have their negatives.  A friend of mine
was down at the Classic Swimming Hole when someone was discovered with
a concealed camera.  The gentles who discovered it removed the film
from the offending device.

(and yes, I just noticed the pun in the first sentence!:-)

Cheers!
Nicolaa/Susan
Canton of Eoforwic
sclark at epas.utoronto.ca


From: corliss at hal.PHysics.wayne.EDU (David J. Corliss)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Flash photography
Date: 26 Sep 1994 16:54:41 -0400
Organization: the internet

Master Arval writes:

 > There is a rule in the East and perhaps elsewhere against flash photography
 > during the main activities of an event.

In informal situations, I can see no problem with flash photography. It is
neccessary to use careful and courteous judgement, which is why there are often
problems. Think first of the others around you: will the intended subject or
others in your company be offended by the flash? Remember that when flash
photography is used, you are extended a courtesy: do not abuse this.

Some years ago, I was playing at a Scottish Highland Festival in Orlando,
Florida. This was not an SCA event and cameras were common and widely accepted.
At one point, I was performing at a Ceilidh in front of a couple of hundred
people who had nothing to do at that particular moment other than listen to my
harp. Although I had positioned myself so that any flashes from cameras in the
audience would not distract me from my performance, one person maneuvered
around to the side of the stage and set off his camera flash directly in my
face from a few feet away. While the discomfort to myself was considerable, the
resulting faltering in my music was a discourtesy to all present, who had come
for the sole purpose of hearing people play. I have seen this kind of thing
happen at SCA events: when I saw King Dag ambushed by cameras when he placed
Stephen Egermont on vigil before his knighting, I recoiled at the memory of
what Dag was experiencing at that moment.

Beorthwine of Grafham Wood


From: djheydt at uclink.berkeley.edu (Dorothy J Heydt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: newcomer querys
Date: 24 Sep 1994 02:24:35 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley

(Hal posting from Dorothy's account...)
In article <35thsu$9rh at netaxs.com>, theo <tubright at netaxs.com> wrote:
>sarah davitt (sdavitt at ub.d.umn.edu) wrote:
>: 2)Are there any rules to taking photographs?
>
>        The only rule about photography that I'm aware of is no flash
>photography during court or feasts. (this may only be an East realm 
>edict, but I consider it basic manners)

As a specific *rule* that is not universal.  As a general
practice, it's an excellent idea.  I have yet to see an event
that is so dark that no image can be recorded--but I've been known
to use 5-minute exposures on occasion.  Fast film (color print
film is available up to 3200 and I don't know how far Tri-x or
T-max can be pushed, many thousands at least), fast lenses (two
companies make 50mm F1.0 lenses), and then slow the shutter until
you get what you want.

	--Hal Ravn
	 (Hal Heydt)


From: gdfirt at aol.com (Gdfirt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Publication photographs.
Date: 11 Apr 1995 17:54:30 -0400

To respond to what was said about taking press photos at events:

A photojournalist can take a photo and publish it of anyone if they are in
a public place. Ethically a photographer should ask permission to use the
photo after it is taken.  

An event is a private affair and all photos taken should not be published
unless taken by private citizens and given to the press WITH the
permission of the people photographed and the events organizers (ie-SCA
Corporate since they have to deal with lawsuits and insurance, and the autocrat)
If it is a public demo where non-SCA people are welcome to come, or it is
advertised in a public medium (newspaper) then it is considered a public 
place and all photos can be published.

This is Federal law.  Each state also has different privacy laws.
As a photojournalist I have never published a photo of someone if their
permission was not given. Most newspaper photographers follow this ethical 
rule, except in cases of the rich and famous.

I take at least one roll of film per event that I go to document it. 
Where as my friends complain at the time, later on they like to see how
they changed over the years.

Sorry this is so serious-
Elisabetta


From: djheydt at uclink.berkeley.edu (Dorothy J Heydt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Photography Question
Date: 24 Jan 1996 15:45:49 GMT
Organization: University of California at Berkeley

In article <4e4gmh$cld at azure.acsu.buffalo.edu>,
TRISTAN CLAIR DE LUNE/KEN MONDSCHEIN <v081lu33 at ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu> wrote:

[I accompanied my magazine article with SCA photos I took myself;
was that wrong?]

Hal has been taking photos at every event he goes to since about
the year Five.  Nobody has complained yet.  He's provided photos
to various magazines and newspapers who were doing articles on
the Society.  Nobody complained about that.  He showed up at BART
practice last night with several hundred prints for a reporter
from a local paper to choose from.  Hilary of Serendip encouraged
him to do so.

The only thing you would want to be careful of is close-in,
recognizable pictures of an individual.  In that case, I'd get
the subject's OK before giving the photo to the publisher--who in
any case, if it is a respectable publisher, would want to get a
release from the subject before publishing such a photo.

If your photos are all nifty-looking group shots, wherein nobody
who didn't know them would recognize anyone if they met them in
mundanes, I wouldn't worry.

Dorothea of Caer-Myrddin		Dorothy J. Heydt
Mists/Mists/West			UC Berkeley
Argent, a cross forme'e sable		djheydt at uclink.berkeley.edu
PRO DEO ET REGE


Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 10:27:02 -0700
From: Heather Senkler <wl835 at victoria.tc.ca>
Subject: Re: Photography

On Tue, 14 Jul 1998, Stefan li Rous wrote:
> There are a number of ways to make a camera unobtrusive.

How about a basket? Wicker is light and easily cut-up-able.

                Ekatarina (thinking about cutting a hole in my shield for
                        a "throw-away" camera to get taped to)


Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] help.. ideas please for camera w/tripod camaflouge
Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2001 12:01:51 -0500
From: "Elizabeth Crouchet" <ecs at io.com>
To: <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>

While it may not work for a camera I once saw a video camera on a tripod
disguised to look like a very skinny woman in a skrit and wearing a hat. She
had her arm stuck out to the side all day (where the handle was) . It was
very clever. The man standing behind "her" looked like her was nuzzling her
hair. Some people even excused themselves when they got too close to her
before they looked directly at her. It was really great. Kinda of like
talking to a Department store dummy.

If you are not going to use a tripod, just keep it in a basket until you
need to use it. Then just use it and put it away. Actually, the less
attention you call to it the less obvious it will be.

Claire
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Hemphill <producer at us.ibm.com>
To: bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>
Date: Monday, July 02, 2001 11:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Bryn-gwlad] help.. ideas please for camera w/tripod camaflouge

>Stefan mentioned:
>"While neat, I think walking around holding an owl might be as intruding as
>the camera. Maybe a hawk, perhaps."
>------------------------------------------
>To which Eule responded:
>I wouldn't recommend that either! ;-)
>
>Now, I've just realized that I may be misunderstanding your use of
>camouflage.  I was originally thinking camouflage for some sort of nature
>photography (I've used "gilly suit" type material just draped over
>everything.  You can get it at Academy.).  But if you mean for use in the
>SCA, an owl, hawk, falcon would be *really* clever.  Of course, once you
>raise it to your face to take a picture, someone might think you were being
>attacked by the nasty beast! ;-)
>
>Eule/Steve


Subject: [Bryn-gwlad] camera w/tripod camaflouge
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 14:52:43 -0500
From: "Yeates, Jay" <jyeates at idmp.com>
To: "'bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org'" <bryn-gwlad at ansteorra.org>


seen this one *years* ago that worked pretty good for a old-style SLR
...

go down and buy a cheap mini tripod ... remove the section that
screws into the camera base ... make a staff and secure this piece to
one end (a threaded metal reciever insert to match the size &
threading of the mounting piece) - cut staff so camera is eye level
when mounted .... step one produces camera on a "monopod" (and when
camera is removed) a good walking stick.

now comes the fun part ... get out your wood carving tools and design
and carve a staff "ornament" that covers most of the camera but
allows hands to get to critical controls (focus/zoom & capture button
for example).  paint ornament same color as the camera body - eye
will be drawn to the ornamentation and not the camera, and at
distance camera will all but dissapear ... ie, a camera "mask"

the one i saw done well was only obvious as a camera when you got
close ... from a distance it was a really fine looking interlocked
double dragon (the interlocking / knotwork tends to grab the eye
*away* from the single glass element in the center ... was done so
well, the lens looked like a natural part of the design (rear had a
small curtain to shield the back when it was not being used)

carry one step farther ... take a spear head, fill in socket and
install a matched insert ... when camera is off staff and it's not
being used as walking stick / camera base, it becomes a break-down
assegai (g)

downside of this rig, when you have it camera mode, they'll think
you're a herald or in cahrge of something ... and in heat of battle
someone might grab it as a marshalling staff (grin)

'wolf


From: quester at infionline.net (Harold Groot)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: OT: Digital camera for Pennsic
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2003 11:37:42 GMT

>> In article <bsj7ib$dm3$0 at 208.239.203.57>,
>>  "Jeff Foehringer" <degan at ccia.com> wrote:
>> >     I'm writing to beg for a little technical advice from my SCA brethren.
>> > I have been looking for a digital camera.  One of the things I want to do is
>> > take photographs at Pennsic at night without a flash.  I also want to take
>> > action shots on the battle field.   I know that with a conventional camera,
>> > I would think about using high speed film, opening the aperture and perhaps
>> > changing shutter speed.  My question is, do digital cameras also have
>> > shutter speeds and apertures, or do they handle low light conditions in some
>> > other manner?  What features would I look for on a digital camera to do low
>> > light or capture people in motion?
>> > 
>> >    I do plan to do a little research next week on digital photography, but I
>> > would love some advice from those who are experienced with digital cameras.
>> > What model cameras have some of you gotten good results with in such
>> > situations.
>> >      My sister gave me a Sony DSC-P10  Cyber Shot for Christmas, along with
>> > the receipt and permission to exchange it for a better camera if I can find
>> > one (she knows even less about digital photography than me).  This camera
>> > has a feature called Burst Shot (3 shots) which I assume is for action
>> > photos.  It also has a feature called MPEG Movie VX, which I assume is for
>> > use with  digital video editing software.  I assume this camera can be
>> > hooked up to my computer for downloading images.  I hope someone can give me
>> > advice on whether this is a good camera or if there is something better on
>> > the market.

The first thing to do is decide what it is you really want to do well.
For example, are you are looking for that perfect action shot (and
could accept less detail) or are you looking for crisp shots that can
be enlarged well?  On those night shots - are you looking to document
what is happening at parties or are you looking for artistic, shadowy
moonscapes?

=IF= you are primarily concerned with getting that perfect action
shot, a mini-DV camcorder may be your best choice.  You can film an
entire combat sequence and then go through it frame by frame to catch
the perfect pose.  If you want to catch the rattan sword actually in
contact with the helm (being bent by its own momentum) as the killing
blow is struck, even the burst mode of a camera is not likely to catch
it.  If the dancers are doing intricate moves, you don't have to worry
about them facing the wrong way or cutting in front of one another -
film the whole thing and find the perfect composition on a single
frame or two.  The downside is that the typical frame will be a 640 x
480 jpg, so you don't get super crispness and can't enlarge it too
much.

The same tradeoffs happen with night photography.  If your primary
purpose is to document what's happening without disturbing others with
a flash unit, you can get a videocam that shoots by infrared light at
night.  This can work even in literally zero external light.  Very
unobtrusive, but your pictures will be in black-and-white (well,
green-and-white).  In low light you can also shoot in color at very
slow shutter speeds, but unless you are shooting from a tripod the
motion of the camera itself can dominate things. 

If you're looking for beautiful photography, go with a camera.  If
your looking for beautiful composition of action shots, a camcorder
may be better.  And don't overlook what can be done in the digital
darkroom.  A program like Photoshop Elements can often make major
improvements in marginal shots.

My own needs have usually been to get that perfect composition.  For
example, I shot a birthday party in a hotel room with a lot of kids
using just available low-level indoor light.  Very unobtrusive, the
kids paid almost no attention to me.  I got dozens of great candid
shots when the kids had that perfect smile, etc.  Somewhat grainy, but
great composition.  It was a great tool for that job - but I wouldn't
have wanted to use it for a formal portrait.

So decide first what type of pictures you want to do well - then you
can get the equipment that handles that situation the best.  If you
have several types you want to do well, you will be making tradeoffs
and will have to judge what it is you want - fairly good results with
everything, or great results with one thing at the cost of poor
results with something else and so on.  

Of course, you may decide that capturing the motion and the sound is
more important than you originally thought, that a camcorder
experience may be more important than those single shots you are
currently thinking about.  The MPEG Movie is probably limited to very
short durations.  A lot of digital cameras are also limited to 2x or
3x magnification.  Most camcorders will have 10x optical magnification
(ignore digital magnification numbers like 400x - you're just
magnifying the blur on that).  If you want a good shot of your Baron
in the middle of the field battle, that extra magnification is really
good to have and shooting the whole thing is good too - because much
of the time he'll be obscured by other people.  By staying on him
you'll get the good moment that would be very easy to miss with a
still camera.  Getting that bardic circle or bellydancing contest goes
better with sound and motion.  Getting the night fog over the lake
goes better with a still camera.


From: "David W. James" <unend at aolDAMNSPAM.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: OT: Digital camera for Pennsic
Date: Thu, 01 Jan 2004 19:03:44 GMT

I liked Harold's suggestions regarding a camcorder vs a camera; I have 
used both when at auto races, and each has its advantages.  But a 
camcorder can't be beat when it comes to getting those action shots.  
Note that some of them go as high as 20x optical zoom *and* have image 
stabilization, which is a great boon when shooting long range.  These 
aren't the tiny ones, though they aren't nearly as large as the old 
camcorders were.

As far as the digital camera is concerned, what everyone else has said 
about the importance of an optical zoom is correct.  However, with the 
better digital cameras you are not limited to what the camera can do 
alone.  Several, including most of the Nikon Coolpix line, several 
Olympus and some Sony's, can take an external telephoto or wide angle 
adaptor.  For long range shots these tend to be either limited in 
increase (the 3x adaptor for my Coolpix is as heavy as the camera!) or 
in speed (I have very portable 6x and 8x adaptors; but they eat a lot of 
light, so their use for action photography is very limited.)

For the low-light shots, make sure that the camera you use has the 
option of an external release; being able to set the camera on a padded 
pouch and trigger it without touching it can make a world of difference, 
and is both portable and unobtrusive; both good for events.  Using the 
camera's time delay can substitute in some situations, but eats a lot 
more time (3 seconds seems to be the shortest delay I see, and most are 
10 seconds.)  Some newer digitals allow for extremely long (for digital) 
releases; up to 30 seconds isn't that uncommon, and a few have a 'bulb' 
setting that will allow for several minutes.  Nighttime event landscapes 
might be the only common use of this, but I suspect there might be some 
neat abstracts available for a long exposure of a dimly lit dance.

The newer cameras tend to use dedicated batteries.  The smaller cameras 
especially, and the small, custom (or nearly so) batteries are often 
also of smaller capacity.  There are external battery packs; Quantum 
makes a line of lead-acid externals that can power a digital for days, 
but they are expensive and relatively heavy.  If your camera can take AA 
or AAA batteries, there are solar rechargers on the market that were 
made for camping and events like Pennsic.  I have seen some that claim 
to work with other batteries and chargers, but I haven't tried one yet.

Note: I suggest doing your battery recharging in your car, if possible 
(mind the heat!), or finding some other way to disguise/hide your 
recharger in camp.  I think solar panels are a lovely blue, but they 
practically define 'obtrusive modernity.'

You can either bring a lot of memory cards and check things when you get 
home, bring a laptop and troop out to the car to download and check 
things periodicly or you can find a portable HD that reads and stores 
files from memory cards.  Each method has its advantages and 
disadvantages.  All memory, check it later can run out of storage and 
won't allow you to catch a systemic problem that can render all the 
images unusable.  The laptop is more general, but you need to keep it 
powered up too (though if it stays in the car it may well run the week 
of Pennsic without a problem.) The mini-HDs can be expensive.  There are 
several on the market, with prices ranging up to $800 or so, that do a 
fine job and can store 10 to 60 gig.  Most double as MP3 players and/or 
portable disk drives.  I have heard that there is a Compact Flash 
adaptor for the Apple iPod that will allow it to do this, but I haven't 
seen it, so it is even possible that you already own something that can 
server.

David/Kwellend-Njal


From: Richard Threlkeld <rjt at softwareinnovation.com>
Date: September 11, 2007 2:11:44 PM CDT
To: "'Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.'" <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events

-----Original Message-----
From: ansteorra-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org On Behalf Of Mike Dudley

I know, for the most part, photography is one of the anachronisms we accept
in the SCA since we all like to look at the pictures.  Though I would like
to disguise my camera bag, and possibly my camera a bit better.  (ideas
welcome here)

 A couple weekends back, I was at an event, that the use of my flash was
needed to insure acceptable pictures.  The whole time hoping I wasn't
offending/annoying anyone popping off my flash every time someone received
an award (was during evening court, under a  pavillion).  Most of the time I
can make use of existing light, but as evening approaches, or worse, things
under large pavilions require the use of some fill flash.

My question is, how do you feel about the use of flash at events?
-- 
- Mike (aka Collwyn)
------------------------

I take a lot of pictures at events. I really try to avoid the use of flash.
That means I only get a few good pictures from most evening courts. I
usually ask the noble presiding about their feelings on flash. I point out
that I will not be able to get many pictures of any quality without it.
Sometimes they will ask you to only use it for major activity like
elevations. Other times they may ask you to not use flash at all.

To some extent it depends on the attempt they have made at making a period
court. If they are outside with only torches to light the area and are
really trying for a certain mood, then you should probably not use flash as
it will destroy what they are trying to achieve. If you are in a modern hall
with overhead lighting and they are using an electronic sound system, then
there is no mood to disrupt. 

Use some discretion and get some rules from the noble. 

Caelin on Andrede 


From: Gwynafwy Sinclaire <gwynafwy26 at yahoo.com>
Date: September 11, 2007 3:30:20 PM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events

Yes, a flash can be obtrusive at times but it is a
necessary evil at times as well.
Take it from me - a photographer in my mundane life.
I intrude with my camera and flash everywhere.  LOL
I have come to the realization that someone in the
future (near or far) will want this or that picture -
that they "will" just have to deal with the flash.  I
have people request pictures from me all the time and
visa versa.

The reasoning behind this is:
  1.  If you don't use a flash what is the use of
taking a camera in the first place - other than taking
day time pictures.
and
2.  If you don't use a flash and take night/evening
pictures anyway "people" will be upset that "their
picture" or what they think is a very "memorable
moment" will be dark, grainy and/or blurry.  In other
words yucky! - and again why bother.  I know this from
personal experience. :)

I wish to say sorry now to those that may disagree and
want to keep closer to the reason why we play - I
understand and agree with that idea.  But please
understand that we, as a whole, also need to keep a
record of "our way of life" for future generations.

My suggestion to you, Collwyn, is to limit how many
pictures you take during, lets say an evening Court,
and/or maybe talk to a member(s) of the entourage and
let them know what you will be doing so when the time
comes any Royalty and staff will not be taken by
surprise by the flash.

I hope that this will help ease your mind abit about
things.

Gwynafwy


From: Alden Drake <alden_drake at sbcglobal.net>
Date: September 11, 2007 3:42:33 PM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events

Gwynafwy Sinclaire wrote:
> I wish to say sorry now to those that may disagree and
> want to keep closer to the reason why we play - I
> understand and agree with that idea.  But please
> understand that we, as a whole, also need to keep a
> record of "our way of life" for future generations.

If you want another way to keep memories alive, you could always
commission a bard to compose a tale, poem, song, etc. that pertains to
the occasion in question. :)

Alden Drake


From: Chris Zakes <dontivar at gmail.com>
Date: September 11, 2007 4:19:02 PM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events

> Mike,  You may as well be damned for poop as damned
> for stinking.  If you can accept the use of the
> camera, you may as well accept the use of the flash.
> Additionally, in any group you are sure to offend
> someone, learn to accept that as well.
> Pavel

I disagree. A camera can be pretty unobtrusive, if done right, but a
flash going off is obvious to *everybody.* Saying that the flash is
no more unacceptable than the camera is kind of like saying "well, my
shoes aren't period, so I may as well wear a Led Zeppelin T-shirt
instead of a tunic."

Personally, I don't like flash photography at events, and would
rather it didn't happen.

          -Tivar Moondragon


From: robert segrest <aumbob at yahoo.com>
Date: September 11, 2007 4:48:28 PM CDT
To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events

Collwyn said:
"My question is, how do you feel about the use of flash
at events?"

The general responses seem to be that flash
photography is an unavoidable requirement of good
pictures and that pictures are desirable or downright
necessary

Although I am rarely personally offended by
anachronisms, even those more egregious than flash
photography, it seems that this discussions points out
something easily overlooked about the recreation that
we are pursuing.

Part of what makes the SCA appealing to me is the
recreation of oral traditions.  Personally, I would
rather not see a picture of what happened in court (I
know that I am in a very small minority here).  I
would rather hear someone tell me what happened in
court, complete with discriptions of people I don't
know, and pantomime of facial expressions etc.  We are
recreating a time where pictorial reproduction of a
scene was incredibly difficult and reserved for
occassions of great significance.  Even where such
reproductions were made (usually through paintings or
woodcuts), the artist projects himself into the scene
through the methods he uses to reproduce it.

I have heard stories:  Michael of Monmouthshire riding
into court on a shield a la Surfboard, Sir Emrys'
knighting, The Impervious shield of Sir Erasmus, and
others.  Now I do not know, or barely know, any of the
people involved in these stories, but they are
indelibly burnt into my memory.  I'm sure pictures
were taken at the time (maybe not of Sir Erasmus), but
they could not possibly live up to the larger than
life images I have of these moments.  In many ways the
"ephemeral" arts of song and story can outlast the
"permanent" arts of visual reproduction.

I do not wish to denigrate the photographer's art, and
I know that many do want pictures of the important
events of their lives, in and out of the SCA.  But we
might do well to remember that there is more than one
way to make our history permanent, and some of them
are more in keeping with the ways of life we wish to
(re)create.

Fatthiopap Laszlo


From: Zubeydah Jamilla al-Badawiyya <zubeydah at northkeep.org>
Date: September 11, 2007 6:12:19 PM CDT
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events

Fatthiopap Laszlo raises some very good points about the beauty of oral 
history, and the 'gosh did you see at court, when...'   Alas, these stories 
are lost over time, and as the participation of the witnesses ebbs and 
flows. He referenced three stories: "Michael of Monmouthshire riding into 
court on a shield a la Surfboard, Sir Emrys' knighting, The Impervious 
shield of Sir Erasmus, and others. "  I've been participating for six years 
here in Ansteorra -- I've never heard any of those stories.  (I would love 
to, btw.)

But when I am able to reference a photograph of what happened in a court, 
it's far more likely that I or others will hear those stories - there's a 
visual cue for people to respond to, rather than relying on memory or the 
telephone game of, "I heard such and such happened".. I've been actively 
soliciting such stories for several years now, and it's rare that anyone is 
willing to provide such a description. It tends to get boiled down a dry 
recitation of awards, and little else.

Take for example, the court at Namron's Beltane.  I could show you:  A bard 
was called into court and asked to perform a specific piece. Many in the 
audience were visibly moved. Moments after he finished, the Laurels were 
called forth. The Crown asked if he would accept a Peerage.  The bard, with 
the gracious consent of Their Majesties, half dashed, half stumbled in shock 
to where his lady sat nearby.  He swept her up, holding tightly to her 
hands. He asked her consent, knowing it would affect her life, too, should 
he accept. She granted it, and he embraced her.  Or, I could tell you: 
"Finnican was asked to join the Laurels, and it was cool."

I wouldn't have wanted to miss that moment, and through a camera, I was able 
to share it with others.  The story is told clearly, in images, and with 
additional snippets of words. Shared with all who couldn't make it, who will 
never meet anyone who was there, or even from other Kingdoms who know and 
care about this bard.

Most courts occur in the evening. Most evening courts require some form of 
artificial light. A flash takes all of a second's interruption, to capture a 
moment for participants and friends, Peers and others from across the 
society. Why rob them of the ability to share in that moment?

Waxing loquacious,

Zubeydah


From: "Epperson, Sheryl" <eppersos at oge.com>
Date: September 11, 2007 3:47:40 PM CDT
To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Flash Photography at events (Mike Dudley)

So far as disguising your camera bag, you might possibly have someone
simply make a larger pouch that you could put it in.  This could be
either fabric or leather, and decorated if desired.

Personally, while pictures are nice, I would rather have pictures of
myself taken during the day, and not have flashes at court.  I do,
however, understand those wishing to record an event.

It is nice to have pictures of court, especially of awards for those
receiving them and their friends/family.  However, if you could check
with the nobility presiding over court, especially if you're planning on
taking pictures of much of court, they could possibly have someone
(preferably the photographers themselves) do some coordinating.  That
way, hopefully there would only be one or two flashes going off at a
time, and the photographers could also enjoy watching part of court.

Annabelle Fitzsimmons
Barony of Namron

<the end>
Edited by Mark S. Harris	cameras-msg	Page 16 of 16