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Step right up
A little stepladder can help you make big photos
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When a beautiful landscape is blocked by foreground bushes, rise above them using a small stepladder to capture the view.
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THE VIEW IS BETTER FROM UP THERE
Need to shoot a parade or other crowd-gathering attraction, but can’t get a decent spot in front of the audience? Rise above them on a portable stepladder. We’re not talking a five or six-step ladder here; two or three steps can make a big difference and a small stepladder is easy to haul around and set up.
Shooting a large family group at a wedding and can’t see everyone in the crowd? Or maybe the background is unattractive and you can’t easily move the whole group to a better location. Shoot down on them from your handy stepladder. Not only will all the faces be visible, but shooting at a downward angle can eliminate some or all of the unattractive background, too.
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A STEPLADDER IS MORE THAN JUST AN ELEVATOR
Not only can you get a different angle for your shot by shooting from above while standing it, but a stepladder has other photographic uses, too.
Here are some examples: If you need a stable base when you don’t have a tripod, rest your camera on a beanbag or folded cloth placed on your trusty stepladder;If you want a boost to climb a tree, a wall or some other structure for a higher-angled shot, your stepladder may get you up there (and down again) when nothing else will; You can even use it as an impromptu posing stool by having a subject sit on it to have a more-relaxed portrait taken; It makes a great mini-table for changing batteries, film or digital media, or just to support a cup of coffee or your heavy camera bag while your shoulders get a rest; Use your stepladder to support one of your feet to allow you to rest an elbow on your knee when you need additional camera stability.
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A mini-stepladder will get you above the crowd at a popular presentation for an unobstructed view.
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A lightweight ladder that folds flat is easy to use and practical.
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A SMALL LADDER IS A USEFUL PHOTOGRAPHER'S TOOL
You get the picture. Unquestionably, a stepladder can be a handy “photographer’s friend.”
Add a small, portable stepladder to the list of gear you take with you on location and you will be surprised how many times you make use of it. And how your pictures can improve as a result of that little added height or extra support.
A stepladder that folds flat and that is made from hollow metal tubing and therefore relatively light weight is ideal for carrying around with you. It stows in a small space and can even serve as a chair for those times when you have to wait for the right photo moment.
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A STUDIO CAN HAVE MORE THAN ONE STEPLADDER
The humble stepladder is also handy in the studio. You don't realize how many times you need it until it goes missing, like when a neighbour borrows it. Every studio seems to have at least one. We always have two and sometimes three or more in our studio, depending on the shooting assignment.
You step up on it to look down on the studio scene, to get above your model or to adjust a tall light or a high backdrop. You sit on its top step to get a medium-high shot. A backdrop can be laid against it for emergency support. You can use it as a posing tool for your subject to sit or lean on. (An example is shown on the right.) An assistant can stand on it to aim a reflector from the right height. You'll need it to adjust a high hair light or to suspend items from the ceiling. It seems to fill a dozen or more needs in the studio.
Don't have a stepladder with you today? See our tip called Height helps for alternative ways of gaining height.
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A stepladder is so handy, it can even serve as a studio prop.
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This rodeo photographer came prepared. She knew she had to get above the tarpaulin to photograph the event.
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