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Using drones to take backdrop photographs? Edit - and other backdrop photo questions

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  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Friday, September 13, 2019 1:58 PM

I wasn't intentionally being critical of anybody using any of the photos as backdrops, I was trying to convey how the best angle would produce the best backdrop. 

I'm not very precise as some others, but I assume if somone bothered to calculate how many scale feet your eyes typically are above your layout benchwork, that could probably be programmed into a drone to get the proper elevation for pics.

It would be an interesting way to estimate where it needs to be, IMO.

- Douglas

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, September 14, 2019 11:51 PM

Doughless
I wasn't intentionally being critical of anybody using any of the photos as backdrops, I was trying to convey how the best angle would produce the best backdrop. 

Douglas,

I didn't feel that you were being critical at all. Your points were well made.

Friday was a bust weather wise so we didn't get up north to take pictures. I think I will wait until next summer because the trees are starting to turn.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 10,582 posts
Posted by mlehman on Sunday, September 15, 2019 8:40 AM

No problem here with Douglass's comments. I just wanted to be clear that I wasn't necessarily illustrating a specific angle, etc.

Doughless
I assume if somone bothered to calculate how many scale feet your eyes typically are above your layout benchwork, that could probably be programmed into a drone to get the proper elevation for pics.

That can be a good starting point. Most layouts have a few spots like that. It could work with a layout that is shoulder height, but most aren't so some adjustments need be made to get something that looks right from a standing position since most of us don't squat down to operate.       

A backdrop's level also will vary depending on whether or not there's room for a bit of 3D distraction at the intersection of the layout top and the backdrop. I use a variety of things to help this out, like low hills, trees, and other vegetation.  

 

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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