Any Rock Climbing Videographers out there?

D

Douglas Thigpen

Well-known member
I'm not really one, but I'm about to be forced into being one out of neccesity (shooting a Doc on some aspects of the climbing community and unfortunately that means I have to shoot these animals in their natural habitats at times, on the rocks).

I've climbed plenty before and my wife is a very avid/strong lead climber, so I'm not worried about that aspect, more just want to know if anyone has any tip & tricks related to getting some desirable shots or maintaining gear while on the rock face.

Also what sort of stabalization gear, if any, you use while on the ropes. I was thinking of using the MultiRigPro and rigging it up itself for safety reasons since it has all those little holes in the body.

Thanks,
 
let a lipstick camera on your helmet/headband be your lead climbing cam. You'll need both hands and absolutle no distractions. Tote a small cmera of your choice and break it out at safe resting points. Do not seek cool vantage points for shooting while climbing. You will find them while resting and you'll always have a beautiful shot at the top.
be careful, man. And have a great time.
 
I presume your filming others climbing.
I have spent too long hanging on ropes, its just very hard work. Make yourself a simple wood seat that you can hang off a shunt, worth its weight in gold... Life is easier if you have your gear bag on a separate rope besides you. If the option is there stand on a belay ledge!! Semi static ropes over climbing ropes.

It's normal in the UK for the company you are working for to supply a MI (mountain instructor) Or someone suitably qualified in rope access. It is there job to get you where you need to go to safely.
The down side of filming climbers is 99% of them are arrogant T###s
 
Heh, like I said, I'm a climbing myself and my wife is an adept lead climber.

And as for many being arrogant asses, well, I'm counting on it from some of them for the documentary... =D
 
I don't understand . Why ask, what was, the question in the first place then? I was trying to be helpful.

I'm not a junior member , didn't put my age in my profile. was full time climbing for 20 years....
 
Got the MultiRigPro in today and did some test rigging so that it'll be on a seperate line than me and still be stable for when I'm on the rock. Also built myself a butt hammock that'll be strung to a second line as suggested that I can lean into/sit on (with feet against rock) while shooting.

In total, looks like I'll be on three lines, with the butt hammock line able to have a gear bag hang off it as well. That many lines on a secondary pre-set route should be a bit of a chore, but I'm sure I'll tweak it in the field.

Oh, also ordered a helmet (lipstick) cam with a tiny DVR unit as grinner suggested for the climber I'll be shooting to wear. I'll have to see how the quality turns out, but at worst it could make for some good PiP action.
 
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I'm thinking a wireless lipstick would help wonders. I'd hate to picture you getting snagged or distracted my a wire goin' to your phanny pack.
So, per Beris', input, what film stock are you gonna be filming with?
lol
sorry. Couldnt resist.

Lots of doubled climbing work but it'd be pretty cool to scoot ahead, mount a camera then climb up to it here and there. You could then time lapse this shot for a cool vibe.
just brain-stormin.
 
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