How to make a God shot? at DVinfo.net

Urban Skargren · February 21st, 2012, 04:06 AM

Hello I am wondering if somebody has figured out a good technique to mount the camera to shoot a God angle or "God shot", straight down from the ceiling. I am using a Canon 7D with external monitor. I would prefer a wide angle lens to shoot for example a normal living room on location.

Arnie Schlissel · February 21st, 2012, 02:14 PM

Simple, rent a jib & a strong tripod to mount it on.

Roger Van Duyn · February 21st, 2012, 02:28 PM

Or if you don't have money for a jib, you could use a tall step ladder. The step ladder will probably take up less room too. It's certainly no more conspicuous. How big is the "normal living room", and how many people will be in the shot?

There are also camera mounts you can purchase that mount to studs in the walls and ceilings. We have several of those at my church for the remote controlled cameras. I think they have the standard 1/4" twenty thread screw mounts. Our remote cameras are about the same size and weight as your 7D.

But again, if it's a one time deal, why not just climb up on a stepladder and shoot? I've climbed them, and staircases, and up onto roofs, and even climbed up into trees to get shots. Of course, that gets harder the older I get.

Jay Webster · February 22nd, 2012, 05:41 PM

Yes,
We have all done the stepladder shot. Just keep in mind that it is easy to get carried away.
If at all possible have a grip holding the ladder steady and perhaps C-clamp the tripod head on a riser to the ladder.
A jib is the best option but if you don't need to "dolly/swing" the shot the ladder thing will work.
Be careful and get that shot!

February 21st, 2012, 04:06 AM	#1
Urban Skargren Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Medellin, Colombia Posts: 225	How to make a God shot? Hello I am wondering if somebody has figured out a good technique to mount the camera to shoot a God angle or "God shot", straight down from the ceiling. I am using a Canon 7D with external monitor. I would prefer a wide angle lens to shoot for example a normal living room on location.

February 21st, 2012, 02:14 PM	#2
Arnie Schlissel Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York NY Posts: 322	Re: How to make a God shot? Simple, rent a jib & a strong tripod to mount it on. __________________ Post production is not an afterthought! www.arniepix.com

February 21st, 2012, 02:28 PM	#3
Roger Van Duyn Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lakeland Florida Posts: 692	Re: How to make a God shot? Or if you don't have money for a jib, you could use a tall step ladder. The step ladder will probably take up less room too. It's certainly no more conspicuous. How big is the "normal living room", and how many people will be in the shot? There are also camera mounts you can purchase that mount to studs in the walls and ceilings. We have several of those at my church for the remote controlled cameras. I think they have the standard 1/4" twenty thread screw mounts. Our remote cameras are about the same size and weight as your 7D. But again, if it's a one time deal, why not just climb up on a stepladder and shoot? I've climbed them, and staircases, and up onto roofs, and even climbed up into trees to get shots. Of course, that gets harder the older I get. __________________ Roger My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAp...2AHr_pHFID5LDA

February 22nd, 2012, 05:41 PM	#4
Jay Webster Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 131	Re: How to make a God shot? Yes, We have all done the stepladder shot. Just keep in mind that it is easy to get carried away. If at all possible have a grip holding the ladder steady and perhaps C-clamp the tripod head on a riser to the ladder. A jib is the best option but if you don't need to "dolly/swing" the shot the ladder thing will work. Be careful and get that shot! __________________ Jay Webster WPI/NY