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Don't Stand in the traffic!
Mar 26, 2016 18:57:40 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
J. Goffe. Thanks for the recommendation. With 34 years of LE experience, I fully understand the court's acceptence of evidence and how tricky it can be at times. You references are definitely a must read! I've got to review alot of materials and manuals. If you think of anything else, I would gladly accept your recommendations.
Mar 26, 2016 19:05:35 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
JD750, that is one software program I do have. Had a case two years ago and the situation was very similar. It became necessary to make the purchase, but it wasn't too expensive. My intent is to photograph the crash scene on the same date and same time if the weather permits. Thanks for taking the time to offer your recommendations.
Mar 26, 2016 19:14:23 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
tainkc, thank you for your recommendations. Intersting what you said about post processing your photograph - I was allowed to testify in a case where I clarified the photo taken by someone else. The photo was actually adusted in brightness, contrast and shadow enhancement. None of the photo contents were removed or added to the photo. The anology was turning on a light in a dark room. No changes to contents, just better observation.
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Mar 26, 2016 19:44:59 #
have at least one person at your back watching oncoming traffic to protect you.
Mar 26, 2016 21:16:25 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
JayD,
Definitely will have someone at my back! Thanks for a very wise suggestion.
Definitely will have someone at my back! Thanks for a very wise suggestion.
Mar 26, 2016 21:40:55 #
John N wrote:
And a clipboard, gotta have a clipboard and a white hard hat that's never seen a days work in it's life!
This goes along the lines of "Look and act Official". Yep, a clipboard and a hard hat will help the appearance. A headset radio could aid in the communications area, or at least a walkie-talkie. You fail to mention the volume of traffic involved. Is an assistant needed? Above everything else you read here please be VERY cautious in anything you try. Gear-got-insurance is a good idea. Good luck.
Mar 26, 2016 21:55:39 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
davidrb, tanks for the recommendations. Yep, played in traffic before and I have a tendency to become too focused at the task. Thus enters the better to half to tell me, GET OUT OF THE ROAD OR DIE!
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Mar 26, 2016 22:49:05 #
I do that kinda thing for a living,,,NEVER trust the traffic...
Mar 27, 2016 03:32:20 #
jayd wrote:
I do that kinda thing for a living,,,NEVER trust the traffic...
Some things you never turn your back on:
(1) Your enemy
(2) The ocean
(3) Traffic
(4) X-girlfriends
Mar 27, 2016 09:58:53 #
Mar 27, 2016 12:05:52 #
You seem to have the safety items resolved. As the Captain said, I also don't see the need for a light meter given your equipment and the fact that you are going to do some test shots unless exposure in the shade is of the utmost importance. If you're looking for an excuse to add a good light meter to your gear, take a look at the Sekonic 478, but I don't feel it's needed for this shot. Best of luck.
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Mar 27, 2016 12:30:58 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
cjc2, Just when you think you have everything covered on your check list, someone offers a great recommendation. All the comments and suggestions have been and continue to be excellent!
You have identified my greatest concern and that is the correct exposure for the shady area. Furthermore, I want to compare an object laying on the road with the actual roadway surface. Primarily I need to identify if the object was conspicuous. The conspicuity issue is my main focus.
You have identified my greatest concern and that is the correct exposure for the shady area. Furthermore, I want to compare an object laying on the road with the actual roadway surface. Primarily I need to identify if the object was conspicuous. The conspicuity issue is my main focus.
Mar 27, 2016 12:54:45 #
NewBEE161 wrote:
cjc2, Just when you think you have everything covered on your check list, someone offers a great recommendation. All the comments and suggestions have been and continue to be excellent!
You have identified my greatest concern and that is the correct exposure for the shady area. Furthermore, I want to compare an object laying on the road with the actual roadway surface. Primarily I need to identify if the object was conspicuous. The conspicuity issue is my main focus.
You have identified my greatest concern and that is the correct exposure for the shady area. Furthermore, I want to compare an object laying on the road with the actual roadway surface. Primarily I need to identify if the object was conspicuous. The conspicuity issue is my main focus.
Given this additional information, a meter wouldn't hurt, but you could rent or borrow one as well as buy one. Even with taking an incident meter reading, I'm not sure that you will get what you are looking for as I totally get what you are after having done some accident work myself. Trying some things out the day prior is going to be all important, just remember to factor in that the light might be different, even slightly so, on the day you will be doing the "money" shots. SPOT metering for the shadows MIGHT help - please check that out. You might also consider "playing with HDR", but that may or may not be allowed if the shots will end up as evidence -- that I don't know. I do a bit of investigative fire photography for our fire marshall/investigator as a volunteer firefighter/fire police officer and, occasionally, I have to testify as to the circumstances that surrounded the photograph and the technical aspects. Best of luck. Expect a PM about a meter.
Mar 27, 2016 13:01:43 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
cjc2, the outstanding recommendations are endless. Thank you so much for the reply and Ill be there the day before for a dress rehearsal. Again, I sincerely appreciate your response. BE SAFE!
Mar 27, 2016 13:27:47 #
NewBEE161 wrote:
Police presence is not possible and the road closure is not practical. My shots are going to occur between cars passsing by. Most likely I will set up on the shoulder.
If your goal is to have an image void of any vehicles in it. use a neutral density filter and a long exposure, the resulting photo will not have any vehicles show up in it, as long as they are moving and have not stopped. With this technique, you can have a very busy road look completely empty.
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