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Partly handicapped
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Sep 19, 2018 09:45:20   #
BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan
 
I agree with the lighten your load advice. Despite what you might read here, a huge camera and 20 heavy lenses are not necessary to enjoy photography. With limited mobility of necessity your world shrinks and what you shoot can be as close as an arm's reach. All around you are little details just waiting to be noticed by you and your camera. Enjoy!

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Sep 19, 2018 10:19:33   #
BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA
 
G Brown wrote:
You can fit a small bag on a walker. Some walkers I have seen double up as a seat, so having a small monopod that you can clip on/off to the handrests when needed, would aid shake reduction.

There is a school of thought that 'as a photographer' you need to explore areas in great depth. The reality is that you can find great images in most places. If you live in an urban area then get inspiration from those who shoot the urban landscape. A trip to the shops may give you the opportunity to take candid 'people shots' equally there are rural areas and parks that have good access and a wide taxalogical content (wildlife and plants).

Lots of people rush around.....If you cannot rush - then study what you see. Look at 'the small picture'. Again, gain inspiration from those that notice patterns and lines.Peeling paint, quaint doorsteps etc. Sit quietly and wait for the shot to come to you. Or, take more notice of what is around you.

If you are a member of a club - use your photography and knowlege to benefit others and the club. Get someone to carry your kit in return for teaching them skills or advertising their outings etc. Photography is becoming more and more a social activity. Why try to do it alone?

You mention 'Camera and lenses'. How much 'kit' are you weighing yourself down with. Is it time to get a lightweight bridge camera or something even smaller. Technology moves on....Quality is in your head,not always in the kit.

Food for thought?
You can fit a small bag on a walker. Some walkers ... (show quote)


I might also add that the OP will probably find himself using one or two lenses for the most part. When I was shooting with my D800s I always walked about with one lens the f/4 24-120 AF. This was what I needed. Most systems have a similar lens focal length. Start small and see what you really need.

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Sep 19, 2018 10:32:14   #
henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah
 
I have a back problem so weight is a problem. I have reduced my kit to my T5i. 18-55 and 75-300 lens and polarizer and neutral density filters. I target my shooting so that this arrangement is satisfactory. It is calle compromise to the situation.

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Sep 19, 2018 10:53:29   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
A friend of mine, a retired professional photographer and presently an avid landscape shooter, unfortunately suffers from number of arthritis issues that require that he use walker. He acquired a rather heavy-duty good quality walker with very hefty wheels. We got industrious and resourceful and converted the walker in to a camera support system.

First we attached a fairly large and wide bicycle basket, the kind that attaches to the handlebars, to the crossbar on the walker. This can accommodate a nice sectioned off camera bag which holds up to 2 bodies and 4 lenses plus some accessories. The gear is very accessible for that position on the walker.

Next- we brought the rig to a a local machine/welding shop and had a tubular aluminum vertical piece attached to support the elevator section of his carbon fiber tripod and ball head.

The construction of the entire unit is sturdy but is is not excessively heavy. It folds down for transport in his car and he managed take it aboard when flying.

He's out there shootin'

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Sep 19, 2018 11:00:12   #
AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!
 
I have a friend who walked with a walker for years due to a childhood injury. She is quite a photographer. When we would go on excursions together, she would put all of her camera equipment in the space under the seat. It held more than my camera bag. Her camera was on the seat, lightly tethered so as to not slip, but easily accessible. Granted her movement was slower than mine, but that was probably a good thing.

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Sep 19, 2018 11:37:32   #
cboysen Loc: Homewood, IL
 
Thank you all; wonderful advice!

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Sep 19, 2018 11:46:33   #
ps5039 Loc: Avondale AZ/Raised in Iowa
 
I to use a walker. Its a rollator, 4 large wheels, a seat and bag that hangs from the seat. I carry tripod, Canon 70D, Canon 100-400 lens along with kit lens. Have room for water and a couple snacks. Easy peazy as someine says...

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Sep 19, 2018 12:01:44   #
ps5039 Loc: Avondale AZ/Raised in Iowa
 
ps5039 wrote:
I to use a walker. Its a rollator, 4 large wheels, a seat and bag that hangs from the seat. I carry tripod, Canon 70D, Canon 100-400 lens along with kit lens. Have room for water and a couple snacks. Easy peazy as someine says...


This the one I use. Great for "off roading". very light, folds up, if on narrow path parcially fold up and can still use. I have used it on jagfing paths at Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area, California.

Drive Medical Nitro Elite CF Carbon Fiber Walker Rollator, Black

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Sep 19, 2018 12:03:09   #
cboysen Loc: Homewood, IL
 
Thank you; good ideas.

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Sep 19, 2018 12:03:17   #
ps5039 Loc: Avondale AZ/Raised in Iowa
 
ps5039 wrote:
This the one I use. Great for "off roading". very light, folds up, if on narrow path parcially fold up and can still use. I have used it on jagfing paths at Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area, California.

Drive Medical Nitro Elite CF Carbon Fiber Walker Rollator, Black



Sorry should have said "jogging paths"

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Sep 19, 2018 12:09:46   #
cboysen Loc: Homewood, IL
 
Thank you very much!

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Sep 19, 2018 12:54:29   #
LensWork
 
The ThinkTank belt system https://www.thinktankphoto.com/pages/belt-systems is a good option for hands-free carrying. Unlike a shoulder bag you don’t have to worry about the bag slipping off your shoulder, and opposed to a vest, the belt system puts the weight on your hips; much more comfortable if you have any neck or shoulder pain.

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Sep 19, 2018 14:21:18   #
Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado
 
mikeschwartz wrote:
I have trouble walking due to back problems and use a mobility scooter. They can be taken apart an placed in your car trunk. They cost in the range of $800-$1,200. The only problem with them is that they can't handle inclines of more than 6-9% and don't do well on rough terrain. Many time I can get the scooter in walking range of the area from which I want to shoot and then bring with me a small lightweight three legged collapsible stool to sit on. I go on photo club outings all the time but am limited to locations that I can traverse on my scooter. The local PSA chapter goes on two bus outing every year and they place my scooter in the bus storage compartment without the need to take it apart. Since I live in the city, I also use that scooter for running errands in the neighborhood.
I have trouble walking due to back problems and us... (show quote)


And I use a Pride 4 wheel scooter as well after losing the use of my legs a couple of years ago. Works great, and I can carry all the gear I want. I have no idea of the cost, as my scooter and lift system on the rear of my SUV was provided by the VA, but from what I have heard, they don't cost much more than a mid range DSLR and significantly less than a mirrorless.

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Sep 19, 2018 15:00:12   #
orangepruner Loc: Redlands, CA
 
Thank you; wonderful suggestions!

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Sep 19, 2018 16:58:52   #
frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.
 
G Brown wrote:
You can fit a small bag on a walker. Some walkers I have seen double up as a seat, so having a small monopod that you can clip on/off to the handrests when needed, would aid shake reduction.

There is a school of thought that 'as a photographer' you need to explore areas in great depth. The reality is that you can find great images in most places. If you live in an urban area then get inspiration from those who shoot the urban landscape. A trip to the shops may give you the opportunity to take candid 'people shots' equally there are rural areas and parks that have good access and a wide taxalogical content (wildlife and plants).

Lots of people rush around.....If you cannot rush - then study what you see. Look at 'the small picture'. Again, gain inspiration from those that notice patterns and lines.Peeling paint, quaint doorsteps etc. Sit quietly and wait for the shot to come to you. Or, take more notice of what is around you.

If you are a member of a club - use your photography and knowlege to benefit others and the club. Get someone to carry your kit in return for teaching them skills or advertising their outings etc. Photography is becoming more and more a social activity. Why try to do it alone?

You mention 'Camera and lenses'. How much 'kit' are you weighing yourself down with. Is it time to get a lightweight bridge camera or something even smaller. Technology moves on....Quality is in your head,not always in the kit.

Food for thought?
You can fit a small bag on a walker. Some walkers ... (show quote)


Wow, what a great response. Well put and articulated.

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