Capturing a quality photo is all about finding the perfect angle, getting just the right amount of light and of course – perfect timing. Getting all these different formulas to come together at one time when shooting on the ground is easy. In order to get the best image for distant subjects, or to capture a wide background, bucket trucks are a photographer’s indispensable piece of equipment!
Elevation Angle Limitations
When taking pictures that require a birds-eye point of view, photographers usually use buildings to provide the needed elevation. The one drawback is that using a building is not always an option; remote shooting locations may not have any building nearby to use. There may be other means by which to take your picture, such as stand-alone hydraulic lifts. The disadvantage there is that lifts only provide great views at shorter heights, so using this piece of equipment for photography purposes is somewhat limited.
Bucket Truck Photography
So what about bucket trucks? They are equipped with safety features and can provide many elevations required for photography and cinematography. Due to the stability given to these vehicles by outriggers, they can frequently go to even the most remote location or set to provide the necessary elevation angle for the shot.
It is important for photographers to keep in mind that these trucks have various capacities and working height limitations. Before renting this kind of vehicle to use for photography, it is necessary that to consider a few important factors.
Things to Consider When Capturing the Perfect Photograph
- Determine beforehand the elevation required for the shoot. Different bucket trucks have different working heights, so make sure to pick one that can meet the elevation necessary for the specific picture envisioned.
- Determine if there are any objects that could obstruct the view, such as trees, buildings, billboards, etc. The vehicle selected should provide the right amount of elevation in order to eliminate any visual obstructions that would detract from the photo.
- Determine an approximation of the total weight of all the equipment that will be needed as well as the photographer’s weight. Bucket trucks have lifting weight limits. Be sure to rent a vehicle that is able to carry the entire weight of the photographer and all necessary equipment; allow for the possibility that there may be some extra weight.
- Determine if a single or double bucket will be needed. Most single versions of these vehicles can carry a load of 250 to 350 pounds. This should be sufficient for a single person accompanied by a few pieces of light equipment. If two people will be required to do the shoot, a double bucket truck will be required as it can carry up to 750 pounds of total weight.
Bucket Usage Safety Tips
Following are some safety tips to bear in mind when using this type of truck for photography purposes;
- Do not to exceed the set weight capacity, as that could cause the vehicle to tip over and/or cause the boom to break.
- Wear the provided safety harness at all times when working in the bucket as it will offer protection against serious injuries should anything happen during the shoot.
- Wear head protective gear when working in the bucket of this truck. Since the work will be done at an extended height, this protective headgear will offer some protection if a fall should occur or something fell onto the boom.
- Never use a ladder to extend the height or the reach of the person inside of the bucket. That would create added stress on the boom and possibly cause the entire truck to become unstable or the boom to break.
- Avoid any object that could tangle or touch any part of the hydraulic boom and/or the bucket. This would include tree branches, buildings, and particularly live electric cable or line.
- Don’t move the truck when the hydraulic boom is extended particularly if anyone is still inside the bucket. The outriggers on the vehicle prevent the extended boom from tipping over; moving the vehicle would require the retraction of the outriggers and leave the vehicle vulnerable to instability.
These particular trucks are great vehicles to use for photography, especially when the need arises for taking shots from an elevated point of view. It must never be overlooked or forgotten that working at elevated heights can be dangerous, regardless of the work that needs to be performed. Make sure to follow the proper safety precautions while shooting inside the bucket and the pictures taken may turn out to be the “high-light” of the day!
Christopher Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. If you are interested in learning more about Used Bucket Trucks, go to the link shown here.
