Makeshift tripod for fireworks venue where tripods are banned?

Hi,

Unfortunately, tripods are banned in the fireworks show I'm planning to go to and I was wondering what could I use instead, any suggestion?

Important note: I'll be seated in the stands so I'll have my own seat. Which is nice but that also means I'll need to elevate my camera, can't put it on the ground...

I'll of course shoot long exposures.

One thing I can start with: I'm pretty sure I can go through security with my tripod head and a Platypod plate. I don't think I'll be able to attach it to anything though, as mentioned I'll be in the stands.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

You don't mention whether you're shooting video or not, but for stills: Because fireworks have their own tails, sometimes a relatively short exposure can be successful enough. If you have good quality high ISO in your camera, and if you have some sort of vibration/shake reduction system, you can often capture individual fireworks quite well hand-held; then, if you need more complexity in the final image, you can combine shots in post-processing.

It depends on what your output needs are. If it's a serious job, then you may need to pay for a photographer's pass and get access to a better location, if the venue offers that option.

Best wishes,
Sterling
--
Lens Grit

JayRayMe wrote:

Unfortunately, tripods are banned in the fireworks show I'm planning to go to and I was wondering what could I use instead, any suggestion?

Important note: I'll be seated in the stands so I'll have my own seat. Which is nice but that also means I'll need to elevate my camera, can't put it on the ground...

I'll of course shoot long exposures.

One thing I can start with: I'm pretty sure I can go through security with my tripod head and a Platypod plate. I don't think I'll be able to attach it to anything though, as mentioned I'll be in the stands.

Collapsable monopod? I used to record my daughter's school performances using a camcorder on a monopod, simply bracing the monopod against my seat (hold it against the seat with my leg). The usual objection to tripods is that they don't fit in your seat area, but a monopod can. A monopod can also pass for a walking cane, so it's generally permitted. Your tripod might even allow you to detach a leg for use as a monopod.

All that said, fireworks almost never look like much in video or stills because most of the impact comes from the size (scale) of the displays, and most fireworks photos don't have much in the frame to get scale from...

i carry a RRS safari clamp with mini ball head  in my bag, it saved me million times.

Who are these people who come up with stupid rules like this.   And can they be drug out into the street and pilloried?

If they are banning long sticks you put a camera on top of, then its banned.    In which case ignore their stupid rules and conceal one some place or scout out a fixture ahead of time.   Monopods reduce the degrees of freedom greatly, but they are not a tripod.

Also, I suddenly become very "elderly" and need a "cane" or "walking stick" during fireworks displays run by idiots.   My monopod is a walking stick with a rounded pommel and that usually makes it past the security checks.

BobORama wrote:

Who are these people who come up with stupid rules like this. And can they be drug out into the street and pilloried?

If they are banning long sticks you put a camera on top of, then its banned. In which case ignore their stupid rules and conceal one some place or scout out a fixture ahead of time. Monopods reduce the degrees of freedom greatly, but they are not a tripod.

Also, I suddenly become very "elderly" and need a "cane" or "walking stick" during fireworks displays run by idiots. My monopod is a walking stick with a rounded pommel and that usually makes it past the security checks.

https://www.novoflex.de/en/products-637/camera-support-systems/triopod-products/triopod-legs/foldable-photo-hiking-pole-set-2-pcs.html

BobORama wrote:

Who are these people who come up with stupid rules like this.

Who are these people, you ask? They are the people who have seen riots happen, especially at sports venues, and have seen so-called monopods used as weapons.

Spectator and staff safety are more important than the convenience of amateur photographers.

And can they be drug out into the street and pilloried?

That's how it got started. You're just making their point for them.

I see you are in France but here in the US a venue could get sued if you had a monopod which doubled as a walking cane (several models out there or you can make your own up with a little skill) if you are covered by the disabled label (ADA rules mean they have to accommodate those with disabilities). I use a walking stick and have taken my REI hiking pole which has a standard tripod head mount (normally covered with a cork head on it, making it a walking stick until I add a camera or head to it) to several venues here and have never an issue - to ban walking aids as they can be used as a weapon is silly - most items can be use as such even a biro