Photo & Video Overhead Rig

I built this to use as a multi-purpose rig for overhead video and photography. The cost was under $40.00. You will find important notes under the pictures and also a link to the clamp I used in the description under the first picture.

MATERIALS:

2 – 1/2″ flanges
2 – 1/2″ elbows
8 screws
2 – 1/2″ 24″ long pipes threaded on both sides
1 – 1/2″ 36″ long pipe threaded on both sides
2 – 2×4’s we cut them 36″ long but you can go a little shorter if you’d like.
Screwdriver

WHERE I PURCHASED CLAMP

Clamp found HERE through an Amazon affiliate link.

All pipes were standard at the hardware store. Places like Home Depot will thread them in sizes you need. They will also cut your wood pieces if needed.

STEP 1

Add elbows to one side of 24″ pipes

 

STEP 2:

Add 1 flange to bottom of each of the 24″ pipes.

 

STEP 3:

Find middle of each 2×4.

 

STEP 4:

Attach one flange to middle (centered) of each 2×4.

 

STEP 5:

Screw in tightly. Using 4 screws on each flange.

 

THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL HAVE THUS FAR

STEP 6:

Attach the clamp found HERE through an Amazon affiliate link.

 

STEP 7:

I wrapped my camera strap around the pole – just in case.

 

ABOVE SHOT SAMPLE

No lights, just window light. Test shot taken from above on the floor on carpet to test before bringing the rig down stairs.

 

ABOVE SHOT AT NIGHT TESTING LIGHTS

I need to purchase another light. Currently, I only have one tripod light, 1 round deflector and 1 filter screen. With losing daylight at 3:00 in the afternoon and long Wisconsin, gloomy winters – well, my light setup is going to be extremely important.

 

The more directional light you have the lower the ISO you will need. Plus, it will eliminate the nasty shadows on one half of the photo setup. I’m thinking three lights might be the way to go. A clamp light on the pole above and two tripod stands on the sides. It will take a little playing with but once I have it down, then life will get a whole lot easier.

Notice the background under the presents? Old fence boards that I salvaged and I am going to cut and bind together. Was testing how long and wide I would need them.

 

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER:

1.) Depending on where you place your camera – you may need to flip your photo in processing.

2.) The rig was built for multi-purpose. I want to do both photography and video using the rig. So, for photography if you are using a table, you need to have a low table to see your camera screen or a step stool.

 

3.) Floor shooting works excellent for both photo and video!

4.) Do not go any wider with your top pipe than 36″. UNLESS, you build the rig in the same room you will using it. Otherwise ,it will not fit through a standard door. The rig currently squeezes through the door. Any wider, and you are stuck using it in the room it was built in .

I want to use the rig outdoors, in my kitchen and in my downstairs studio area. Transporting it from location to location was important for me.

5.) You can crop, add filters and edit as you wish.

Happy creating!

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