How to Use a Bucket Truck for Photography

Taking photographs from a bucket truck

• 1

  Determine what photographs you need to capture. Before you get started you need to know what your end product will be. If you need one shot to capture a group of people at an event or are photographing multiple groups, you will need to know each shot you are expected to capture.

• 2

  Plan your photo shoot. You will need to consider how large an area you want to be able to see in your camera's frame. f/Calc is a program that will help you calculate the distance you will want to be away from your subject at a given focal length for your camera type. See the f/Calc link below to use online or download the latest version of this software.

• 3

  Select a bucket truck. Bucket trucks have working heights that range from about 30 feet to 125 feet. Single bucket trucks hold about 300 to 350 pounds and double bucket trucks hold up to 750 pounds. Check the specific details regarding the maximum weight your truck can take. Larger buckets may allow you to set up a tripod if needed for your photo shoot.

• 4

  Select a rental location. It is likely most cost effective to rent the most appropriate bucket truck as close to the photography site as possible. Some rental companies may charge by the hour or by the mile; either way, the shorter the distance between the rental location to your photography site, the lower the cost of your rental. See the links below for some nationwide bucket truck rental locations.

• 5

  Select the lighting. If you are taking a photograph during the day you can likely get a good exposure with available light alone and a hand-held camera. If you are taking photos in lower light conditions such as nighttime, dusk, or dawn, you either need to light the scene with strobe lights or support the camera for a long exposure with a tripod or camera clamp that can be attached to the bucket.

• 6

  Take your photos. It will be best for you to have an assistant on the day you do your photography so you can have another set of eyes when raising your bucket and to help work with your subjects or clients on the ground. The plan you established in the first step should guide you during your photo session so that you are sure to get all the shots you need to deliver.