I am in the process of producing a video for PHOTOVISION Professional Photographer’s of America’s education website. My video is called Beyond the Horizon. It explores Boondocking, AKA Car Camping. Below are the plans for the most asked about build I put together. Having a table at a height which enables you to stand is a luxury in my opinion. If you agree and are a bit handy with some tools you can craft one inexpensively yourself.
In this article I’ll share my measurements and materials list to save you some time working it out for yourself.
Size Matters
Before you begin your gathering and construction you’ll want to look at how you will be using your table. I initially made mine to hold a two burner stove. Turns out that the table was just a wee bit too small for that. It was a squeeze after adding the propane cylinder which I failed to take into consideration. There turned out to be just a little less space for plates and bowls with the assembled stove aboard than I thought. Turns out that this is the perfect size for how I use it now. It’s not too big nor too small. Overall weight is a bit over three pounds.
My Table Uses
Preparing food is the main way I work with my set-up. There’s room for multiple plates and bowls. I currently use a Jet Boil unit to heat water for coffee and freeze dried meals when a want a hot meal. I find the freeze dried meals to be tasty enough and way less hassle than when I had the two burner propane stove. If you want to cook a bit more than I do you can make your measurements just a bit longer or use a single burner stove. The table is also helpful when working on various projects doing the day.
The Materials
If you have a circular saw or a table saw and a power drill you’ll be good to go for tools. If you are not quite so handy you can bring your measurements to the big box hardware store and they will cut your materials to size. Some include it as part of the service some may charge you a little for each cut.
Bottom view. See text for instructions on size of screws and fasteners used in the project.
The top is 1/4 inch plywood, 17 X 27 inches. you can often check the scrap area and may be able to find a piece that fits your needs without having to buy a large sheet. Make sure you you get a quality piece of ply that is very flat. Oak Sanded Plywood in a 2 X 4 foot size can be purchased for around $25. To support and give the top strength I line the bottom with 1 X 2 inch Furring strip. Adding two more strips to the sides Get two 8 foot strips as they are under $2 a piece.
You’ll need 16 3/4 inch wood screw to secure the top. 8 1 1/2 inch screws for the side reinforcements. Four 2 1/2 inch by 1/8th inch eye bolts with nuts and eight washers. Four S hooks. Four Guyline tension hooks. 1 package of Guyline rope. (it’s good to have a lighter or match when you cut the lines to keep them from fraying) Two Velcro straps to attach to the roof rack. I found the Keeper Wrap-It-Up 1 inch X 6 inch Grey Bundling Strap at Ace Hardware.
Final touch is layering with carpet. I use a black/gray utility mat. A 24 X 60 inch goes for about $20Big box hardware stores sell this by the foot. I staple a layer on top. Also a strip across the back of the table on the edge that rests on the car.
Top view with carpet stapled on place. There are four eye bolts to hold the lines. I use bowlines to attach the guylines. Strap have Velcro fasteners with a metal ring. The Velcro makes it easy to attach the table to the roof racks. The tension hooks allow you to adjust the table and keep it level.
You probably know I am a Platypod Ambassador. But in addition I am a Platypod fan. I originally bought one of the first Platypod Ultras. Used it a few times then forgot about it. I broke it back out, started looking for way in which to use it and found a lot.
Since the release and design of the Ultra Platypod has gone through some great improvements and lots of useful gear has been designed around it for for studio and location work. If you haven’t seen and worked with the Platypod products here’s a one minute video to help introduce you to all the ways Platypod can help your photography.
One minute with the Platypod line of gear. Take a peek. You’ll probably run into some creative ways to use the gear that you never thought to use.
This is a powerful LED light that’s solid for studio work and light enough to take on location. I appreciate the Color Rendering Index is a high 96 for clean color with no shifts. It produces lots of light 230 watts. It’s easier to show you how this light works than to write about it, so I invite you to check it out. See what I like, a lot, and a small issue or two to watch for…
Review LED Light – Godox LA200 Single color 5600k. Godox also makes a LA150 and bi-color versions.
If you have any comments or questions about this review let me know. BTW, I was able to keep this LED Light at no charge.
Flowers and greenery sneak through the dry desert in front of Shiprock in New Mexico.
As an Ambassador for Platypod tripods I thought you might be interested in the Black Friday deals they’ve just launched. You can find savings on five different gear bundles.You can save from $25 to $126 depending upon which bundle you choose. Plus, free shipping on orders over 100 bucks. Look here for all the deals.
Platypod can help you get low in the field or tighten up your studio shooting space. Here’s an image I made with the camera on a very low angle to feature the flower against Shiprock in New Mexico.
Here’s a pretty handy little kit for setting up your video station using your phone. Vitopal Universal Video Microphone Kit can be used with phones and cameras for vlogging. I got one of these to test.
Video Kit
For only 36 bucks you get a pretty darn good microphone, cables and lightweight stand.
The design of the stand is nice in that it can support the phone and microphone while sitting on a table. The legs also fold to be held comfortably while doing a walk and talk or using it to record others on the move.
Set up your phone or small camera using the stand make sure one leg is directly behind the weight. Especially important if you are tilting the ball head toward the rear.
All the gear in the kit. (iPhone NOT included) ; )>
The very directional mic can be shielded from the wind with the included foam or dead cat cover. It can be left uncovered if you will be a little distance from the mic indoors.
Heads-up
Cords are included for connection to phone or camera with 3.5mm ends. One little heads-up. If you have a newer model iPhone you’ll need a headphone adapter. Then you can plug in the included 3.5mm cord to the Lightning connection of your phone.
Traveling or storing the kit? It all packs conveniently into a compact case.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
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I’ve probably mentioned this before, but using an infrared converted camera increases your chances of coming home with a solid image when shooting in the middle of the day. I upgraded my infrared camera from a Lumix G6 to a Lumix GH4. If you have a camera languishing on the shelf not being used I recommend sending it off to LifePixel Infrared for a conversion. I know I was glad I did!
Midday
Those hours between 10AM and 3PM can be brutal on your images due to the high contrast. Infrared images thrive in that environment. I quite enjoy extending my keeper rate by working with infrared imaging.
Platypod Ultra
From Sedona, Arizona, Cathedral Rock during midday. Renders in an interesting way using an infrared converted camera.
Another tool I find helpful is being able to easily have my camera low-to-the-ground in the Platypod camera support. I can hang the Platypod from my camera bag and since it is very light I hardly notice it’s there until I see a need for it. The Platypod is extremely helpful, especially if you have a flip screen on your camera. The flip screen allows you to be able to frame and focus the scene without having to get down on your belly. Bonus!
Photofocus
Here are a couple articles I wrote for Photofocus dealing with and expanding the uses of an infrared converted camera. Enjoy! Toning infrared images for a different look Infrared and summertime.
For infrared conversion of my cameras I use LifePixel. Infrared allows you to put an older camera to use and opens up a new time time of day for productive image creation.
Learn Photoshop in a fun environment. Aaron Nace applies the right amount of fun with easy to understand and follow tutorials. Actions and brushes are included with lessons!
Best embroidery ever. Give Queensboro a try, get a $20 instant credit to get started by clicking on the logo! They specialize in great quality custom logo apparel and promotional products with the best customer service.
Platypod has become a great resource for being creative in getting your camera gear easily into unusual places. As an Platypod Pro I get to work/play with the gear even before it comes out. Head over to Platypod, subscribe to the newsletter and you will get special discounts reserved only for subscribers.
