Gear Advice for Commercial Photographer

[LHerzog]

I hope that someone can advise me on a purchase.
My son is 20 years old and is pursuing a degree in fine arts/photography. He is wanting to start climbing trees to get shots for real estate firms, as well as stock photos that he might sell. He had looked at the kits that Bailey's sells (PETZL ROPE CLIMBING KIT #27915) as well as the needed accessories (helmet, gloves,etc). While I know that climbing is not for the untrained and that he would do well to get some instruction, would this be the best method for climbing, or would another be more suitable? Remember too, that photography requires the use of both hands, so he needs a safe, stable point to shoot from (it had been suggested that a Grillon would be a good addition to the harness)

Any constructive advice will be appreciated.

 

[Grouchy old man]

Well, I've done commercial photography way back when digital wasn't cool but anyway I really can't see his point. Maybe if he was shooting climbers for the Sherrill catalog, but shooting buildings and houses from trees has to be pretty limiting. As far as stock photography I can't see him making any money there either. If it were me and I had the funds I would rent an aerial lift.

 

[tree md]

Personally, I don't feel all the PPE is necessary for climbing if he is not removing trees. But then again, I come from the generation that climbed trees, rode bikes and skateboards without helmets. Any rec saddle, rope and ascending apparatus that tickles his fancy should work. He could do it with a basic saddle, climbing line and one or two prussic cords. Tell him to get out there and have some fun.

 

[the Aerialist]

TITS ~ Tie In Twice Stupid

I hope that someone can advise me on a purchase.
My son is 20 years old and is pursuing a degree in fine arts/photography. He is wanting to start climbing trees to get shots for real estate firms, as well as stock photos that he might sell. He had looked at the kits that Bailey's sells (PETZL ROPE CLIMBING KIT #27915) as well as the needed accessories (helmet, gloves,etc). While I know that climbing is not for the untrained and that he would do well to get some instruction, would this be the best method for climbing, or would another be more suitable? Remember too, that photography requires the use of both hands, so he needs a safe, stable point to shoot from (it had been suggested that a Grillon would be a good addition to the harness)

Any constructive advice will be appreciated.

Climbing trees gives a great POV for the camera but also tends to be limiting due to the foliage that would obstruct the shots of the home. Renting a lift would give a better platform to shoot from, and much more flexibility for framing the shot, most likely from across the street. My advice would be to get a towable and shoot all day from it on speculation going down some streets in an upscale neighborhood.

Having said that, I agree with TreeMD to get the gear (including PPE) and have a blast. Also, a second tie in point whether in the form of a Grillion or ART Positioner.