Personal Imaging equipment can be used for taking pictures. User should be responsible for the use of their personal equipment. No devices should be harmed with the use of personal imaging equipments.
The flash settings on still cameras must be set to off, as often the automatic settings on the camera will cause a flash photo to be taken which will wash out and erase the very shadows and lighting effects that are to be documented. Placement and orientation of the camera is another important consideration. While the camera should be placed in a position that captures the portion of the model which is of interest, it also must be placed in a position that does not cast a shadow onto the model or area of interest at the time of day or year under consideration. Photographing models from the south requires a shot from a relatively low angle. East and west facing photos can be equally challenging depending upon the date, time and latitude of interest. Advance planning of the desired shots will help the testing move more smoothly.
Positioning the camera becomes particularly difficult when using the platform heliodon since the table turns and tilts to adjust the model relative to the sun's position. To assist with this, CERES has provided an adjustable tripod clamp that can be attached to the camera and to the table surface. This allows the camera to move in concert with the table and model. This keeps the camera's framed shot of the model consistent regardless of the table's position. From the camera's point of view, this relationship also helps maintain the perception of the sun moving through the sky rather than the table tilting and swiveling.
CAUTION: The tripod clamp may also be used on the ring heliodon, but EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN CLAMPING IT TO THE WHITE CIRCULAR TABLE. If over-tightened, THE CLAMP COULD CRUSH THE TABLE SURFACE.
The clamp has a quick release plate that must be removed from the arm and attached to the camera's tripod screw mount. The plate, with camera attached, is then mated to the clamp and arm mechanism. Care is required when adjusting the camera's position and viewfinder framing. Do not make the adjustments by grabbing the camera itself. THE CAMERA SHOULD BE POSITIONED BY MOVING THE CLAMP ARM BY ITS JOINTS. CERES will not accept responsibility for damage to personal equipment as a result of use of the clamping arm. The tripod clamp may be checked out of the CERES office at the beginning of a session and must be returned at the conclusion of that session. Users will be required to leave their Ball State ID with the office personnel to check out the tripod clamp. Users should be sure to remove the quick-release plate from the camera and return it along with the tripod clamp.