A useful tool for planning a shoot

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Hi folk,

Not a question, but possibly an answer to an unasked question.

The following free tool should work on most OS platforms (it's an Adobe AIR application). It allows to accurately plan or reconstruct the sun angles anywhere on our globe, which can help with planning the best shooing times. One of the strong points is that the planning can be done ahead of time, without knowing the location.

The Photographer's Ephemeris (http://stephentrainor.com/tools)

For completeness, there are also similar tools for smartphones, although e.g. for the satellite map views a data connection may be needed. Seemingly popular for iPhones is the "LightTrac" application (also available on Android).

I'm currently using an Android app called "Sun Surveyor" which (in the paid version) also allows to use the Sun/Moon track as an augmented reality overlay on the camera image from the phone. Very interesting, also when location scouting, to detemine the sun/moon position and shadow length (even under an overcast cloud situation when clear skies are expected later).

Cheers,
Bart

[Murray Foote]

Thanks very much Bart for your answer. I might have asked the question yesterday or the day before. I have an old unrelated app called Ephemeris and went looking for a modern version. It's no longer available and a quick search didn't find a better one.

This one is so much better. What a great little app.

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks Bart for the link. That's going to help us!

[Ruben Alfu]

Hi Bart,

Thanks for the info, I installed the program in my computer for curiosity, so far I only had a chance to browse it quickly and it looks very nice, it runs fast!

Ruben

[Asher Kelman]

Bart,

Is there a Mac version?

Asher

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Bart,

Is there a Mac version?

Hi Asher,

As far as I know it should work on all platforms that have the Adobe AIR runtime (http://www.adobe.com/go/EN_US-H-GET-AIR) installed. The Photographer's Ephemeris is a web-application.

Cheers,
Bart

[Tom Robbins]

Bart, I almost always check this little program before heading outdoors with camera gear for the day. Someone, somewhere, posted a link to it when it first became available. The only problem encountered is that it is all too easy to lose track of time dragging the little balloon around when the screen is maximized. It is very useful and maybe a little too much fun to use.

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Bart, I almost always check this little program before heading outdoors with camera gear for the day. Someone, somewhere, posted a link to it when it first became available. The only problem encountered is that it is all too easy to lose track of time dragging the little balloon around when the screen is maximized. It is very useful and maybe a little too much fun to use.

Hi Tom,

I agree, it's serious fun. I suggest first time users to at least look at the instructional videos, which also explain the use of that 'balloon'. Unfortunately for the Netherlands the majority of the scenery is at the same level (the economically most important part even blow sea-level). However, it is especially a useful feature when e.g. planning shoots in a valley without having to wonder if the sun wil clear the mountain ridge, and when.

Cheers,
Bart