P3D Floating 3d from down-the-earth?

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

This very specialized subject is attracting attention again.  I say "again"
because it has not been long since we had an exhausting discussion on how
to take stereo pictures using rockets, etc.  My natural skepticism at the
time was viewed as an opposition to this wonderful idea..."Oh, how dare you
say that it is almost impossible for an amateur stereo photographer to take
spectacular aerial hyperstereos using model rockets, kites, balloons, etc."

Since then I have not seen any stereo pairs from model rockets or kites but
have seen a few really spectacular aerial stereo photographs from
low-flying planes by Kevin K (I will not attempt to spell his last name) in
the Beta folio of SSA and Martin Guy (ISU, etc.).  Both are licensed pilots
but I have also seen pictures from non-pilots amateur photographers flying
in such planes.

But this again is quite specialized.  What I am interested in many cases is
getting a higher elevation perspective.  When you have special events,
especially with many people (parades, etc.) pictures from higher elevation
are always more interesting.  The best would be to find a building or some
kind of structure to give you the higher perspective.  But what if there is
no easily accessible building?

So, is there a mechanical way to lift the camera higher and how high would
that be?  Tripods are limited to 6 feet or so.  Same for monopods.  I have
been tempted to join two monopods to get to 12 feet.  I would guess that
someone must have gone through the same train of thought an constructed a 
long collapsible monopod to get you to 20 feet or so.  Is there any
information around?  The stereo system can be something as simple as a
Stereo Realist (for those who don't mind the limited depth range) or a twin
camera rig.  Camera(s) can be fired with air bubble release cables.  Seeing
what is photographed is certainly a problem that that's also the case with
rockets, etc.

Any ideas for this more down-to-earth project?

-- George Themelis


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