Overhead Camera Setup for Drawing

A behind-the-scenes look at two simple camera setups I use to film overhead drawing, model making, and architectural sketching. I use both to document my design process in the studio and the components for one of the two rigs shown can be purchased for less than $40.
For the first setup I’ve used a tripod with a center column that extends horizontally to capture the sketching surface. It’s important to keep the camera’s sensor parallel to the work surface so you’ll be able to flip it in post for that over-the-shoulder perspective. I use a DSLR (both the Canon 70D + Canon 6DMKII) for these as the zoom lens allows me to easily frame and recompose the field of view but it isn’t necessary. My first videos actually used a smartphone attached with a rubber band to an inexpensive tripod.
The less expensive DIY setup uses a smartphone attached to a friction arm. This can be used stand-alone with the included C-clamp and mounted to any surface that will receive the clamp, or it can be permanently affixed to various locations by installing threaded brass inserts to receive the male end of the friction arm. In the video you’ll see the overhead locations where I’ve mounted them in my studio. If you don’t have any accessible mounting points, I also show you how to use a small boom arm as a mounting point. Although it can be a little bouncy if you bump it, it’s perfectly workable.
I also discuss: lighting (artificial and daylight), backgrounds and offer you the tips I’ve used to film many overhead, tasty-style videos in my architecture studio.
Learn more (+gear pics): thirtybyforty.com/blog/how-i-r...
*Links to gear in the video (affiliate)*
thirtybyforty.com/friction-arm/
thirtybyforty.com/manfrotto-055/
thirtybyforty.com/cutting-mat/
thirtybyforty.com/boom-stand/
thirtybyforty.com/phone-mount/
thirtybyforty.com/video-head/
// GEAR I USE //
DRONE:
*Mavic Pro by DJI: amzn.to/2hW3dTA
DSLR CAMERA:
* Canon 6DMKII thirtybyforty.com/6dmkii
* Canon 80D: amzn.to/2fBWGMQ
LENSES:
* Canon 24mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29l7ac5
* Canon 40mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29x2QcI
* Canon 10 - 18mm f4.5 - 5.6 IS Lens: amzn.to/2vyErvS
* Canon 24-70mm f2.8L Lens: amzn.to/2DMt0Y5
MUSIC I USE:
* thirtybyforty.com/music
AUDIO:
* Rode VideoMic Pro (hotshoe mtd.): amzn.to/29qlNM3
* ATR-2100 USB (dynamic mic): amzn.to/2dFDaKp
ARCHITECTURE GEAR:
* Copic Markers: thirtybyforty.com/copic-sketch
* Prismacolor Markers: thirtybyforty.com/markers
* Timelapse Camera: thirtybyforty.com/brinno
* AutoCAD LT: amzn.to/2dxjMDH
* SketchUp PRO: amzn.to/2cRcojz
* HP T120 Plotter: amzn.to/2dBGf1O
* Adobe CC Photography (Photoshop/Lightroom) Plan: amzn.to/2dhq5ap
CAD DRAWING TEMPLATE:
* Download here: thirtybyforty.com/autocad-temp...
STARTUP TOOLKIT:
* Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: thirtybyforty.com/SPL
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@tombuck]

Oh my gosh...I’ve been using these tripods for years and I never thought of putting the front two legs ON the table! Brilliant! 🤯

[@ChampdeFleursWellness]

Me neither!!!

[@aponchowdhury4325]

What the name of this tripod?

[@jaimatamandir]

@@aponchowdhury4325 manfrotto 055 tripod

[@musicalidy6026]

I have regular and never once occurred to me doing this would actually have gotten the camera way more in an over head position than just on the ground and angled down.

[@meson183]

I'm using a very small room with no space for the types of stands these overhead videos often suggest. But, I have a _Manfroto 055._ I just got it out and had a quick play with it. My desk is up against a wall in front of a window, but I can put the back leg on the window sill, the front legs on the desk, and I only need to find a way to tether or counterbalance it so it doesn't tip forward once the camera rig is mounted on it. Some great tips in this video. Super inspiring.

[@matiasgoinheix366]

Love your channel, and that studio is gorgeous. Even the landscape we can see outside the windows.

[@keshnadonia]

I think this is the best video I’ve come across to record top down. I appreciate the details of lighting tips mentioned!!!!! And alternate ways to create this setup!!!!! Thank you!

[@julianna7280]

This was so helpful as informative, thank you! I especially loved how you have options for either side of the budget spectrum.

[@DesignHustle]

Love how much open you are with sharing everything that makes your videos great! More power to you.

[@DominicChrisitianMom]

Thank you!! Finally recording drawings and calligraphy. Setting up was the hard part before I found this video. I will have to get that light source as well. I have been eye balling it for months now. Lol. Thanks for the detailed video.

[@RicoMa01]

Thanks for the tip! Really find this useful and hopefully could apply it to my speedpaint videos!

[@abhijeetmandal3822]

Wooow!!! the tripod legs setup this way with some counterweight really saved my day, i applied the same principle with my gimbal and it worked fine. Thanks for sharing your setup.

[@ifoundgrace4548]

Hi Eric , we have a saying in my country "The art of managing with what u got is an act of creativity" Thanks

[@chrisbrown8122]

This type of job had such a lot of efforts to work but you keep Inspiring me Eric. Thanks mate.!!

[@TinyMaths]

Thank you very much. I was getting a bit frustrated at trying to come up with a way to film my videos; this has given me some ideas how I can make a much better set up to make videos that will probably be more aesthetically pleasing.

[@FergbyFive]

That was amazing advice. Thank you for sharing!

[@osiris0408]

thanks for the work reinholdt! Keep it up - you have absolutely inspired me to go my own path. Thank you!

[@OwnARozario]

Great video. I love the Manfrotto tripod. I learned to record me creating art on ceramic plate. And I loved your white ink pen! Thanks a ton for sharing

[@sarahmac27]

Thanks so much! Your gear is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Great tips, much appreciated.

[@THECOACHMCSTUDIO]

TRULY INFORMATIVE AND BEAUTIFULLY SHOT, THANKS FOR THAT!!

[@JodyBruchon]

I got a camera jib and realized that it was perfect for this. Plopped a pan-tilt head on the end to make it point straight down and voila!

[@chriss2295]

This video speaks to me. Concise and to the point. Thank you!

[@ArchitecturalAesthetics2046]

super smart setup. Thanks for introducing the friction arm.

[@30by40]

absolutely...you probably need one...or four...

[@babysafarichannel1738]

I also use a similar setup for my videos but I had problems with the camera shake due to the movement of the table, at the end after several tests I preferred to make a special bar supported by two stands for side lights on which I mounted a head for my reflex and I found the optimal situation. Sometimes DIY is the only solution.

[@ArtofTamD]

Great video! I just picked up several items on Amazon thanks to your wonderful instruction!

[@ChadBarnier]

Feeling inspired every time I drop by your channel!

[@TyTheDreamer7]

This was a great video. Gave me all of the information I needed and more! Thank you.

[@kaing4992]

This is the most useful tips I had found on KZbin so far! Thanks

[@BlackHat302Gaming]

I am looking at doing model making and mechanical drafting, and got a lot of ideas from this, thank you.

[@raulopezarch]

Wow! I loved this video, thank you for sharing your knowlegde!

[@rheakurokawa]

This is exactly i wanted to know. I'm an architect so i totally like this kind of instruction haha. Also an aspiring illustrator wantng to record my process . Thank you

[@sandihester]

VERY helpful! I always want to hit my head on the wall when shooting overhead stuff!!!!

[@okikman1005]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤

[@JosephKim]

Really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks Eric for great inspiration.

[@Rascoh]

Hi Eric - A few months ago, I had commented on one of your other videos asking if you had intentions to share your film making process. Well, you delivered in this video! Absolutely fantastic job! Thank you for continuing to inspire me in the various creative endeavors that you pursue. \m/

[@30by40]

hey Jon...glad you enjoyed it...hoping to be able to pull back the curtain more in future vids...I'm still learning myself...! \m/

[@laurensakuma4160]

Thank you so much for this! Glad I stumbled upon this YT video of yours! I will just make and use whatever I have at home for the meantime.

[@thebellamayra]

Thank you so much this video has helped me so much in beginning videos. Have a great day

[@capsule7026]

Thank you for this great well presented content .

[@anshfattah]

I have a regular camera tripod as I wanted to shoot flat surface I thought I have to buy extra tripod for this.. This video just saved my pocket.. Huge thanks..

[@youbookmindimpact]

good idea for the shoot... thank you for share it. and what you draw is amazing....

[@ivondavid]

thank you Mr. 30x40 Design Workshop for that Great Information and also for including the links where to buy the equipment!

[@oO5Dynasty]

you just helped me out a ton. Im a start recording my music production with these tips. Ty again i just subbed and turned on notifications. I wanna learn how to draw also and you seem like the person to watch.

[@silentj624]

This is perfect. Thank you so much!

[@eatermckinnon4644]

Well thought out video. Just what i was looking for, for a phone setup!!

[@daveparadice]

Fantastic video, super helpful, very well done!!! Thanks!

[@everardopastor]

Super dope vid, so glad I found it. Thanks for sharing! 😎👌🏼 ✨

[@Copernicus222]

Really appreciate this, Eric!

[@ProfSDBagg]

Loved your setup. I am going for it👍🏻

[@anastasia_um]

Thank you so much for what you are doing.

[@gaynor1721]

The best informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@DESIGNPEPO]

You are a very good man, may be you do not realize how inspiring you are for us (hispanics), we can see these great videos and ideas from South America all the way to the North. Gracias de verdad!!

[@30by40]

really appreciate that my friend...sometimes making videos feels as if I'm speaking into an big empty vacuum... good to know they're helping you!

[@drawingolives8114]

FInally, a practical toturial that you can do with things i already have. Congrats. Excelent video =)

[@untoldofficialyoutube8563]

That was excellent sir !!!! Outstanding

[@Kazzbuzz]

Awesome...such a lifesaver....thanks for the hacks

[@thenerdcomicbookco.est.1966]

Very nice and simple video with great tips thank you for sharing your ideas

[@imadasmone8915]

Amazing... a different perspective on the usual perspective 😊

[@30by40]

cheers mate...

[@kaiserm-a-x-x5937]

Your brilliant thanks very much for your information for your overhead shots

[@CreativeThinking52]

Thank you for sharing these awesome tips. Fully view video. Have a great day. Happy holidays! 🤶🎅 🎄

[@ericcollins1521]

This video was extremely helpful. Thanks buddy!

[@cabinfevercraftingbyclaudi8108]

Thanks for explaining what happens when you rotate 180 degrees and the camera head is tilted while recording. I needed to understand that.

[@AVdigitalPRODUCTIONZ]

Great advice, just what I was looking for.

[@jxpat]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@playfuldraftsman7222]

Brillant tips, thanks for sharing!

[@theurbanartist775]

Man that’s creative. Thanks for the advice👍

[@irmarivas7603]

Very well made video! Thank you!

[@dr.sherrys8092]

A great practical advice! Thank you a lot for this....

[@BloomWithYoo]

Thank so much for this useful tips! Keep up the good work

[@Utanonomba]

Thanks really helpful that work also for keyboard player or beatmaker like me MANY Thanks for all the tips

[@theodellava]

Thanks for the tips. I will try this. 😍😍😍

[@arthurkoopmanswatercolors]

This is the video I needed. Thank you.

[@aladdin520]

Super cool video. Appreciate the tips! 👍🏻

[@urbannpa]

Thank you for getting to the point. I will be looking for the "friction Arm" . I have been trying to photograph artwork in a upright position I would rather do it flat. By the way...I love those UNIBALL PENS.

[@kade1969]

I like your video very much, so inspiring!!

[@keithr.4645]

Thank you this was very helpful!

[@eronwhitefield109]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@xomgitsjay]

Thanks for showing the friction arm trick

[@TrickiKnow]

Very useful video , thanks for making 😊

[@GantsilyoBaguio]

Thank you! I'm trying to shoot video tutorials and this is very helpful.

Great tips and examples here!

[@TheUnknownOrigin]

This is a great video....thank you!!

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

I have the same tripod, but I always leaned it precariously against the table. This looks like a better solution thanks!!!!

[@mirko.jankovic]

@7:55 yes they produce friction art it's called Magic Arm 244N made by Manfrotto and you can fit a canon 1D EOS models ;) Good Luck

[@fooddiariesbypooja3706]

Great info ...very informative .thanku for sharing this video

[@call050]

Great technique.. appreciated 👌

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Thanks once again for the insights and inside view of your process. BTW, you really have got a flair for editing. Your videos are very effortless to watch, if that makes sense. Thanks for your time. Cheers.

[@30by40]

Thanks +Wayward Woodworker for returning here week after week to watch, for supporting the channel, and for noticing the edit...it's taken me a while to figure it out, but that's the place where it all comes together...still have much to learn though! waiting for your vids...you've got the banner up...what's next?

[@JustDavidMinistries]

Glad I found this amazing channel

[@betsy773]

Super cool. Thanks!!!!

[@Fawaii]

Very helpful video, Thanks!

[@JoeChanTV]

Beautiful

[@Garmentcreations]

Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing

[@DrnDraw]

i really learned from your video .. thanks for all the information 👍🏻🌟🎬🙏🏻

[@snagopch5878]

Thanks for the lesson.

[@FZMStudio]

Exceptional video! Great help

[@RUSTONEJFK]

Really good man thank you

[@LAMODÉLISTE]

Thank you for this one! I do pattern making tutorials and it bothers me a lot on how to get the right positioning for my tripod and camera and this set up is all I NEED! BIG THANK YOU!!!!!

[@30by40]

Nice...glad it was helpful! I'm using a C-stand now too...that's even better (but a little more $)

[@LAMODÉLISTE]

@@30by40 oh yes it is! But you gotta spend money for the right angles I guess! Thank you again! 🙏🏼

[@ezpainting4697]

Thank you for this.🙏👍

[@snikitty12345]

I thought I had to buy a new tripod for my camera But this helped a lot :O thanks you

[@bill444ful]

Appreciated your tutorial

[@maridelandjon5661]

i love the tripod. i hope i will have this in my camera.

[@desmondhall4401]

Great info......apparatus is useful for my practice as an artist! You are amazing....thanks for the share!😀

[@30by40]

cheers my friend...glad to help...

[@m.fred.7218]

Fantastic ideas

[@BellaBranchDIY]

Awesome video! Super helpful!

[@maxx641]

Excellent video!

[@RedRockingBird]

Excellent content here, thank you, very useful