Foam machine + camera = ?

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SamuelHearn

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Hello ladies and gents,

I've been asked to shoot at a foam party. I'm worried that the foam may be really hard to shoot in without ruining my gear (Nikon 18-35, d300s, SB600), I'm worried the weather sealing may not be tough enough.. Do any of you have experience with this sort of thing? I'm not chasing up the offer until I'm certain I'll be able to cope with it.

If it's of any use, it will be one of those generic foam blasting machines, from what I understand it can get pretty soggy!

Thanks,
Samuel
 
I'd cover everything but the filter element with a plastic bag of some description. Some foam parties are just a hot air blower with a few limp bits of foam coming out, or the dancefloor can be over head deep in the stuff. Either way it'll be hot, sweaty, *very* slippery underfoot, and full of drunk people.
 
the foam they use is horrible, las time i went to one i pretty much had to throw the shirt and shoes away as they just wouldnt come clean properly, they were all sticky and horrible, wouldnt go anywhere near it without a fully weathersealed camera...

however, if you have allready said yes, think about getting a good quality rain cover, some black tape to make sure it stays on, keep a filter on the front element, and try to shoot from outside of the dance floor if at all available :)
 
Large clear bag IMO, well taped on, protective filter on the lens.
You're going to need to protect your light source(s) too (which I assume will be flash).
 
I wouldn't risk it, the few quid you'll make won't come close to replacing a camera it it goes pear shaped, some people think it's fun to squirt this stuff at the camera and photographer.
 
You could probably get some really cool shots though, if you can get one of those yeoman fully sealed waterproof bags for your flash with a cord on it, then using IR triggers actually setting the flash in the foam for some nifty effects. Sounds like an enclosure is going to be absolutely essential. I think Dave (bass_junkie83) has probably done a foam party so its worth sending him a PM.
 
Crikey... it's fine. Biggest danger is slipping over and your camera going flying, I almost killed my 80-200 that way - wear good footwear. Won't really be a huge issue for your camera, just make sure to perodically wipe off any foam that gets on, and use a slightly damp cloth to clean the whole thing at the end. Generally keep it high (as normal in any crowd situation), or stay on the stage where the foam machine is.

If you want to faff about with plastic bags, then go for it... (disclaimer: my equipment gets hard use and a foam party was nothing to it...)
 
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