Beginners: SpaceX CRS-14 Pre-Launch

Hey Patrons!

I had a chance to set up my 4 cameras this morning in advance of SpaceX’s CRS-14 launch to the Int’l Space Station at 4:30:38 pm EDT this afternoon. (20:30:38 UTC)

Here’s where you can catch the webcast!

If you’d like to

Launch Pad Cameras:

I set up 3 cameras on the launch pad and wanted to cue you guys in to what my plans are!

1. Super Telephoto view. (vertical)

Camera: Canon EOS 60D + Battery Grip

Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

Settings: 1/8000 | f/16 | ISO 100 (wicked under-exposed for the flame detail)

Details: Right now, the camera is pointed toward the Dragon but as the rocket ascends the bright exhaust should come into view and position itself for a winning shot

2. Medium View (vertical)

Camera: Canon 7D Mark II

Lens: Canon 50mm 1.8 STM

Settings: 1/1250 | f/8 | ISO 200

Details: This view is tilted upward about 30 degrees. Around the pad, this camera is positioned exactly opposite of the Sun (250.4 degrees) at 70.9 degrees. Dragon is the only thing currently in the frame. As the rocket ascends, it should blot out the Sun if I planned it right!

3. Wide view (horizontal)

Camera: Canon EOS 60D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM

Settings: 1/1250 | f/8 | ISO 200

Details: This is a standard horizontal view right next to my Medium View (vertical). The Sun should be blotted out here as well! Hoping for the best

Off-Pad Remotes:

4. UCS-3 Medium-Telephoto

Camera: Canon EOS 60D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-135mm STM

Settings: 1/1250 | f/8 | ISO 200

Details: This is another horizontal view located at UCS-3 about a mile north of the launch pad. The rocket and lightning towers are positioned in the bottom right of the frame, leaving room for the exhaust plume to come out of the flame trench and leave the left side of the frame!

Cameras on my person:

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Lens: Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM + 2X II

Settings: ~1/1250 | ~f/8 | ~ISO 200

Details: Like Falcon Heavy, I will be on top of NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building for SpaceX’s CRS-14 launch! Very excited. Like Orbital ATK’s Antares launch last November – I plan to find an opening in the Media members and position a shot similar to this! I hope it works out 🙂