Nadir Shooting Techniques...

The following technique is shown using the Nodal Ninja 3 VR head.  This is also illustrated in the Nodal Ninja 3 review page.

NOTES:

1 - Remember to make a mental note of the location of the nadir before reconfiguring the tripod.  I usually stand on the "nadir" or use an object to mark out the spot.

2 - Make another mental note of the height of the lens where the previous images where shot at to properly set up the tripod.

3 - This set up is only possible with a tripod that is capable of spreading its legs approximately 80° or more.  These types of tripods are generally capable of low level shooting.  You only need to spread the two front legs wider than normal.

4 - Use a hot shoe level to make sure the camera is leveled.

5 - When adjusting how far to tilt the tripod forward, be careful not to push too far.  In a windy location the tripod can tip over.  Make sure there is enough weight at the rear or simply use your hands to support the tripod.

6- Slide the camera to its farthest position on the upper arm.

7 - Adjust the center focusing point of the camera to the center of the nadir that you've marked out.

8 - Release the shutter via timer or remote control.

CONS:  Due to the width of the two front tripod legs, approximately 5 feet (depending on the size of your tripod), this may not be possible in some locations.

PROS:  Great for long exposures.

In

An alternative of the technique above when space is limited.

NOTES:

1 - Similar to the previous technique, make a note of the center of the nadir  and height of the lens where the previous images were taken at before reconfiguring the tripod.

2 - Use a hot shoe level to make sure the camera is leveled.

3 - Notice the rear leg is extended to it's second extension while the two front legs uses only the first extension.  This of course depends on how high you want to shoot.

4 - Slide the camera to its farthest position on the upper arm.

5 - Adjust the center focusing point of the camera to the center of the nadir that you've marked out.

6 - Release the shutter via timer or remote control.

CONS:  If you're not careful, (1) there is a possibility that the tripod may slip. (2) If you lose your footage and/or balance, damage to your camera and/or lens is inevitable.  You've been WARNED.

PROS:  Once familiar with this technique it is faster to set up than the previous technique.

An alternative tripod to use...  More details here

Sample shoot and workflow of the technique above

Take six pan shots at every 60°, one upward (zenith),

and one downward shot (nadir) with the tripod.

Above:  The alternative nadir shooting technique was chosen here

as you can clearly see the left foot.

First initial stitch

In PANO2QTVR, convert the stitched image (equirectangular) to a cubical projection.

The six cubical images generated with PANO2QTVR.

With Nikon Capture, "defish" the nadir shot automatically with one click.

An alternative to Nikon Capture - Defish with PTGUI

Photoshop...