Photographing with a Burro (Donkey) - Can it be done today?

[raydm6]

Ok, with all the talk of technology, AI, and latest gear releases and cameras bag threads, I was kind of in a silly mood thinking about Ansel Adams’ early photographic treks using a burro to haul about 100lbs. of equipment.

PBS has a short reference to “Mistletoe”:

Adams' Photo Gear | American Experience | PBS

Ansel Adams took his first long trip into the wilderness in 1920, when he was just eighteen.

www.pbs.org

Mistletoe

I wonder how we as photographers would be viewed if we trucked along with a donkey hauling our photographic equipment - and I assume camping equipment - for a photographic excursion.

I’m sure there must be local, state, and federal laws and ordinances preventing this today. Perhaps one can get a permit? And never mind the cost and maintenance of keeping a burro and “picking” up after it during the shoot 😁

And most important, where does one get a burro? Not through B&H, Adorama, or Freestyle…

Unveiling the Mysteries of Wild Burros

Learn about the history, unique traits, and conservation challenges of wild burros in the American West.

americanwildhorsecampaign.org

FYI… May is Burro Awareness Month

 

[Retro-Grouch]

Sometimes I get all my stuff loaded up, but then I just can't get my ass moving...

 

[x-ray]

Sometimes I get all my stuff loaded up, but then I just can't get my ass moving...

That’s great. You get a big ass gold ostar for that one.

 

[Bob Michaels]

The "beer burro" that wandered around my grand daughters wedding reception in Nashville. Saddlebags filled with cold beer on ice so you did not have to go to the bar for a cold one, just summon the donkey.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

The "beer burro" that wandered around my grand daughters wedding reception in Nashville. Saddlebags filled with cold beer on ice so you did not have to go to the bar for a cold one, just summon the donkey.

View attachment 4820268

This is kinda like a low-budget version of the Budweiser Clydesdales.

 

[Freakscene]

Sure, entirely possible, but it seems a bit unnecessary in 2023 (I know these aren’t proper burros).

 

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Board,

Most people think I'm a jackass not a donkey. But I can tote some serious gear if anyone wants help! One bag has to mirror the burro from above toting the beer bag. I don't work for nothing! 😉

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA 🙂

 

[raydm6]

Another camera donkey:

Jiri Kudrna

Explore Jiri Kudrna’s 928 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Camera Donkey 3RRS III​

The Camera Donkey, an experimental photography device, in its latest reincarnation as of spring 2011. 2 redesigned turn tables, 3 new high precision linear slides and 2 individual motor controllers for up to seven stepper motors.​

​

The slit scanning assy on this picture is improvised from 2 linear slides, a Canon 5D2, a Mamiya RZ 50mm lens attached to a Sinar P2 standard, all hold together by lots of RRS gear. The whole machine is around 15kg, the slit scanning assy itself almost 10kg. When properly balanced, the slit scanner can be moved around the vertical axis with one finger. It can do a 360 degree turn around the horizontal axis in under 4 seconds, tilts 120 degrees in less than 5 and scans a 36mm sensor, if need, in about 2.5 seconds. The camera, motors and sensors are controlled with a scriptable windows software. Adjustments and picture taking process is controlled by a Logitech wireless game pad with 2 two-way joysticks and 10 programmable buttons. And finally, the control software uses text-to-speech during the picture taking process to enable the model to precisely time movements.​

 

[Contarama]

I wouldn't use a burro I'd use a mule...or better yet maybe a drone

 

[Retro-Grouch]

I wouldn't use a burro I'd use a mule...or better yet maybe a drone

I'm not fussy; anything that's willing to tote two Mamiya C3's at the same time will have my undying gratitude, and as much hay as it can eat.