FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shooting apparatus and to a studio arrangement for photography or video shooting with a camera. The present invention further relates to a method for photography or video shooting an object with a camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different kind of object are nowadays photographed or video recorded for illustration purposes or for selling online. Visualization has become mora and more important and therefore the objects, such that shoes, furniture, cars or the like, are photographed or video recorded from all angles or from all directions 360 around the object. These photographs or video recordings are then used for illustrating the object.

In the prior art the objects are photographed or video recorded conventionally by changing the position of the object to be photographed. This is done by first photographing or video recording the object from one angle, moving or changing the position of the object and then photographing or video recording the object from another angle. This may be repeated one or more times for photographing or video recording the object from different angles or from all angles 360 around the object. One of the problems associated with the prior art is that photographing or video recording the object is very time consuming and moving or changing position of the object causes variations in placement of the object deteriorating quality.

An alternative prior art method for photographing or video recording the object comprises placing the object on a rotating base and photographing or video recording the object as it rotates on the base. One of the problems associated with the prior art is that rotating object of different sizes or different dimensions requires different rotating bases which makes the photographing or video recording complex. Furthermore, it inconvenient to rotate large or heavy objects on a rotating base as it requires large machinery for the rotating base. Furthermore, in the prior art solutions it is difficult or impossible to adjust the shooting apparatus based on the size or dimensions of the object to be photographed or video recorded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a shooting apparatus, studio arrangement and method for photographing or video recording an object such that the prior art

The objects of the invention are achieved with a shooting apparatus which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 1. The objects of the invention are also achieved with a studio arrangement which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 8. The objects of the invention are further achieved with a method which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 12.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a shooting apparatus comprising a motor, a support beam connected motor and arranged to be rotated with the motor. The shooting apparatus further comprises a camera support provided to the support beam at a first distance from the motor such that the camera support or the camera may be rotated along a circular or looped path. The camera is arranged to the camera support such that it faces towards inside of the circular path for photographing or video recording an object placed inside the circular path.

The shooting apparatus may comprise motor having a rotation shaft extending from the motor for outputting rotational power. The rotation shaft of the motor defines a central axis of rotation. The shooting apparatus also comprises the longitudinal support beam extending transversely to the central axis of rotation. A rotation connection is provided between the motor and the support beam, on a first side of the beam. The support beam is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor with the rotation connection for rotating the support beam with the rotational power of the motor. The shooting apparatus further comprises a camera support for supporting the camera to the support beam. The camera support is provided to a first beam portion of the support beam extending to a first direction from the central axis of rotation. The camera support is provided on a first distance from the central axis of rotation. The camera support is provided adjustably to the first beam portion such that the first distance of the camera support from the central axis of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion. Therefore, the distance of the camera from the central axis of rotation may be adjusted, for example decreased or increased depending on the object to the be photographed or video recorded. The shooting apparatus may comprise an adjustable connection between the support beam and the camera support. This allows adjusting the position of the camera support along the support beam and the first distance from the central axis of rotation.

The adjustable connection may comprise a mechanical connection arranged to secure the camera support to the support beam such that the first distance of the camera support from the central axis of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion.

Alternatively, the adjustable connection may comprise a sleeve or a clamp arranged at least partly around the support beam and arranged to secure the camera support to the support beam such that the first distance of the camera support from the central axis of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion by moving the sleeve along the support beam or by securing the sleeve to the first beam portion at a desired first distance from the central axis of rotation.

Further alternatively, the adjustable connection may comprise a groove joint provided between the support beam and the camera support, the grove joint comprising a groove or a slit extending along the first beam portion such that the first distance of the camera support from the central axis of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion by moving the camera support along the slit of the first beam portion or by securing the camera support to the first beam portion in the slit at a desired first distance from the central axis of rotation.

The adjustable connection may also comprise a locking mechanism for locking the camera support to a desired first distance or position from the central axis of rotation.

A camera base may be provided to the camera support and arranged to receive the camera, on a second side of the support beam, the second side being opposite the first side, such that the camera faces towards the central axis of rotation. Accordingly, the camera installed to the camera base may be moved along a circular or looped path by rotating the support beam and the camera is arranged to face towards inside of the circular or looped path for photographing or video recording an object placed inside the circular path. Thus, an object placed under the support beam or on the central axis of rotation or inside the circular or looped path of the camera or camera support/base may be photographed or video recorded from all directions meaning around or 360 degrees around the object.

The camera support may comprise a longitudinal camera support member extending from the first beam portion. The camera base is provided to the longitudinal camera support member, preferably to the distal end or in vicinity of the distal end of the longitudinal camera support member. The longitudinal camera support member may be adjustable such that the length of the longitudinal camera support member from the first beam portion is adjustable. Alternative, the camera base may be arranged adjustably to the longitudinal camera support member such that the camera base may be arranged at a desired distance from the support beam.

The camera support may comprise the longitudinal camera support member extending from the first beam portion at a second side of the support beam. The second side of the support beam is opposite to the first side of the support beam.

The rotation shaft of the motor may be arranged to extend in vertical direction and the support beam may be arranged to extend in horizontal direction.

Further, the rotation shaft of the motor may be arranged to extend in vertical direction and the support beam may be arranged to extend in horizontal direction. The first side of the support beam is the upper side of the support beam and the second side of the support beam being the lower side of the support beam.

Alternatively, the rotation shaft of the motor may be arranged to extend in vertical direction and the support beam may be arranged to extend in horizontal direction. The motor is arranged on the first side, upper side, of the support beam and the camera support is arranged on the second side, lower side, of the support beam or arranged to extend to the second side, lower side, of the support beam.

The shooting apparatus may also comprise a camera base provided to the camera support and arranged to receive the camera on the second side of the support beam such that the camera faces towards the central axis of rotation he second side is opposite the first side.

Alternatively, the camera base may be provided to the longitudinal camera support member.

Further alternatively, the camera base may be provided to the camera support and arranged to receive the camera on the second side of the support beam such that the camera faces towards the central axis of rotation and the camera base further comprises a turning joint for adjusting the position of the camera. The second side is opposite the first side.

The camera base may comprise a turning joint for adjusting the position of the camera such that the direction of photography or video recording may be set. Alternatively, the turning joint may be provided to the connection between the camera support member and the support beam. This enables the object to be photographed or video recorded from different angles.

In one embodiment, the rotation shaft of the motor is arranged to extend in vertical direction and the support beam is arranged to extend in horizontal direction. The support beam may be the arranged in perpendicular direction in relation to the rotation shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the support beam may be arranged in transversely in an angle in relation to the rotation shaft.

The shooting apparatus may comprise a control unit arranged to control the rotation direction of the rotation shaft and/or the rotation speed of the rotation shaft. Using a constant rotation speed a good quality of video recording may be achieved.

The present invention also provides studio arrangement for photography or video shooting with a camera. The studio arrangement comprises a support structure for forming a shooting space inside which the photography or video recording of the object is carried out. The support structure may comprise horizontal support elements. The studio arrangement may also comprise vertical wall surfaces defining a shooting space and a circumferential background wall. Alternatively, the vertical wall surfaces and the horizontal support elements define the shooting space within the support structure. Accordingly, the support structure may form an enclosure in which the photography or video recording of the object is carried out. The studio arrangement further comprises a shooting apparatus attached to the horizontal support elements of the support structure. The shooting apparatus may comprise a motor having a rotation shaft for outputting rotational power. The rotation shaft of motor defines a central axis of rotation. A longitudinal support beam is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor and arranged to be rotated inside the shooting space of the support structure with the rotational power of the motor. The support beam may be arranged to extend transversely to the rotation shaft. The shooting apparatus further comprises a camera support provided to the support beam at a first distance from the rotation shaft. The camera support arranged to support the camera and direct the camera towards inside of the shooting space. Accordingly, the camera support, and the camera, may be moved around the object placed inside the shooting space such that the object may be photographed or video recorded inside the shooting space from different directions as the support beam is rotated. The camera support is provided adjustably to the support beam such that the first distance of the camera support from the rotation shaft is adjustable along the support beam.

The support structure may also comprise vertical support elements having an upper end and a lower end. Thus, the horizontal support elements may be connected to the vertical support elements and extend between the vertical support elements and at a first height from the lower ends of the vertical support elements.

The vertical wall surfaces of the studio arrangement may form the circumferential background wall for the photography or video shooting and further define the shooting space. In one embodiment, the vertical support elements may be provided with wall surfaces forming the circumferential background wall for the photography or video shooting and further defining the shooting space. In an alternative embodiment, vertical wall surfaces may be connected to the horizontal support elements or the vertical support elements with a wall installation assembly such that the vertical wall surfaces form the circumferential background wall for the photography or video shooting and further defining the shooting space.

The support structure may be a frame structure comprising one or more vertical support columns and one or more horizontal support bars. The one or more horizontal support bars may be supported to the one or more vertical support columns.

Alternatively, the support structure may be a frame structure comprising three or more vertical support columns and one or more horizontal support bars. The one or more horizontal support bars may be supported to the three or more vertical support columns.

Further alternatively, the support structure may be a frame structure comprising one or more vertical support columns and one or more horizontal support bars. The one or more horizontal support bars may be supported to the one or more vertical support columns. The one or more vertical wall surfaces may be further supported to the one or more vertical support columns or to the one or more horizontal support bars or to the one or more vertical support columns and the one or more horizontal support bars.

The present invention further provides a method for photography or video shooting an object with a camera. The method comprises installing the camera to a support beam arranged inside a shooting space. Installing the camera comprises positioning the camera towards the inside of the shooting space. The support beam is arranged to rotate inside the shooting space around a central axis (50) of rotation. The method further comprises placing the object inside the shooting space and adjusting a first distance between the camera and the central axis of rotation along the support beam to a desired value. The method also comprises moving the camera around the object inside the shooting space by rotating the support beam with rotational power of a motor around the central axis of rotation, and photographing or video recording the object during moving the camera around the object.

The method may also comprise rotating the support beam over the object inside the shooting space, or rotating the support beam over the object inside the shooting space at constant rotation speed.

Alternatively, the method may comprise rotating the support beam over the object inside the shooting space and adjusting the first distance between the camera and the central axis of rotation along the support beam during rotating the support beam, or rotating the support beam over the object inside the shooting space at constant rotation speed and adjusting the first distance between the camera and the central axis of rotation along the support beam during rotating the support beam.

The method may also comprise rotating the support beam at least 360 degrees and video recording the object in a first position, changing position of the object inside the shooting space from the first position to a second position and rotating the support beam at least 360 degrees and video recording the object in the second position.

Alternatively, the method may also comprise rotating the support beam at least 360 degrees and video recording the object in a first position, changing position of the object inside the shooting space from the first position to a second position, adjusting the first distance between the camera and the central axis of rotation along the support beam to a new value, and rotating the support beam at least 360 degrees and video recording the object in the second position.

An advantage of the invention is that the object may be photographed or video recoded from different direction and angles without changing the position of the object during the photographing or video recording. Also, small and light as well as heavy and objects and objects with large dimensions may be photographed or video recorded using the same shooting apparatus and same method, as the distance between the camera and the central axis of rotation may be adjusted according to the object and according to the desired shooting characteristics. Furthermore, the method for photographing or video recording is efficient and repeatable while maintain high quality at the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows schematically a side view of one embodiment of the shooting apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically a top view of one embodiment of the shooting apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically a top view of one embodiment of the studio arrangement according to the present invention;

Figure 4 schematically a side view of another embodiment of the studio arrangement according to the present invention; and

Figure 5 schematically a top view of still another embodiment of the studio arrangement according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following the same reference numerals in the figures denote same parts or components of the apparatus and arrangement, respectively.

Figure 1 shows a side view one embodiment of the shooting apparatus 2 according to the present invention. A top view of the shooting apparatus 2 of figure 1 is shown in figure 2.

The shooting apparatus 2 for photography or video recording with a camera

100 comprises a motor 10 comprising a rotation shaft 16 for outputting rotational power, as shown in figures 1 and 2. The motor 10 may be preferably an electric motor, however it may also be any other kind of motor. The rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10 defines a central axis 50 of rotation. Electric motor may be connected to a power supply (not shown) for supplying electric power to the motor 10. The motor 10 then converts the electric power into rotational power of the rotation shaft 16.

The shooting apparatus 2 further comprises a longitudinal support beam 20 extending transversely to the central axis 50 of rotation, and to the rotation shaft. In figures 1 and 2 the longitudinal support beam 20 extends perpendicularly to the rotation shaft 16. However, in an alternative embodiment the support beam 20 may also extend in an angle to the rotation shaft 16. The angle may be 30 to 90 degrees, preferably 45 to 90 degrees, and more preferably 75 to 90 degrees.

The longitudinal support beam 20 may be a metal beam, such as steel, wood beam or made any other suitable material. The longitudinal support beam 20 may be solid beam or hollow beam having a square, circular, oval triangular, polygonal or any other cross section. Alternatively, the longitudinal support bam may be a profile beam, such as I-, U-, C- or H-beam. The longitudinal support beam 20 may have a length between 0,2 m to 10,0 m, for example between 1 m to 8m or between 2 m to 6m.

The longitudinal support beam 20 is connect to the motor 10, or more particularly to the rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10, with a rotation connection 11, 12, 13 provided between the motor 10 and the support beam 20. The rotation connection 11, 12, 13 may be provided on a first side of the beam 20, the upper side in figures 1 and 2. The support beam 20 is connected to the rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10 with the rotation connection 11, 12, 13 for rotating the support beam 20 with the rotational power of the motor 10.

The rotation connection 11, 12, 13 between the motor 10 and the support beam 20 may be know rotation connection with which the support beam may be rotatably connected to the rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10. In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the rotation connection comprises a first flange 11 provided to the motor 10 and in connection with the rotation shaft 16. The support beam 20 is provided with a second flange 12. A bearing arrangement or sliding surfaces 13 is provided between the first and second flange 11, 12 for enabling the first and second flange 11, 12 to rotate around the central axis 50 of rotation respect to each other such that the support beam 20 may rotate respect to the motor 10.

The shooting apparatus 2 also comprises a beam attachment element 15 for attaching the support beam 20 to the rotation connection, or to the second flange 12, such that support beam 20 is arranged to rotate around the central axis 50 of rotation in respect to the motor 10 with the rotational power of the motor 10. In other words, the beam attachment element 15 is attached to the rotation connection or to the second flange 12 and the support beam 20 is attached to the beam attachment element 15 such that the attachment element 15 carries the support beam 20. Thus, the support beam 20 is attached to the motor 10, or the rotation connection or the second flange 12, via the beam attachment element 15. However, in an alternative embodiment the support beam 20 may also be attached directly to the to the motor 10, or the rotation connection or the second flange 12. Thus, the beam attachment element 15 may then be omitted.

As shown in figure 1, the rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10 is arranged to extend in vertical direction and the support beam 20 is arranged to extend in horizontal direction. The motor 10 is arranged on the first upper side of the support beam 20. The second side of the support beam 20 is the lower side of the support beam 20.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, the shooting apparatus 2 further comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting or attaching the shooting apparatus to a support structure. In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the shooting apparatus 2 is arranged to be installed below a support structure. The mounting arrangement may be any kind of arrangement with which the shooting apparatus 2 may be attached or installed to the support structure. The support structure may be a separate support structure for the shooting apparatus 2 or it may be a ceiling of a room or space or some other structure giving necessary support for the shooting apparatus 2. In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2 the mounting arrangement comprises mounting element 8, which may be plate or framework and made of metal or some other suitable material. The mounting element 8 is directly attached to the support structure with first attachment fasteners 7. The motor 10 is further attached to the mounting element 8 with second attachment fasteners 9. The rotation connection, or he first flange 11, may further be attached to the mounting element 8 with third attachment fasteners 14. In an alternative embodiment, the motor 10 and the rotation connection, or the first flange 11, may be both attached directly to the support structure and the mounting element 8 may be omitted. In a yet alternative embodiment the motor 10 or the rotation connection, or the first flange 11, is attached directly to the support structure and the other is attached to the mounting element 8.

In one embodiment, the mounting element 8 is arranged to mount the shooting apparatus below the support structure or at least the support beam 20 below the support structure. In the latter case the motor 10 and/or the rotation connection 11, 12, 13 may be arranged above the support structure or on the same level with the support structure.

The longitudinal support beam 20 is connected to the motor 10 between the opposite ends of the support beam 20. Therefore, the support beam 20 comprises a first beam portion 21 extending to a first direction from the central axis 50 of rotation and a second beam portion 22 extending to a second direction from the central axis 50 of rotation. The second direction being opposite the first direction, as shown in figures 1 and 2. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the first beam portion 21 is longer than the second beam portion 22. However, they may also be equal in lengths or the second beam portion 22 may be longer than the first beam portion.

In one embodiment, the support beam 20 may be adjustably attached to the rotation connection or to the attachment element 15 such that the ratio of the length of the first and second beam portion 21 and 22 may be altered.

In one embodiment length of the support beam 20 may also be adjustable. In this embodiment, the support beam 20 may have for example a telescoping structure or one or more extension (not shown) may be added or removed from the support beam 20.

For balancing the support beam 20 to the rotation connection or the central axis 50 of rotation, the second beam portion 22 is provided with one or more counter weights 35. The counter weights 35 compensate the difference in lengths of the first and second beam portion 21, 22. The weight or the number of counter weights 35 may be provided adjustable, for example such that the counter weights may be added or removed from the second beam portion 22. Furthermore, the location of the counter weights 35 or the distance of the counter weights 35 from the central axis 50 of rotation in the second beam portion may be adjustable along the second beam portion 22 for balancing the support beam 20.

In an alternative embodiment, one end of the support beam 20 may be connected to the motor 10 or to the rotation connection such that the support beam 20 comprises only the first beam portion 21.

The beam attachment element 15 may comprise one or more first tension members or compression members 24, 24', 24" arranged between the beam attachment element 15 and a first attachment part 25 for stiffening the support beam 20. The first attachment part 25 is provided to the first beam portion 21 on a second distance Y from the central axis 50 of rotation, as shown in figures 1 and 2. The may be one first tension member or compression member 24 between the attachment element 15 and the first attachment part 25, or alternative there may be for example one first tension member or compression member 24', 24" on opposite sides of the first beam portion 21 of the support beam 20, as in figure 2.

The beam attachment element 15 may also comprise one or more second tension members or compression members 26, 26', 26" arranged between the beam attachment element 15 and a second attachment part 27 for stiffening the support beam 20. The second attachment part 27 is provided to the second beam portion 22 on a third distance Z from the central axis 50 of rotation, as shown in figures 1 and 2. The may be one second tension member or compression member 26 between the attachment element 15 and the second attachment part 27, or alternative there may be for example one second tension member or compression member 26', 26" on opposite sides of the second beam portion 22 of the support beam 20, as in figure 2.

The first and second tension members or compression members 24, 24', 24', 26, 26', 26" may be bars, cables, ropes or the like. The first and second attachment parts 25, 27 may be any known mechanical attachment parts such as, sleeves, clamps, bolts, screws or the like.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, the attachment element 15 is provided with protrusions 23, 23', 23". The protrusion 23, 23', 23" are arranged to extend from the attachment element 15 in an angle to the direction of the motor 10. However, the protrusions 23, 23', 23" may also be arranged to extend in another direction. The first and second tension members or compression members 24, 24', 24', 26, 26', 26" are attached between the protrusions 23, 23', 23" and the first and second attachment parts 25, 27, respectively. The protrusions 23, 23', 23" may be bars or flanges to the like protruding from the attachment element 15. The first and second tension members or compression members 24, 24', 24', 26, 26', 26" may also attached directly to the attachment element 15.

A camera support 30 for supporting the camera 100 to the support beam 20 is provided to the first beam portion 21 of the support beam 20 extending to the first direction from the central axis 50 of rotation. The camera support 30 is provided on a first distance X from the central axis 50 of rotation, the first distance being along the support beam 20. The camera support 30 is arranged to support the camera 100 during the photographing or video recording. The camera support 30 may be an integral part of the support beam 20, or it may be separate part. In the embodiment of figure 1 and 2, the camera support 30 is a separate part secured to the support beam 20 with a mechanical connector 31. The mechanical connector 31 may be any known kind of mechanical connector such, as sleeve provided around the support beam 20, a clamp, one or more bolts or screws or the like.

In one embodiment, the camera support 30 is fixedly attached to the first beam portion 21 of the support beam 20. The camera support 30 may be attached to the distal end of the first beam portion 21 or in the vicinity thereof, or between the distal end of the first beam portion 21 and the central axis 50 of rotation.

The camera support 30 may be also provided or attached adjustably to the support beam 20 or the first beam portion 21 such that the first distance X of the camera support 30 from the central axis 50 of rotation is adjustable along the support beam 20 or the first beam portion 21, as indicated with arrow A in figure 1. Thus, the mechanical connector may be provided as an adjustable connection between the support beam 20 and the camera support 30. This may be achieved for example by attaching the camera support 30 slidably or movably to the first beam portion 21 with the mechanical connector 31.

Thus, the mechanical connector may be sleeve arranged over the first beam portion 21 such that it may loosened and moved along the first beam portion 21 and secured or tightened to a desired location along the first beam portion 21. Alternatively, the cameral support 30 may be attached to the first beam portion 21 with a groove joint along the first beam portion 21. The camera support may then be moved along the groove joint and secured to the desired location.

In one embodiment, the adjustable connection 31 comprises a mechanical connection arranged to secure the camera support 30 to the support beam 20 such that the first distance X of the camera support 30 from the central axis 50 of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion 21. The mechanical connection 31 may be any known mechanical connection enabling adjusting the position of the camera support 30 along the support beam 20.

In another embodiment, the adjustable connection 31 comprises a sleeve or a clamp arranged at least partly around the support beam 20 and arranged to secure the camera support 30 to the support beam 20 such that the first distance X of the camera support 30 from the central axis 50 of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion 21 by moving or sliding the sleeve along the support beam 20 or by securing the sleeve to the first beam portion 21 at a desired first distance X from the central axis 50 of rotation. Accordingly, the sleeve or clamp may be moved or slid along the support beam 20 and secured or locked to the desired location of the support beam 20.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the adjustable connection 31 comprises a groove joint provided between the support beam 20 and the camera support 30. The grove joint comprises a groove or a slit provided to and extending along the first beam portion 21 such that the first distance X of the camera support 30 from the central axis 50 of rotation is adjustable along the first beam portion 21 by moving or sliding the camera support 20 mechanical connector 31 along the groove or slit of the first beam portion 21. The camera support 30 may be secured or locked to the first beam portion 21 in the groove or slit at a desired first distance X from the central axis 50 of rotation or desired location of the support beam 20.

Therefore, the adjustable connection 31 may comprise a locking or a securing mechanism for locking the camera support to a desired first distance X from the central axis 50 of rotation or to a desired location of the support beam 20. In one embodiment, the support beam 20 may also be adjustable. In this embodiment, the support beam 20 may have for example a telescoping structure together with the adjustable connection 31.

In figure 1, the camera support 30 comprises a longitudinal camera support member 32 extending transversely from the first beam portion 21. The longitudinal camera support member 32 is connected to the first beam portion with the mechanical connector 31. The camera 100 may be arranged a distance apart from the support beam 20 with the longitudinal camera support member 32.

The longitudinal camera support member 32 maybe straight bar or the like, or alternatively it may be curved bar or the like. The longitudinal camera support member 32 may also extend transversely in an angle from the support beam 20, or alternatively perpendicularly from the support beam 20, as shown in figure 1. The mechanical connector 31 may be arranged such that the direction in which the longitudinal camera support member 32 extends from the support beam 20 may be adjusted. Thus, the longitudinal camera support member may be arranged to extend in different angles from the support beam 20.

The longitudinal camera support member 32 may have fixed length. However, the longitudinal camera support member 32 may be arranged detachably or replaceable or attached to the first beam portion 21 with the mechanical connector 31. Thus, the longitudinal camera support member 32 may be changed to the different kind of or different length longitudinal camera support member 32.

The longitudinal camera support member 32 may be formed from one piece. Alternatively, it may comprise two or more separate pieces which may be detachable or removable for changing the length of the longitudinal camera support member 32.

The longitudinal camera support member 32 may be adjustable with adjusting means 33 such that the length of the longitudinal camera support member 32 from the first beam portion 21 is adjustable. In the embodiment of figure 1, the longitudinal camera support member 32 has a telescope mechanism 33, such that the length of the longitudinal camera support member 32 may be adjusted by adjusting nested longitudinal parts, as shown with arrow B in figure 1.

The camera support 30 and/or the longitudinal camera support member 32 may be arranged to second side of the support beam 20, opposite the first side of the support beam 20 on which the rotation connection 11, 12, 13 and/or motor 10 is provided. A camera base 34 may be provided to the camera support 30 and arranged to receive the camera 100. Accordingly, the camera 100 is attached to camera base 34 for attaching the camera 100 to the shooting apparatus 2. The camera base 34 may be connected to the longitudinal camera support 32 and to the distal end or in the vicinity of the distal end therefore. Alternative, the camera base 34 may be also provided or attached adjustably to the longitudinal camera support 32 such that the distance X of the camera base 34 from the support beam 20 is adjustable along the longitudinal camera support member 32. This may be achieved for example by attaching the camera base 34 slidably to the longitudinal camera support member 32. Thus, the camera base 34 may be attached to the longitudinal camera support member 32 with a sleeve, or groove joint, or with some other detachable or adjustable attachment arranged over the first beam portion 21 such that it may loosened and moved along the first beam portion 21 and secured or tightened to a desired location along the first beam portion 21. Thus, the camera base could be moved along the longitudinal camera support member 32 and/or secured to a desired location.

Thus, the camera 100 is provided to the camera support 30 and arranged to receive the camera 100 on a second side of the support beam 20. The second side is opposite the first side, such that the camera 100 faces towards the central axis 50 of rotation. Accordingly, the camera support 30 may be provided or extend on the second side of the support beam 20. Similarly, the camera base 34 and the camera 100 may be provided or arranged on the second side of the support beam 20.

In another embodiment, the camera base 34 is attached fixedly the longitudinal camera support member 32.

In a yet other embodiment the camera support 30 or the longitudinal camera support member 32 may be omitted and the camera base 34 may be attached directly to the support beam 20.

The camera base 34 may comprises a turning joint 37 for adjusting the position or direction of the camera 100. The turning joint37 may be provided between the longitudinal camera support member 32 and the camera base 34 or between the camera 100 and the camera base 34. The turning joint 37 may be provided such that the direction or position of the camera 100 in the camera base 34 may be adjusted in both vertical and horizontal direction, as indicated by arrows C and D, in figure 1, respectively. However, the turning joint 37 may also be provided such that the direction or position of the camera 100 in the camera base 34 may be adjusted in vertical or horizontal direction.

According to the present invention, the camera base 34 is arranged to receive the camera 100 such that it faces towards the central axis 50 of rotation. This means that an object placed under the motor 10 or the support beam 20 may be photographed or video recorded when the support beam 20 is rotated. In this context, the term towards the central axis 50 of rotation means that the camera 100 is positioned such that the lens of the camera 100 faces to inside the periphery along which the camera 100 is rotated during the use of the apparatus 2. In other words, the term towards the central axis 50 of rotation means camera 100 is positioned such that the lens of the camera 100 is directed directly towards the central axis 50 of rotation or in angle equal or smaller than 90 degrees. Accordingly, the camera 100 is positioned such that the lens of the camera is directed in an angle between 0 to 90 degrees, or 0 to 45 degrees, or 0 to 30 degrees towards the central axis 50 of rotation in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation. Furthermore, the camera 100 may be positioned such that the lens of the camera is directed parallel the first portion 21 of the support beam 20 and towards the central axis 50 of rotation, or in an angle of 0 to 90 degrees, or 0 to 45 degrees, or 0 to 30, or 0 to 15 degrees in relation to the first portion 21 of the support beam 20 and towards the central axis 50 of rotation in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis 50 of rotation.

The shooting apparatus 2 may also comprise a control unit 50 connected or operationally connected to the motor 10 and arranged to control the rotation direction 54 of the rotation shaft 16 and/or the rotation speed 53 of the rotation shaft 16, and thus the rotation of the support beam 20. The control unit 50 may comprise a power switch 51 for turning the apparatus on and off and a start-stop switch 52 for starting and stopping the rotation of the motor 10. A speed switch 53 may be used for adjusting the rotation speed of the rotation shaft 16. A direction switch 54 may be used choosing the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 16.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the shooting apparatus 2 is attached to a support structure above the shooting apparatus 2. Thus, in this embodiment the motor 10 is arranged on the first side of the support beam 20 and above the support beam 20. The support beam 20 is rotated under the motor 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment the camera base, to which the camera 100 is mounted, is arranged on the second side of the support beam 20 and below the support beam 20. This allows the object 1 placed under shooting apparatus 2 for photographing or video recording. This way the floor space under the shooting apparatus 2 may be maintained empty or free for the object to be photographed or video recorded.

The camera support 30 may also be arranged on the second side and under the support beam 20. The longitudinal camera support member 32 may be arranged to extend downwards from the support beam 20 for placing the camera base 34 below the support beam 20. In one embodiment, the longitudinal camera support member 32 may be arranged to extend vertically downwards from the support beam 20.

In one embodiment the rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10 may be arranged to extend in vertical direction and the support beam 20 may be arranged to extend in horizontal direction, as shown in the figures. Accordingly, the camera base 34 and the camera 100 may be arranged under the support beam 20 and the motor 10 and rotated around the object 1 placed in the central axis 50 of rotation and under the motor 10 and the support beam 20.

The present invention further relates to a studio arrangement for photography or video shooting with a camera 100, as shown in figures 3, 4 and 5. The studio arrangement comprises a support structure defining a shooting space 90 within the support structure, and a shooting apparatus. The shooting apparatus may be a shooting apparatus as described in connection with figures 1 and 2.

The support structure may comprise vertical support elements 42 having an upper end and a lower end and horizontal support elements 40, 41 extending between the vertical support elements 42 and at a first height from the lower ends of the vertical support elements 42. The vertical support elements 42 and the horizontal support elements 40, 41 together define the shooting space 90 within the support structure.

In one embodiment, the support structure comprises first horizontal support elements 40 connected to each other such they form a circumference or a perimeter, as shown in figures 3 and 5. The perimeter may be circular, rectangular or any desired shape. The first horizontal support elements 40 are also connected to the vertical support elements 42.

The support structure may further comprise second horizontal support elements 41exteding between the first horizontal support elements 40. The second horizontal support elements 41 may form a diagonal support elements extending through the perimeter defined by the first horizontal support elements 40. Thus, the second horizontal support elements 41 may form a ceiling of the shooting space 90. In the embodiment of figures 3, 4 and 5, the second horizontal support elements 41 extend transversely to each other and form an X-structure. The shooting apparatus 2 may be attached to the second horizontal support elements 41, preferably in the centre of the shooting space or in the cross point of the X- structure.

The vertical and horizontal support elements 42, 40, 41 may together form a framework to which the shooting apparatus 2 is attached. Thus, the support structure may be a frame structure comprising one or more vertical support columns 42 and one or more horizontal support bars 41, 42. The one or more horizontal support bars 40, 41 are supported to the one or more vertical support columns 42.

In one embodiment, the support structure is a frame structure comprising three or more vertical support columns 42 and one or more horizontal support bars 41, 42. The one or more horizontal support bars 40, 41 are supported to the three or more vertical support columns 42. Thus, the support structure may be provided dismountable structure, which may be disassembled and moved to desired location and assembled again. The three or more vertical support columns form the support for the whole structure and the shooting apparatus.

The studio arrangement may also comprise one or more light devices 43 for lighting the shooting space 90 inside the support structure. The one or more lighting devices 43 may be provided to the horizontal support elements 40, 41 or to the vertical support elements 42.

The studio arrangement may further be provided with vertical wall surfaces 62 forming a circumferential background wall for the photography or video shooting and further defining or enclosing the shooting space 90, as shown in figure 4. Alternative, the vertical support elements 42 are provided with wall surfaces 62 forming background for the photography or video shooting and further defining the shooting space 90. Yet alternatively, vertical wall surfaces 62 may be connected to the horizontal support elements 40, 41 such that the vertical wall surfaces 62 forming the circumferential background wall for the photography or video shooting and further defining the shooting space 90.

In an alternative embodiment, the studio arrangement may comprise separate wall support structure. The separate wall support structure may comprise vertical wall supports 68 and horizontal wall supports 64, or only vertical or horizontal wall supports 68, 64. The wall supports 64, 68 may be independent or they may be connected to the vertical or horizontal support elements 42, 40, 41.

It should be noted, that in one embodiment of the present invention the vertical support elements 42 may be omitted. The vertical wall surfaces 62 may thus be connected to the horizontal support elements 40, 41 or provided with the separate wall support structure.

The wall surfaces 62 may be sheets or curtains or the like and manufactured from textile material, wood, gypsum, plastic or some other suitable material.

In one embodiment, the support structure is a frame structure comprising one or more vertical support columns 42 and one or more horizontal support bars 41, 42. The one or more horizontal support bars 40, 41 are supported to the one or more vertical support columns 42. The one or more vertical wall surfaces 62 may be supported to the one or more vertical support columns 42 or to the one or more horizontal support bars 40, 41 or to the one or more vertical support columns 42 and the one or more horizontal support bars 40, 41.

As shown in figure 5, the studio arrangement may also comprise a ceiling surface 66. The ceiling surfaces 66 may be sheets or curtains or the like and manufactured from textile material, wood, gypsum, plastic or some other suitable material. The ceiling surface 66 may be attached to the vertical and/or horizontal support elements 42, 40, 41 or alternatively to vertical and/or horizontal wall supports 68, 64.

The studio arrangement may further comprise a bottom surface or floor 61. The bottom surface 61 may be provided markings or receptacles 60 for placing the object 1 to correct location in the shooting space 90.

The studio arrangement further comprises the shooting apparatus 2 attached to the support structure, or to the horizontal support elements 40, 41 of the support structure. The shooting apparatus 2 comprises a motor 10 having a rotation shaft 16 for outputting rotational power. The shooting apparatus 2 further comprises a longitudinal support beam 20 connected to the rotation shaft 16 of the motor 10 and arranged to be rotated inside the shooting space 90 of the support structure with the rotational power of the motor 10. The support beam 20 is arranged to extend transversely to the rotation shaft 16. The shooting apparatus 2 also comprises a camera support 30 provided to the support beam 20 at a first distance X from the rotation shaft 16. The camera support 30 is arranged to support the camera 100 and direct the camera 100 towards inside of the shooting space 90.

As shown in figures 3, 4, 5, the shooting apparatus 2 is arranged below or under the horizontal support elements 40, 41 or at least under diagonal second horizontal support elements 41. Or more particularly the support beam 20 is arranged below or under the horizontal support elements 40, 41 or at least under diagonal second horizontal support elements 41 and inside the shooting space 90 such that the support beam 20 may rotate inside the shooting space 90. Thus, the object to be photographed or video recorded may be place inside the shooting space 90 and below the shooting apparatus 2.

According to the above mentioned, the support beam 20 and the camera base 34, and thus the camera 100, may be rotated inside the shooting space 90. In one embodiment, the support beam 20 extends in horizontal direction and thus the camera base 34, and the camera 100, may be rotated in circular path in a horizontal plane.

The present invention also provides a method for photography or video recording an object 1 with a camera 10. The method comprises installing the camera 100 to a support beam 20 arranged inside a shooting space 90. The installing of the camera 100 comprises positioning the camera 100 towards the inside of the shooting space 90. The support beam 20 is arranged to be rotated inside the shooting space 90 around the central axis 50 of rotation. The method further comprises placing the object 1 inside the shooting space 90 and adjusting the camera support 30 to a desired location along the support beam 20 or adjusting the first distance X between the camera 100 or camera support 30 and the central axis 50 of rotation to a desired value. The method also comprises moving the camera 100 around the object 1 inside the shooting space 90 by rotating the support beam 20 with rotational power of a motor 10 around the central axis 50 of rotation, and photographing or video recording the object 1 during moving the camera around the object 1.

The method may further comprise rotating the support beam 20 over the object 1 inside the shooting space 90, or rotating the support beam 20 over the object 1 inside the shooting space 90 at constant rotation speed. The location of the camera 10 or the camera support 30 along the support beam 20 may be adjusted before rotating the support beam 20 or during rotating the support beam 20 or between photographing or video recording different objects 1.

In one embodiment, the method comprises rotating the support beam 20 and the camera 100 in a circular path inside the shooting space 90 in a rotation plane, preferably in a horizontal plane.

In one embodiment, the method comprises rotating the support beam 20 at least 360 degrees and video recording the object 1 in a first position. Then changing position of the object 1 inside the shooting space 90 from the first position to a second position, and rotating the support beam 20 at least 360 degrees and video recording the object 1 in the second position.

In one embodiment, the method comprises rotating the support beam 20 at least 360 degrees and video recording the object 1 in a first position. Then changing position of the object 1 inside the shooting space 90 from the first position to a second position or changing the object 1 to a new different or similar object 1 and adjusting the location of the camera 100 or the camera support 30 along the support beam 20, and further rotating the support beam 20 at least 360 degrees and video recording the object 1 in the second position or the new object 1.

In one embodiment, the object 1 is car, as shown in figure 1, and changing the position comprises opening or closing at least one door of the car.

The method may be carried out with the shooting apparatus 2 as described in connection with figures 1 and 2 and/or with the studio arrangement as described in connection with the figures 3, 4 and 5.

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.