The Ronford-Baker Portrait Plate is an essential adapter designed to quickly and securely mount a camera in a vertical (portrait) orientation onto a traditional fluid head. This allows filmmakers to easily capture content optimised for vertical platforms like social media, or to achieve unique vertical compositions for creative narrative and commercial projects. It maintains stability and quick adjustments, leveraging the existing fluid head’s pan and tilt capabilities for vertical framing.
Overview
- Adapter for vertical camera mounting
- Securely mounts camera in portrait orientation
- Utilises fluid head’s pan and tilt for vertical framing
- Ideal for social media content (e.g., TikTok, Instagram Reels)
- Enables unique vertical compositions
- Robust and stable construction
- Quick to attach and detach
- Compatible with various camera setups
2x Manfrotto 3/8 16 Screw
2x Manfrotto 1/4 20 Screw
Platform Specificity
This plate is specifically designed for content destined for vertical viewing platforms (e.g., Instagram Stories/Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts). Plan your framing with the vertical aspect ratio in mind.
Balancing Vertical
When using the portrait plate, the camera’s weight distribution shifts. Take extra care to re-balance your fluid head, particularly the tilt axis, to ensure smooth vertical movements.
Lens Choice
Consider using wider lenses when shooting vertically, as the narrow frame can make subjects feel “boxed in” with longer focal lengths.
Monitoring in Vertical
Ensure your on-camera monitor or external monitor can display a de-squeezed or properly framed vertical image, making it easier to compose your shots accurately.
Creative Framing
Don’t just think of it for social media. Vertical framing can be a powerful artistic choice for emphasising height, leading lines, or isolating subjects in a unique way for traditional narratives.