Abstract: A picture pole system supports and protects a camera, typically a high resolution digital camera, at a height above the user. A cord may run from a trigger on a camera mounting frame along an extension pole to the user. The cord may permit the user, at one end of the pole, to take a picture with the camera, which is disposed at the other end of the pole. A focusing/stabilizing device may be attached to the pole near the camera. The focusing/stabilizing device may be placed against a subject to be photographed to provide a uniform focal length when taking pictures of multiple subjects, such as name plate data and/or manufacturer tag data in a chemical plant or refining industry.