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Ad astra per aspera
by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Thu Jan 14th, 2010 at 04:33:18 PM EST
A clip on the Guardian on macro photography

Ad astra per aspera
by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Thu Jan 14th, 2010 at 04:39:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm looking round for clamps like this with a flexible bit so I can hold objects/plants in place for macro or product photography.  Also for holding a reflector in place to free up hands etc.  I can get A-clamps easily but don't know how to improvise for the middle bendy arm bit.

There is a great range called McClamp in the US but the shipping fees are hideous and I can't find them in the UK. One version has a metal pole that you stick int he ground and the flexible arm with the clamp keeps flowers etc still outside.  

So I am trying to figure out if I can make my own before I spend money on it.

Any ideas - especially for the bendy arm part?

Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 at 10:40:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]
The clamps can be found cheap at most stores that sell car stuff/tools etc. Always useful to have a couple with - especially the smaller ones. The bendy bit you can improvise with a two or three wooden laths (stiff, flat and light) about 12"+ long. You can usually find something in situ like a chair to provide a solid base. I had one lath with an old tripod screw glued to it so I could start from a video tripod with a fully rotating head.

A length of thick wire that can be hand-bent is also useful, as are a few industrial strength rubber bands. Duct tape takes care of almost all other solutions ;-) Thread a roll onto the shoulder strap of your camera case.

You can't be me, I'm taken

by Sven Triloqvist on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 at 11:40:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Cheers!

Ad astra per aspera
by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 at 11:49:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Oh, and the retracting aerial from an old radio can be a useful bit of kit also. All this makes you look like the rag and bone photographer, but ignore the scoffers. Far more important to get good content - otherwise it's just poncing around with the latest sexy gear ;-)

You can't be me, I'm taken
by Sven Triloqvist on Sun Jan 17th, 2010 at 12:15:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]
This site is well worth checking out (found it on the UK's top 100 blogs list!)

Chromasia


Ad astra per aspera

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Jan 18th, 2010 at 11:24:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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