Clip-N-Clamp: Product Review

I love iPhoneography and am drawn to any gadget that will help me take better photos with my iPhone.  Last week I was given the opportunity to try out the Clip-N-Clamp which is a multi-purpose device holder that works with your smart phone, MP3 player, iPods, iPads, point-n-shoot cameras and more.

I was very excited to try it out because I love being a part of my photos and now I can attach my iPhone to the Clip-N-Clamp (using the included accessory) and using a self timer app, can jump into my photos.   No more propping my iPhone on my purse or trying to MacGyver a tripod.  This works great!  I can compose my shots better and can basically shoot at any angle using the Flexarm.

Here are a few photos of the Clip-N-Clamp with my iPhone.......

The clamp has 30lbs of holding power and has silicone tips to help grasp objects as well as reduce slippage.  You can tell that the grip is tight when you squeeze the grip.

As I mentioned above, the Clip-N-Clamp comes with different accessories that allow you to attach it to a variety of devices.  I tried it with my point-n-shoot and it worked great.  However, when I tried attaching my DSLR I need to be careful in how I adjusted the arm to make sure it was stable...but it did work.   It even comes with Velcro so that you can use it with a flashlight, GPS, or anything else you can think of.

Here is a video that will give you a great overview of  the various ways you can use the Clip-N-Clamp.  I really like the idea of using it to review recipes on your iPhone while cooking.  




The Clip-N-Clamp is available for $19.95, including all accessories, and free shipping on all U.S. orders.  They even offer a 30 day Money Back Guarantee.  The Clip-N-Clamp is definitely worth checking out.  I know I'll get a lot of use out of it with my iPhone!


Disclosure:  I was provided with a Clip-N-Clamp to test out in exchange for this review.  The opinions are my own.  

Self Portraits--Be Brave

Last week our assignment in my Beyond Layers e-course was to be brave and to capture photos of ourselves.  I know what you are thinking...no way.  I thought that way too until I went to Camp Shutter Sisters and attended a self portrait workshop with Meredith Winn.

After attending that class, I realized that taking self portraits was actually a way to grow as a photographer. It helped me to think about the creative aspects and technical elements of my work  in a whole new way.  And more importantly it helped me realize that I need to document my life, that I need to be a part of the story (the good days and the bad) and that I need to embrace who I am (to look beyond the wrinkles, the grey hair, etc.).

So for 2012, I am taking a photo a week and have joined several self portrait Flickr groups to help motivate and inspire me.   I must admit that even 14 weeks into this project, it still feels awkward to turn the lens on myself but I am going to stick with it.   I'm going to be brave....I'm going to honor myself....I'm going to enjoy the journey.........

And in my attempt at being brave, I'm going to share my self portraits with you here (somehow sharing it as an animated gif is easier than a individual photos....baby steps....my friends...baby steps). 

If you need a little encouragement to get you going on this new path, you should check out the NOW YOU workshop being offered by Meredith Winn and Kristin Zecchinelli...

Picture the Holidays--Week 3

I'm in the homestretch of the Picture the Holidays photo prompts.   This week I found it a little tough to keep my momentum going with all of the holiday commitments on my plate (school party, our own holiday cocktail party complete with 50 guests, kids being home from school, finishing up holiday shopping, etc.) but I plugged away.  After all, the whole point of this project is to take time out for myself and enjoy a few moments with my camera.  So that I did......

Anyway here is a recap of week three......

Day 15:  Got Gifts?
The idea here was to shoot an image that you would use as a gift tag.  I have not had a chance to turn this into an actual gift tag yet (I better get on it).  This ornament is special to me because not only does it signify love but it was made by my mom using lace from my wedding dress (which she also made--yes, she is amazing!).

Day 16:   Season of Lights
Here was our chance to capture some intentional bokeh.  I never really tried to do this before and found this to be a fun little exercise.

Day 17:  Warm Glow
There is nothing like the glow of lights during the holiday season.  Rather than photograph candles, I decided to capture the glow of the lights through my tasty champagne cocktail.

Day 18:  Recharge
Today the prompt involved taking a moment to recharge your batteries.  The holiday season can get hectic and feel rushed and sometimes all you need is a nice hot bath, a diet coke and your favorite magazines to unwind.

Day 19:  Make a List
I love making to do lists.  I feel an enormous sense of accomplishment every time I cross off an item.   For this photo,  I decided to make a list of my hopes and dreams for 2012.  I used the inspiring texture from Kim Klassen to give myself a few extra reminders.....

Day 20:  Wrapped with Love
Here the idea was to find a gift adorned in its holiday best.  Typically, I find wrapping a presents a bit of a chore.  But taking a few moments to wrap even just a few gifts with extra special touches was actually a great way to spend time this afternoon.

Day 21:  Attitude Adjustment
Here we were asked to have some fun.  Capture something that would help you lighten your mood.  This photo was taken earlier in the month (on a girls' trip to San Francisco) but it makes me smile every time I look at it.  I love my zany friends (and the unsuspecting tourist who was willing to take our photo in the wee hours of the morning).

Self Portraits--Time to Point the Camera at Yourself

Taken with my timer--finally figured out how to use it.

I've never really attempted taking photographs of myself. I didn't even know how to use the self timer. It never occurred to me to find out, after all I was always taking the pictures and taking a picture of myself felt narcissistic and out of my comfort zone.

But then I went to Camp (I hope you don't find my camp references redundant, but I learned sooo much) and I sat in on session on self portraiture taught by the amazing Meredith Winn.

Her class was eye-opening and so inspiring. What I walked away with was that self portraits are a way to......

Document the fact you experienced something....that you too were there.  How many pictures do you have from a vacation, event, or just day to day life that include you?  Are you always the one behind the camera?

Shooting up, me at Camp--yep I was there!

Capture the good times and the bad.  Taking a picture on a difficult or emotion filled day may not be the first thing that comes to mind but think about it differently.  By capturing that moment, you are now able to look back and say "I made it."    There is so much power in that.  And of course, taking a photo of yourself on a day that is filled with love, happiness, and joy is powerful too.  What is better than looking back on a photo that reminds you of a wonderful experience or moment?

This may only be my hand, but it makes me smile, because it captures my daughter and me making a toy
 for the cats at the Humane Society.  

A way to express yourself artistically.  Have you seen the self portrait levitation photos by Yowayowa?  They are amazing!  I even tried creating them myself using my daughter as the subject, but now maybe it is time to try a self portrait version.   Or check out the multiplicity photos on Flickr.  So inspiring and fun!

Whether you share the photos you capture or keep them for your eyes only.  Self portraits can be a beautiful way to express yourself.   A post by Ann Gray on the Digital Photography School website has some great tips on getting started with self portraits.  Check it out, grab your camera and point it on yourself.   And if you are willing, we'd love to see what you capture.