Ever Wish Your Tripod was Small and Flexible? Meet the Gorillapod (And Enter to Win One)
If you are like me, you may think tripods are a huge pain. They are cumbersome and seem to get in the way most of the time. But for certain types of photos they can be useful (ie. night, low light, self portraits, or timer shots). Have you ever found yourself wishing you had something that could hold your camera at a weird angle or higher than you alone can reach? Meet my new friend… (And make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to learn how you can win one of my new friends - 2 are up for grabs here!)
Well recently I cam across a product at PhotoJoJo (one the coolest, fun photo accessory stores on the net) called the Gorillapod. There is one for point and shoots and one called Gorillapod SLR Zoomfor SLRs and heavier cameras. My curiousity got the best of me. So I tried it… And I have found, it may just help me be more creative at times. You can literally hang it on railings and banisters, put it low on a floor or ground, and hang it from chandeliers. With a latter or remote trigger, you could do some super cool stuff from up high. It can wrap around things and hold tight – your camera just screws into it. Imagine this up high at a wedding with a wide angle lens or fish eye lens.
I tested the sturdiness with my old Canon 20D with a 50 1.8 lens (just in case – LOL). It was totally safe though and soon my Canon 5D Mark II and L lenses will have the pleasure of taking a turn aboard it.
Here is the gorillapod outside – so you can keep your camera raised off the ground away from the elements…
What do you do when you are out shooting and need something stable – and have no big tripod? Tie the gorillapod to a banister…
What if you need to get down low to shoot a kid or get a fun wide angle shot? Let the gorillapod help you – this is on the floor inside – but I bet you could wrap it around your ankle too 
And what about for those hard to reach places? I am short so a ladder is often helpful – but what about this over a dance floor? Or in this case a kitchen? And I thought people looked at my funny when I use the Gary Fong Lightsphere. Imagine the looks I could get with the gorillapod…
Now if you are a good reader, you got this far for the “good stuff” – the contest!!! 2 lucky winners will be picked at random on Sunday the 26th. All you have to do is enter below in the comment section by answer the following questions:
- Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments?
- What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends?
- Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)?
And since I know you love me to go 1st, my answers are:
- compliments (Shootsac)
- strange looks (Gary Fong Lightspere or other flash modifiers)
- cannot live without (white t-shirts when photographing - yep – they make for the coolest catchlights)
Good luck everyone!!!
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The Lightsphere always gets the stares, both complimentary and the “what in the world”.
Cannot live without my Photoshop.
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments? My custom cottoncandybynatalie camera strap! (that I make!)
What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? my wireless remote
Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? My many memory cards.
Pick me, I want one of these really really bad!!!!
Compliments: I’m not a professional and don’t have anything fancy, mostly I just get comments on the camera itself.
Looks: My zoom lens with its lens hood
Can’t live without: My purse turned camera bag, not fancy, but it works!
1)my camera itself
2)my flash or reflector
3)my computer
1. My camera “bag” gets the most compliments. It’s actually a plastic tool box. With foam added to hold my lenses, batteries, and memory cards. Plenty of room for my video camera gear too. Fits in the overhead compartment of even smaller planes, yet if I have to check it, I know it won’t get crushed.
2. The strangest looks come when using my 13′ monopod, with pull string trigger and remote viewing with a handheld tv attached to the ‘mast.’ 13′ doesn’t sound very high, but the different perspective produces some really great shots, that no one else is going to get.
3. I can’t live without my tripod, or a monopod. It gives me confidence that my shots won’t be blurry, and holding it above my head, with a timed delay, will get me a different view when I don’t have the 13′ rig with me. (Though I’m sure I look quite silly taking these shots.)
Thanks for the contest. The gorilla pod would be a great addition to my ‘toolbox.’
1) my 100-700 lens (would love to buy a shoot sac!!!)
2) my Gary Fong Lightsphere for sure
3) more cards and a battery charger!!!
Compliments-My camera strap
Weird looks- My Bigma OS
Can’t live without- My subjects (my kids) and Photoshop
Compliments: My camera with a zoom lens
Wierd looks: foam board
Can’t live without: remote
Compliments: My camera with a zoom lens
Weird looks: foam board
Can’t live without: remote
…so I must be really boring because I don’t have alot of these weird and wonderful gadgets!
1 – The only wow compliments I get is when I pull out my SB-800 flash out???
2 – I get weird looks from my friends and family when I drag a HUGE camera bag around…when they can slip a point and shoot in their pocket
3 – The camera accessory that I know I’m already struggling to live without, since I don’t actually have one is definitely the shootsac! But other than that, it would really have to be my spare batteries & CF cards – peace of mind – but I’m not sure that you would classify those as accessories!
I actually think I get the most compliments on the camera itself–especially if I have a big lens on it.
Although it’s not original, the Fong lightsphere definitely gets the craziest looks.
I would never be able to live without my Optech Pro strap. It keeps me from getting wicked migraines from the camera weight on my neck.
Thanks for the heads up on the gorillapod.
* Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments? The telephoto lens
* What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? Oddly enough, its the monopod. People around these parts haven’t seen them before
* Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? My backpack camera bag…works great for getting stuff about be it on a plane or in the woods
* compliments (my camera)
* strange looks (not really strange to me, but my pop open reflector)
* cannot live without (Pocket Wizards)
compliments: my 70-200L
strange looks: my old brown leather purse that I use as a camera bag. It’s seriously ugly.
cannot live without: my 2 580ex flashes.
Compliments – My Tracy Joy Bag
Strange Looks – My homemade “Better Bounce Card”
Cannot Live Without – I’ll go with the white T too
compliments- my camera strap
strange looks- Flash diffuser
cannot live without- my tracy joy bag!
I really hope I win I could use a tripod!!!!
Wow, look at all the comments above me. That’s crazy
Compliments, tracy joy camera bag
strange looks, different angles in which I hold my camera
cannot live without, my backup battery. You never know when you’ll need it!
Compliments: definately photoshop (thanks to your actions!!)
Strange Looks: foam board for a reflector–I know I need a REAL reflector!
Can’t live without: Elmo puppet for kids attention!
Compliments: Purple Crumpler
Strange: Hands down my Fong
Can’t live without: canon hand strap
compliments: ShootSac
weird looks: Gary Fong lightsphere
can’t live without: ShootSac
* compliments: My Canon Canonet QL 17 GIII
* most weird: Lomo Holga CMY
* cannot “live without”: my bag that lugs around my 3 cameras 9(etc.) wherever i go that i’ve had since high school.
Ok, very much an amateur here.
Most compliments, eh, I guess my camera.
Weird looks, when I have my camera with flash. It’s the size, I think, when everyone else has a point and shoot.
Couldn’t live without, my flash. I can do ok with manual settings, but the flash makes such a difference with my kids, especially during the winter.
So I am new to photography or at least new to digital SLRs. I dont have many accesories or cool lens, but the thing that gets me the most compliments would be my Nikon even though its just a D80 Nikon. Its funny because people automatically think you must be professional just because you have a big DSLR- i try and tell them its a regular camera but they still think just the camera is cool. You can tell I dont hang with lots of photographers:) I don’t have anything that gets wierd looks. I do have a 80-300 zoom but its not all that odd. The camera accessory I cant live without is my little camera bag that holds just the camera. Its quick, easy, and light. But I have to make sure I have the lens I want on the camera b/c I can’t bring any extras along.
I’ve been shooting outside and playing with reflectors alot lately. And it has quickly become my new favorite must have when I am outside shooting!!!
* compliments? My strap
* weird looks? My assortment of toys to get kids attention
* cannot “live without”? My wireless remote.
1. Me and My Camera, I take so many pictures people talk about me. But, I am the one they come to when they need a picture!! 2. I get looks from people when I use a car, hand rail, or anything to put my camera on to make a picture with me in it. I love to be I the picture too. 3. Photoshop!!! They have it at the office and I can use it very limited, but have fallen in love!
Compliments: Camera Strap. Funny looks: The Camera itself. (My family is getting tired of it). Cant live without: Photoshop
Mostly my camera itself gets “wows” and “ooohs” but if I had to pick an accessory it would have to be my Speedlite 580EX II. It also goes for the weird one too because after darn near blinding them that’s when I get the weird looks
(I have to flash them once just to tease lol) I couldn’t live without my strap, it’s nothing fancy but by the end of a shoot if I didn’t have my strap my arms would feel like they were falling off.
compliments: Giotto Rocket Air
strange looks: Ray Flash
can’t live without: SB-800 flash
I’m just starting out so I don’t have much but I do carry my Canon everywhere I go. I would love to get a Gorillapod. compliments: M-Rock bag; strange looks: camera strap; can’t live without: “how to” camera books
Compliments: Well, I’ve only had my DSLR for about 3.5 months, so I don’t have many accessories yet. I would have to say some of the actions I use on my photos (computers and programs are accessories, right?)
Strange looks: Again, since I’m a relative newbie, I can’t say I’ve had any of these yet.
Cannot live without: My computer and program (Elements 6), to fix the mistakes I make! That, or my 8 gig memory card. Love all that memory!
Compliments, Shootsac, strange looks Fong for sure and actual comes with MANY strange comments (Is that for your beer?) and cannot live without my bean bag (for newborns)
most compliments- my camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag
most weird looks- lens hood made from cardstock paper
cannot “live without”- lens cap keeper
compliments: 70-200 L series lens (people go, Ahh!)
funny looks: 70-200 L series lens (someone thought it was a thermos!)
cannot live without: My hiking boots. Waterproof with a super gripping sole. I can take shots while standing in a creek or on the edge of a hillside!
Compliments: My Nikon adjustable flash. It’s a big one.
Strange Looks: My rolling suitcase full of equipment.
Cannot live without: An extra battery – charged.
Thanks for this giveaway!
Susan
Over at “Raisin Toast”
http://raisintoast.typepad.com
Compliments: My cool camera strap (I long for a Shootsac)
Weird looks: My little gorillapod
Can’t Live Without: Photoshop
Thanks, Jodi!!
* Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments?
My camera bag, it fits snugly on my camera
* What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends?
My little mini dollar store tripod
* Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)?
I am going to say a gorilla tripod. I just purchased my first dslr, and I am a little nervous about putting it on the dollar store tripod. I don’t have one so….
Here’s hoping that I win
compliments: camera backpack.
weird looks: a bright, shiny penny (which I place next to “belly-button flowers,” when shooting wildflowers in Death Vally).
can’t “live without”: extra batteries!!
Most compliments – My ShootSac. Weirdest looks – My Canon 70-200 lens; usually its a look of shock and awe.
Can’t live without – My Demb Flip-it. http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/
1. My funky camera strap, 2) Mostly I get really strange looks from the odd dances or strange noises I make to get my subject laughing, etc. 3) it’s been said but I can’t live without extra batteries…I’ve learned that the hard way!
The most weird looks? My camera period. I take it everywhere I can possibly get away with and people always look at me slightly strange. Maybe it’s because they see me at the same park 3 days a week with the darn thing attached to me! I’ve been desperately searching for a tripod.. this is a wonderful invention!
compliments: my cybershot (it has a HUGE display screen), strangest looks: my arm (I take a LOT of self-portraits), must-have: camera bag (to keep my screen pretty)
1. My Pocketwizards. People are always amazed at triggering things wirelessly.
2. My customized Gary Fong Lightsphere. I’ve added paper towels and tinfoil and tape to it.
3. I can’t live without my 4 GB CF memory cards. I love the size and speed. YUM!
1) My 5D Mark II
2) My gray card. GO figure.
3) Probably my digital gray kard.
Compliments: my case? Weird looks: probably my crack when squatting down to get a photo-haaa! cannot live without: i have no accessories yet…..sniff,sniff.
Great give-a-way! I would love this!
Most compliments: my final images (post production)
Weird looks: all the ways I try to get my subjects (mostly kids) to look at the camera!
Can’t live without: memory cards & extra hard drive
I would love to win!
what fun! my 17-55 f/2.8 lens, dunno why, it must look scary… oddest looks- the SB800. Pull that out at school assembly and watch the other Mom’s stare… Assembly area is very backlit, so it’s pretty much essential…Can’t live without: some of my memory cards came in a little zip up neoprene card sized bag. I love it, it’s tied to my camera strap with a hair tye and has a spare card and a little lens cloth in it…
1) I get the most compliments on my final photos (usually the colors). 2) I usually get strange looks becuase I was running around, laying on the grass/dirt trying to get good angles and I am filthy afterwards. 3)I can no live without my reflectors.
1) I don’t have anything cool and have never had compliments on any of my accessories. But people do stop me to ask about my crumpler
2) Stange looks when ever I have any zoom lens or my external flash.
3) I cannot live with out extra batteries and a cleaning cloth.
Compliments: My home made camera strap slipcover
Strange looks: My DIY on-camera flash diffuser, and I can totally see why!!!
Cannot live without: My cordless remote shutter control
Wow those things look cool! Compliments: my reflector just because I was shooting a team that I normally coach so the girls thought I was looking all professional using it on them, they felt like super models! Weird looks: haven’t really gotten any for equipment but some of the positions I get into while shooting… Can’t live without out my lens pen. Cleans them so nice and easy! Love it!
1.My precious pink laptop case / camra bag that I always seem to make my husband carry to events.
2. Gary Fong – Like everyone else – but oh well it is worth it!!!!
3. I cannot live without …my tickle stick – it is just a feather duster but it always gets the perfect laugh!!!!
most compliments: my ability to make my subjects feel very comfortable and always with a smile or laugh – my female clients are always amazed that i got smiles out of their beaus!. strangest looks: climbing or getting into some interesting positions to get that unique shot whether from me or my subject. can’t live without: my aveda lipgloss – i put it on, i feel pulled together and it lasts so i can shoot without licking my lips all the time!
I just recently bought my camera and don’t have much as accessories go. I’ve gotten compliments on the camera itself (“wow…nice camera!”)though. The only wierd looks I get are from the kids once they’re tired of getting their pics taken..ha ha. Right now, being so new, I couldn’t live without my little reminder cards I keep with me so that I won’t forget how to change some of the camera settings!
I’m pretty sure I’d fall in love with the gorrillapod, and would probably be my answer for question three, BUT since I don’t have one, here’s my answers –
most compliments: my camera bag, which is a Canon 200EG
most weird looks: homemade flash diffuser made from a milk carton
accessory: fully charged batteries! this is the one thing where I’m obsessive-compulsive
Thanks for your great contests! They are always fun even if I don’t win!
I was just thinking of purchasing something like this! Looks fantastic! I’m just a beginner, so here go my answers:
compliments: my camera
strange looks: my external flash… really
cannot live w/o: my new camera bag my mom bought me for my b-day last month (thanks mom!)
Most compliments: My white leather Jill E bag!
Funniest looks: My giant reflector that I take everywhere.
Can’t live without: The aforementioned giant reflector. LOL.
My Mom just got the Gorilla thingie for her birthday and used it to take a shot of all party members together~ I need that!
I get looks for: having a crappy camera.
I have to have:(besides a lens), is a fully charged battery.
I get compliments on: remembering to bring my crappy camera to events when nobody else remembered.
Compliments: My Nikon D90
Weird looks: my 18-200 mm zoon lens when it’s all the way extended
Cannot live without: My camera bag!
compliments: the camera itself
strange looks: my camera bag. I’ve had people think that I’m carrying around a lunch box
can’t live without: screw-on macro filters
I’m always complimented on my THINKTANKPHOTO bags.
I get the strangest looks if I dare use the Gary Fong diffuser.
Can’t live without my Gitzo tripod. I love long lenses, low light, and tack sharp images.
The gorillapod looks cool and can live in my camera bag, it’s all about keeping it steady anywhere.
Have a great day.
Millie
* the most compliments? 55-200mm lens.
* the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? The fisheye attachment that works with my normal lenses – I can’t justify/afford to get an actual lens right now :-p
* cannot “live without”? my kavu bag which stores so much stuff in it even though it’s really small.
1. my bag
2. giant diffuser
3. my camera strap…super comfy
Compliments on my favorite lens Canon 24-105mm – strange looks and comments on my Gary Fong lightsphere – wouldn’t want to take photos outside without my polarizing filter.
* the most compliments?
My camera
* the most weird looks from strangers or even friends?
The things I stand on to get better angles – the latest a regular/dirty 5 gallon bucket I borrowed from the horses.
* cannot “live without”?
My computer – to share my pictures with others!
1. My homemade camera strap cover
2. My 75-300 mm lens
3. My camera bag to carry all my gear
Gosh I would love a gorillapod! I’ve seen them and they are so perfect for on the go! So to answer your questions. Most compliments: (currently – because I don’t have a lot of accessories yet) my macro filters Most weird looks: gosh, it’s a toss up between my habit of getting down on the ground for the shot I want or when I have my Duaflex camera attached to my SLR for TtV [through the viewfinder] shots. (yeah, that one takes the cake – I’d go with #2) Can’t live without: My Shootsac – oh wait, I don’t have one… well then, my wireless remote, extra battery and Lightroom for quick editing of my RAW images.
Compliments: { My wireless remote… I’m suprised by this but a lot of the people I have sanpped talked about that the most; they think it’s neat!}
Wierd Looks: { I don’t have a shootsac yet so I haul my gigantic bag full of my sutff down the streets looking for just the right picture then pick it all up again to find another.}
Can’t Live without: {Expo cap…I love it!}
Compliments: My SplitYarn camera strap
Weird Looks: My remote
Can’t Live Without: Also my remote
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments?
Camera strap -etsy
What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends?
Deffinately the Gary Fong Lightsphere..
Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? My reflector.
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments? wireless remote What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? fleece backdrops. Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? lens cloth
compliments? I don’t get compliments on my camera equipment (at least not so far)
Weird looks? Hmmm, same, I don’t have a lot of accessories, as I just purchased my Nikon this year so I don’t get a lot of weird looks
A camera accessory i cannot live without? photoshop haha maybe my Balens lens cap
Compliments? probably my crumpler bag, but it isn’t nearly as cool as some others
Wierd looks? definitely flash modifiers
Most important accessory? my computer! does that count? but I would love to try the expodisk!
Great contest. Thanks again, Jodi!
People always ask where I got my camera strap… I have a fun, colorful strap from etsy. Black is boring!
Weird looks… hmmm… I’ll say my bad cuz. I’m a pet photographer! I gotta have a squeaky toy!
Can’t live without? My shootsac! : )
1. Compliments: shootsac with my special edition mammoth men cover.
2. I don’t get weird looks cuz of equipment. I get weird looks for what I do (I’m always climbing something or spread out on the ground and don’t care what people think).
3. Can’t live without LIGHTROOM. I’m having a love affair with it.
Probably my 70 – 200 gets the most compliments. I maybe my flash modifier? for weird looks. I can’t live without my fstop Mala camera bag.
Thank you for the chance Jodi.
Compliment: My Tracy Joy Bag. Strange looks: My tripod. Cannot live without: My Memory Manager for organizing my pics.
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments?
red acme made bowler camera bag.. totally the cutest small travel camera bag
What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends?
you know so far I haven’t found anything that gets weird “looks”
Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)?
besides lenses I haven’t got any must have accessories.. just yet anyway
I just found you today! I hope I am not too late!
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments? My camera strap from trendycamerastraps.com
What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? my “balance smarter” grey card that I stick in everyone’s face to get the best color possible!
Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? my balance smarter grey card
L-O-V-E your site, your work, you! You are an inspiration!!!
cannot live without: my crumpler bag
weirdest looks: the crazy scrunchie thing that goes on my lens to get attention
most compliments: my beautiful camera strap
cheers!
compliments: camera bag which is odd b/c it’s plain and black, go figure! weird looks: the 24″ disc to set my CWB … they can’t figure out the weird frisbee! one camera accessory you cannot “live without”: a funk camera strap … gotta break up the black attire …
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments? My seamless paper..odd i know, but not many use it around here.
What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? My awesome posterboard/foamcore reflector…or my car sunshade depending on the day lol
Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? CS4
* compliments (Ball Head)
* strange looks (Better Beamer)
* cannot live without (Gisteq Phototrackr)
The answer to all 3 is my Lightspere!
* My lenspen! One of my cheapest items but also one of the most useful (-:
* Lensbaby
* I am going to repeat … my lenspen – or any cleaning cloth/brush
Thanks for the competition – fun!
Which camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most compliments? My lens.
What camera accessory/tool that you use gets you the most weird looks from strangers or even friends? My softscreen…my kids keep telling me I’m covering my flash!
Tell us one camera accessory you cannot “live without” (for this one – you cannot say a lens)? My neckstrap…after losing one lens to a camera drop, I always have my strap on.
My Jill E camera bag, My clown nose and silly hat and my extra batteries (always save my life).
most compliments…camera strap cover. love it!!
the faces i make, the positions i have to get into..haha
weird looks…hmmm, haha. i’m going to have to go with me!
can not live without…50mm 1.4!!
most compliments…camera strap cover. love it!!
the faces i make, the positions i have to get into..haha
weird looks…hmmm, haha. i’m going to have to go with me!
can not live without…squeeky toys!
compliments= yellow jill.e camera bag
strange looks= white foam board used for lighting
cannot live without= lens cleaning cloth – always using these!
Am I too late? Just saw the tweet! Thanks, btw!
*most compliments – definitely the shootsac
*strange looks – my husband. does he count? He’s my assistant!
*can’t live without – my husband, again. He carries all my equipment, sets up the shots, gets whatever I need, and always rubs my back when I get overwhelmed/tired/nervous during a shoot.
ok.. that last one really doesn’t qualify… so I’ll say I can’t live with out my lens filters.
[...] Ever Wish Your Tripod was Small and Flexible Meet the Gorillapod Posted by root 2 hours 6 minutes ago (http://mcpactions.com) All you have to do is enter below in the comment section by answer the following questions using a wide angle lens and therefore how close i stand to the subject mcp actions blog is proudly powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | Ever Wish Your Tripod was Small and Flexible Meet the Gorillapod [...]
[...] Ever Wish Your Tripod was Small and Flexible Meet the Gorillapod Posted by root 11 minutes ago (http://mcpactions.com) All you have to do is enter below in the comment section by answer the following questions they just ooh and ahh over the camera and are pleased with what i get and cannot live without my bean bag for newborns stand to the subject mcp actions blog is prou Discuss | Bury | News | Ever Wish Your Tripod was Small and Flexible Meet the Gorillapod [...]
compliments..my bag
wierd ..tripod cause it always means im getting serious
can’t live without.. external hard drive to backup on