I’ve just come back from a trip where the only camera I used was my cell phone camera. It wasn’t an intentional thing. I brought two other cameras with me. I just didn’t end up using them. I was in a hurry and I already had a great camera in the palm of my hand, ready to shoot. So the DSLR sat unused in my bag. That’s usually what happens when I’m on the go.
Nevermind. I got some great shots with my cell phone.
I love my DSLR and love playing with it, taking photos. But I take more photos of my kids and travel photos with my cell phone. So before investing in a new camera, expensive lenses and camera gear, I’ve decided to invest in a few fun tools and toys for the camera I use all the time. I’m quite pleased with the iPhone photography gear collection I’ve amassed. Here’s a few faves.
A Telescoping Monopod & Tripod Mount made for iPhone 5:
Pictured here are some items I picked up from Amazon: a pocket sized monopod by Xshot and a Sidekick mount. The Sidekick can be attached to a monopod or tripod and also works to prop your phone up. Monopods make it easy to shoot group shots, selfies and “above the crowd” photos. They also can provide extra stability. You will probably need a remote shutter (see below) to shoot or you can use your earphones as a remote. Volume up (+) clicks the pic.
A tripod:
I also got this Octopus tripod on Amazon (what can I say, I had a gift card!). It’s handy for situations where you want to attach your camera to something – bike handlebars, stroller handle, tree branch, railing, etc. A flexible tripod gives you tabletop stability and the ability to attach to all kinds of surfaces/objects. This one came with a removable iPhone mount, but you could use with a Sidekick. Both the monopod and tripod will also work with a point and shoot camera that has a threaded tripod mount on the base.
Special Effect Lenses:
I decided to start with the obvious and most popular add on lens – Olloclip. These are popular 4 in one lenses that provide wide angle, fish eye and macro shots. There’s tons of fun lenses out there that give you color filters, zoom ability and more. Playing with these is like frosting cupcakes. They are tiny, portable and easy to pop on and off.
A waterproof case:
If your travels lead you poolside, beachside or to the slopes, it’s prudent to pack a waterproof case. I’m a huge fan of Lifeproof cases, and in particular the Nuud case. But on this past trip I road tested Otterbox’s new Preserver waterproof case, which I will be reviewing in greater detail.
A wireless camera shutter remote control:
How cool is this itty bitty teeny tiny little bluetooth remote by Muku? Not that I would advocate such a thing, but it’s great for getting candids. Just set the camera phone up in the corner of the room at a party, reach in your pocket at click, click, click your remote controlled camera. Also useful for taking “What I Wore” selfies from across the room.
A flashlight:
Frustrated by dimly lit restaurants and your brighty bright flash? Carry a small flashlight and you won’t need to turn on the flash. Flash makes food look gross and friends look ghastly. Flashlights are your friend. That’s all you need to take decent photos of your food and dinner companions without blinding anyone. iPhones are really good at using ambient light, even when there is just a little of it. Have someone else hold the flashlight above or at a a distance. Or you can point the flashlight at a light colored wall to bounce light off and onto your subjects. Just a little light…
A Card Reader:
Even though I didn’t crack my DSLR cam this last trip, I like to have it with me and I like to have a card reader to transfer pictures to my i devices. Typically I take only a couple of photos on the go with the big camera then switch back to my phone. It’s easy to transfer photos to my iPhone (so all pics are together) and/or to share them via instagram and social media, with the use of this handy dandy iPhone card reader. Works with my iPad too.
A battery case
I am doubly in love with my customized battery case from Get Uncommon. Not only can you more than double your iPhone battery life, you can do so while flaunting your own photos. I like this case so much I want to marry it.
Another Spare Charger:
Even though I have an extra battery case, I still carry a spare charger. What can I say? I have power issues! This one is not too huge and has two complete charges for my cell phone in it. I picked it up at Target for about $50. It has two usb ports so I can help a friend in need of juice. When I know I am going to be out all day, I head out with all the power I can!
So I know that you are now thinking Oh Mah Gawd… how much crap is she lugging around?
Believe it or not, all the goods I just showed you, fit into a small cosmetic sized case. I just toss the zipped bag into my purse. It weighs less than the DSLR!
Disclosure: There are a couple of items here, specifically the Uncommon Goods case and the Otterbox case that I am reviewing on this blog. As such, I have samples of these items and did not purchase them. But I would, as they are awesome, which is why I’ve included them here in addition to writing reviews. All opinions are my own.
Ooh–so many fun things to investigate! I have an older card reader for my ipad- but I like the looks of this one- and that flashlight is a brilliant idea!