One of the basic rules for taking good photos is to eliminate the shakes and hold the camera level. Using a good tripod is essential, especially when taking shots under low light conditions or when the subject matter is moving.

When I started taking digital photos, I had two tripods -  one at a standing height of 6 feet and another of three feet. Unless I’m doing a photo shoot, these tripods are rarely ever used and inconvenient to carry around. I did purchase a small six-inch tripod, but it was too small to be of any use.

Recently, as a spectator at a music showcase I took over two hundred photos in low light conditions. A professional photographer would have brought a tripod and understood all the apertures and settings to capture the various artists. Since I am somewhat of a novice and was there more so to enjoy the music, my only method of steadiness was placing the camera on top of a water bottle! I was disappointed with the ratio of good photos to the ones I tossed because of blurred results of not having a tripod.

Most of the time, I hold my elbows close to my sides, but that technique is not natural. Last, I have a tendency to lift up the camera before the shot is digitally recorded. I may get an “artsy” photo with streaks, but miss out a perfect group shot or worse, failing to capture a clear shot of a Kodak moment.

Fromm Works Inc. has come out with a great solution  — the world’s first extendable hand held tripod – the Quik Pod .

The marketing of the The Quik Pod touts the tripod for the specific purpose of including yourself in photos and videos. If you’re the photographer in the family, most likely the current photo of yourself may be a driver’s license photo!

From the website, here’s an overview:

Include yourself quickly and easily in photos and videos.Fits perfectly in your backpack or knapsack.The Quik Pod is manufactured using high quality polycarbonate and aluminum components for strength and portability. The Quik Pod  can be used in all weather conditions, even for underwater photography in salt water. Weighs only 3.5 ounces.

Specifications:
Devices: Compact digital cameras and compact camcorders
Max weight: 300 grams (10.5 oz)
Tripod mount: Universal 1/4-20 screw
QuikPod size: Retracted: 190mm (7.5″) Extended: 470mm (18.5″)
QuikPod weight: 100grams (3.5 oz)
Terrain: All

The QuikPod comes with a lined carry pouch, accessory legs, wrist strap, end cap, hiking clip, pocket clip and split key ring and brochure.

Notice the mini self-image mirror; universal 1/4-20 screw for camera or camcorder, and thumbscrew to lock down the swivel base.

The backside has a rubberized surface for gripping and optional carrying choices.

The only downside to using the Quik Pod is not the tripod itself, but the cumbersome process of constantly setting the camera on timer mode should you want to photograph yourself without another person helping out.

Granted, asking a stranger to take a photo is risky: there’s the nervous smile of trusting the person not to drop the camera, pressing the wrong button, or worse running off with your camera. Then there’s the social implications of disrupting foot traffic while the less than courteous person’s back of the head is captured in the final photo. Thankfully, the Quik Pod puts all these fears to rest.

The Quik Pod website mentions:

“Extending the camera distance between the camera lens and subject will create properly proportioned facial images and will diffuse the flash lighting when a flash is used.The Quik Pod enables you to capture self-images and the background scenery that you wish to include. The finished photos and videos will appear to have been taken with the help of another person or by a traditional tripod. Your arm will be in a comfortable position and will not appear in the photo.”

Truth is the Quik Pod is a witty invention. Fully extended to 18 inches, one can shoot above crowds, underneath a car and even underwater.

I’ve discovered a much better use for the Quik Pod by using the available Adapter Legs accessory.

I simply removed the end cap and screw in its place the extendable legs (shown here retracted… the legs extend to six inches each).

This configuration allows me to place the legs against my stomach which steadied the camera for those fleeting Kodak moments when composition of the shot is necessary.

Recently, the Quik Pod excelled when there was a rare opportunity to photograph the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus “animal walk”. The animals paraded from the train yard after unloading through the streets of downtown Nashville, TN to the local venue.

I simply attached the Quik Pod to the camera which provided the steadiness to use the digital zoom resulting in clear and focused pictures! I held the Quik Pod in my left hand while comfortably operating the camera with my right hand. Using the Quik Pod allowed me to not only use the viewfinder of the Kodak Easy Share Z730 in a direct sight of line, but assisted with my peripheral vision of my surroundings.

The QuikPod makes a perfect gift for anyone who wants to excel at digital photography.

The QuikPod is available directly from the manufacturer, as well as other retailers.

MSRP: Quik Pod Pro Kit – $29.95 USD
What I Like: If you need a simple compact tripod that’s easy to pack, lightweight, with solid construction and configurable as table top tripod or extension, then I without hesitation highly recommend the Quik Pod. It’s made me a better photographer and I now carry it as part of my accessories along with extra SD cards and a spare battery.

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