DIY Phone Tripod Mount

I take all of my photos using my iPhone's camera, even my product photos for my shop's website.  I decided that it was time to invest in a phone mount for my tripod, so I can take better photos and selfies (for when I model the clothes I sell).  Then I thought, "Hey, why should I buy one when I could probably just make one?"  So I looked online, and sure enough, I found a DIY video.

If you watch the video, he shows everything a bit more clearly.  And I didn't have the exact same tools that he did, but thanks to Dad, I was able to improvise.

Here are the things I needed:

     

• Flux (or whatever you have that attaches solder to things)
• A pencil
• Some 1/8" solder
• A 1/4" nut
• A binder clip
• Sandpaper
• Something to cut the solder with (hence the giant shears)
• A torch
• A thick rubber band.  I didn't have a thick rubber band, so I used fabric glue and some thick elastic to make a decent substitute until I can find an actual rubber band.

First, I used the sandpaper to remove the paint from the bottom of the binder clip, until it was mostly just the metal.

Next, I wrapped some solder around the pencil, to make a little spiral.

Then, I secured the binder clip using a vice (in the video, the guy uses a second larger binder clip, which I didn't have).  I put some of the Flux on the binder clip and on the nut.

Then I made a nut/solder sandwich, with the nut on top, some Flux, the solder, more Flux, and the binder clip at the bottom.

Next, I had my dad use the torch to melt the solder, so that it secured the nut onto the binder clip.

We waited for it to cool down, and we were a little skeptical that it would work at first, but it seems to be holding on pretty well!

I brought the clip inside and used it to hold the makeshift band.  If you watch the video, you can see this next part more clearly than I can explain it.  I wrapped the ends of the band around the corners of the binder clip, so that it looked like this (I know it's tough to see, since the elastic is the same color as the clip... just watch the video!):

I used it to hold a phone, and then I twisted the mount onto my tripod.  Voila!

So far, it works really well!  I can set a timer on it to take photos of myself, or I can just keep the phone in one place while I switch products out and take photos of them.  It's super useful!  And if the nut happens to break off or something, I can just make another one!

I hope you guys find this project as useful as I did!  :)

Modeling Safety Tips

I have been trying to build up my portfolio lately, but finding a good photographer is tough!  Most of them are just creepy guys who want to hit on me.  I have been trying very hard to find a reputable and professional photographer, but it may take some time (and trial and error).

With this modeling project going on, I decided to write about my top safety tips for models looking to meet with photographers for the first time.

1. Never give out too much information
Don't ever give a photographer your home address or credit card information (duh).  If you can, use an alias, and try not to give out your full name.  A professional photographer won't need to know all of this information for any reason, and should be completely comfortable not knowing (and not pushing you to give out this information).

2. Ask for references
Any professional photographer will have worked with models before.  Asking for references should be no big deal, and the photographer should be able to willingly hand over a short list of models that they have previously worked with.  Contact a few of these models and see what they have to say about their experience with the photographer in question.  If they seemed to like working with them, that's a good sign.  Otherwise, you may want to steer clear of this person.

3. Meet them before scheduling a photo shoot
It's always a good idea to meet the photographer prior to a photo shoot.  This gives you both a chance to get to know one another a bit, see if you might work well together, and discuss a few concepts you may have for the shoot.  This also brings me to my next point...

4. Always bring an escort
A professional photographer will always be okay with you bringing someone to accompany you to any meetings or photo shoots.  It's a smart idea, and if the photographer says no, then something is wrong.  Even if you just have someone go with you for the ride and browse the bookstore while you and the photographer chat, at least someone is able to be nearby if you suddenly want to leave or feel uncomfortable.

5. Never do anything you are not comfortable doing
If a photographer is asking you to send photos before they have even met you, that's a red flag.  They're probably just a creep looking for some kicks from pretty faces.  If a photographer is consistently pushing you to do nude or implied nudity shoots, and you aren't okay with that and have made it very clear, then you should probably just block that guy and move on.

6. Always be prepared
If you met up with your photographer and everything seemed to go alright, and you have scheduled a photo shoot and decide to go alone, there are a few things you should do.

• First, always let someone know where you will be.  Give a friend or family member the photographer's information, the location of the shoot, and what time you should be expected back.  Maybe ask a friend to call you if you aren't back by a certain time, just in case you go over your expected time frame.
• Second, keep your cell phone fully charged and nearby when you go to the shoot.  This is just a precaution in case you need to call someone or your contact person tries to check up on you.
• You might want to bring pepper spray or mace, and know how to use it -- you really never know.
• Never accept unsealed beverages or food from the photographer.  Unless you two go out to eat and you watch your drink the whole time, you should not risk taking a drink from someone you barely know.

I know this all might sound scary, but if you really want to work with someone new, it's much better to be safe than sorry.  Let me know if you have any other tips that are worth mentioning!