Remember the wonderful jewelry studio and photography set up of Outi, the Finnish jewelry artisan? She had a regular size tripod. As these tripods are impractical for workshops and parties, I actually have a small inexpensive 6" tall tabletop version (see picture below).

I don't use it as much as I should as I prefer to steady my elbows on the table or brace them on myself. The reason being, the camera is often still too high up to frame the shots I want to take. Tilting it down often results in instability.


So I was intrigued when I stumbled upon the ModoPocket made by Manfrotto, a well known photography equipment manufacturer. They call it the world's smallest tripod but that is not accurate. It doesn't have 3 legs but 4. Rather stubby ones at that.



What's impressive about the stand is it tilts down a camera just the way a jewelry artisan would want. It can tilt a camera up (below left) too for other kinds of shots. It can also be folded up when not in use to something about the size of a thick business card. Alternatively, you could just keep it on the camera permanently - unfolding the legs will only take seconds when you need to take a shot.



I wish I had seen this before getting my little tripod. You can buy the Modopocket at Adorama or other online retailers for $30. Also check with your local camera supply shops.

Via and Via

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips and Earring Design Ideas

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