Ski pole monopods

Because I'm sure there are other skiers here that take photography seriously, I just wanted to share a recent success with you, and perhaps inspire you a little.  I've been taking cameras into the backcountry for a while, but the lack of a tripod has prevented me from getting many good shots.

I'm not willing to lug a tripod (or monopod) out with me, and while I'd heard rumors of ski pole/monopod combinations being sold, I didn't want to get rid of my "nice" poles.  I got a chuckle out of this ski pole monopod, but I didn't want to duplicate that feat.

I settled for the 55 cent option at my local Ace Hardware.  You can see the results below, or I've written my "howto" on my photo journal.

Nice job!

The other option I've been happy with is the "Gorillapod" shown on this website:

www.joby.com/

I've used the Gorillapod for self-timer shots on ski trips many times. What I do is turn my ski pole upside-down and plunge the handle into the snow, then clasp the Gorillapod around the basket and mount the camera on it. This works better for unattended shots than having the camera on the pole handle, because the pole is more stable upside-down in the snow. You can also clasp the Gorillapod around trail signs, tree branches, rocks, or a ski stuck into the snow. It's a really clever product.

Nice home job! My wife's Leki probe poles have a camera feature as well -- the bolt for the probe poles is sized the same as the camera's mount, so you can screw off the handle to use it. I like the bolt on top idea, though I think I'd get a blister with a long day of pushing down on the poles...

I love Gorillapods. I like this for landscape shots, and the zero additional weight factor, but for self-shots the Gorrilapod can't be beat.

To prevent tearing of gloves or blistering of palms, I've got a rounded nut cover that protects me from the bolt when I'm not taking pictures.