iblazr Lights Up the Selfie World: My Latest Photography Gadget Review

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

As a photographer, I don't leave home without my camera and its accessories. Camera body--check. Filters--check. Tripods--check. Lenses--check. Camera bag with odds and ends--check.

Lately I have been adding new accessories to my camera bag, except they have been for my iPhone, which is actually helping with my DSLR photography. How? I recently started a YouTube series titled "In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography" where I walk viewers through the scenes as I am capturing them and why I choose the camera settings for that scene. I have filmed three videos to date by using the video feature on my iPhone (since my Canon is the star of the videos).

I love taking my audience to the places I photograph--lakes, rivers, and even rooftops. The two obstacles I had to overcome were how could I selfie-video the scenes and how would I handle low light situations with the iPhone? The video selfie was managed with use of the Gekkopod (read my previous review).

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

Happily, I can now say that the low light situation has been resolved with the iBlazr! I have written about the importance of using a tripod in low light photography, but that was from the standpoint of using a DSLR. Now that I am using my iPhone for video, I need extra light cast on me while I'm explaining the upcoming shot. In other words, I didn't want the iPhone filming me in the dark! The iblazr's ongoing fill-flash while shooting both video or still photos is incredibly effective considering its size. It is a terrific addition to a camera bag!

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

iblazr was designed by a team of four inventors who thought up the idea of a tiny LED flash for smartphones. They initially launched on Kickstarter two years ago, but the was iblazr quick to be found in retail stores, such as the Apple Store, Best Buy, and Walmart. It's success lead to the forthcoming version, iblazr 2, the second generation, which is said to be the first native camera synced LED on the market that is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Their latest Kickstarter campaign is already well over $170K from 2,500 backers.

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

In a world where selfies dominate Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I wasn't surprised to learn that this product is such a hit. From the portrait photography standpoint, a fill-flash brightens the face, which softens the skin. Strong shadows on faces can age someone while also create unwanted grain in images. Neither are flattering effects in selfies! With Bluetooth syncing, a mount clip, a cold shoe stand for digital and analog cameras, a silicon diffuser with a key chain, a micro USB to USB charger, and a variety of uses as an off-camera flash, I found the iblazer to be very versatile!

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

With the iblazr in hand with the Gekkopod, I am even more excited to be out shooting videos with my iPhone for the "In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography" series.

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

But, that is only scratching the surface for the uses of these combined products. I highly recommend checking out iblazr's website, http://iblazr.com, for more info.

To purchase the first generation iblazr on Amazon click here: iBlazr Original LED Flash for iPhone & iPad (White), LED Light for iPad and Android devices + Cold Shoe Mount for digital cameras (DSLR) by Concepter.

The Gekkopod: My New Favorite Photography Accessory

 Accessories are a photographer's best buddy in the field. From filters to tripods to camera bags, there are so many to choose from, and figuring out what works best for your needs can be daunting. I learned this recently when I started a YouTube series titled "In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography" where I walk viewers through the shot being captured and the settings used. It has been a lot of fun taking my audience into the field with me. My iPhone captures great videos; the only problem was trying to set it up where it would stay stable while recording the in-the-field footage! My short-term solution was to hold the iPhone myself and video the scene before me. This worked as a good solution because viewers can see the scene through my eyes. However, I like to connect with my viewers on a personal level and by my not being in the scene, I felt a bit disconnected. That is until I discovered the Gekkopod!
 
I've written about the importance of using a tripod in low light photography, and now I have to share my new favorite accessory in the tripod division. The Gekkopod. Developed by Zuckerim, this cool, five-legged handy gadget has quickly become my go-to accessory for my iPhone when I use it to video record the "In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography" series.

What I love about the Gekkopod, and although I have only had it for a short while, is that I am discovering countless uses for it. I use it as a simple stand for my iPhone, whether on my desk or nightstand. As a cyclist, I can wrap it around my handlebars, keeping my iPhone in view as I use the AllSport app, my speed and mileage et al tracker. Other athletes, especially those with GoPros, can take it on the run, bike, hike, or paddle with them and be able to capture their moments without needing someone else to take the shot or without having to outstretch an arm. Which brings me to one of the best aspects...the Gekkopod eliminates the need for the typical selfie, whether taken with an arm or a stick (which still often requires an outstretched arm to use it). Instead, with the Gekkopod, I can stand it up on a surface or wrap it around a branch or pole a few or several feet away. Then, I set the self-timer on the Camera app and within a few to ten seconds I have a natural looking shot without a bicep taking up half of the frame!
 
Weighing in at just 50-grams, I can clip the Gekkopod to my camera bag or wrap it around my tripod while trekking to my shoot without adding hardly any weight at all. The Gekkopod fits all popular smartphones. I have the iPhone 5s and it snaps in perfectly. There are also a few add-on adapters that allow me to swivel and turn the iPhone from horizontal to vertical, and anywhere in between, allowing for a variety of shots or to accommodate awkward angles. For example, if I'm shooting a video on a hiking trail and wrap the Gekkopod around a tree limb, I can adjust the swivel to make the iPhone as level as I need it during a shoot.

As I shoot new footage for the "In the Field with Heather Hummel" series, I will be using the Gekkopod to ensure my ability to be in the shot. While I'm on my bike rides, I'll be using it to stabilize my iPhone as I track my success for each mileage covered. While at my desk writing my next book, one of which is due to my publisher in ten days, I'll use the Gekkopod as a stand to hold my iPhone next to my laptop. The next time I Skype with a client, I'll also use it as a stand. The uses are countless, and this five-legged gadget will surely go on a lot of photography adventures with this photographer.

This article originally appeared on the Huffington Post

Follow Heather Hummel on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HeatherHummel