Travel Photography Tip: String Monopod
Lima, Peru

In idealistic low-light situations, a tripod or monopod is used with a camera to reduce or eliminate image blur; however, the majority of travelers are without such equipment handy. But there's a simple solution—an old photographer's trick to getting clearer snapshots while using slower shutter speeds—and it's called a 'string monopod'.

String monopods take up next to no space, are hard to break, cheap and easy to make, and require no tools. They're perfect for the space-conscious backpacker who can't travel with a tripod, and can be particularly useful for any photographer found in places where tripods aren't allowed (such as museums).

The device is best described as a looped cord that's anchored to both your foot and the camera. The tension, combined with tucked elbows and good breathing technique, keeps the frame steadier than holding the camera freehand. The same method can also be adapted to work as a bipod (even more stable) or a tripod (which is very stable, but slightly time consuming to set up).

I found an excellent step-by-step tutorial at instructables.com that outlines exactly how to make and use a string monopod (bipod, or tripod). It can be referenced at http://www.instructables.com/id/S7JW49GF0ZSTF1W/.

Happy snapping.

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