PLAMP

When we were at Mohonk photographing flowers some of us hand plamps -- they are great!

One end of the Plamp clamps to your tripod while the other grasps the object. Use the Plamp to stabilize windblown subjects, adjust the position or angle of your subject, or move obstructing foliage. You can also use the Plamp to hold reflectors and lens shades. One day in the field with a Plamp and you will begin to realize its full potential.

Two Plamps are better than one...
It is often useful to have more than one Plamp. Use one Plamp to hold your subject while the other holds a reflector or holds back obstructing foliage.

Uses for the Plamp in the Field
1) Steady wind-blown plants for ambient light photography.
2) Steady wind-blown plants for focusing while doing flash photography.
3) Make small adjustments in your subject to align it with the film plane.
4) Move your subject into the desired angle for lighting (i.e. back lighting, side lighting, and front lighting)
5) Change the orientation of your subject to make an impossible camera angle into an easy one.
6) Move your subject to isolate it from distracting background or foreground elements.
7) Move your subject so that it is in front of the desired background.
8) Move distracting background or foreground elements out of the way.
9) Move desirable background or foreground elements into the picture.
10) To hold a small shade to block light from hitting your lens and causing flare.
11) To hold reflectors, diffusers or small flash units.*

*A large piece of crinkled aluminum foil can be folded into a small square and positioned close to your subject for dramatic spotlighting. Or, it can be unfolded and flattened to produce diffused fill light. Plain white paper can be used as an effective diffuser for harsh mid-day lighting conditions, and translucent colored paper can produce interesting and artistic results.

sold from Wimberley http://www.tripodhead.com/products/plamp-main.cfm and McPlamp http://www.fmphotography.us/html/mcclamp.html