How to make a DIY Ground Pod

Want to get low to the ground while protecting your camera from sand and other elements. Here’s a simple ground-pod built out of a cheap frying pan.

I’ve written previously about the importance of getting down to eye level when photographing wildlife.  When eye-level means ground level, it can be awkward to support your camera whilst also supporting yourself and trying to keep your gear clean.

Most tripods allow you to get quite low by opening the legs out as wide as possible, many actually opening out fully so that the tripod sits flush to the ground.  Whilst this is very functional, it can be pretty awkward to handle, especially if trying to pan with your subject or if you have to move to follow your subject around.

One option to overcome this is what is known as a ground pod.  It is a plate/tray with upturned edges, that you attach your camera to, or for more flexibility, screw your tripod head to.  It supports your camera just a few inches from the ground, thus offering some protection from water splashes or sand/mud, whilst allowing easy movement in all directions.

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