We sent our new GripTight GorillaPod Magnetic smartphone tripod to a few of our favorite Instagrammers, asked them to give it a whirl and then share their photos and experience here on the blog. First up, JOBY Pro Martin Reisch. Martin has been shooting with a GorillaPod for years and his long distance self-portrait photos have become iconic on Instagram. We’re pretty sure he started an entirely new genre of self-portraiture, and boy are we glad he did!
Martin Reisch
Montreal, Canada | @safesolvent
What is your favorite thing about shooting with GripTight?
The GorillaPod essentially removes the “I have to be holding it” part of the photo equation and also adds this “ceilings and fences can be surfaces too” element. It opens up a lot of opportunity for uniqueness in my photography. Usually, I’m putting equal amounts of effort into finding interesting places to shoot and finding a place to put my GorillaPod. Often, I’ll see a potential spot that I can hang or grip my GorillaPod onto and THEN see what it gives through the camera.
What is your best tip for using GripTight?
My best tip for using the GorillaPod is that you only need to use two legs to grip, and then you can use the third one to provide stability for your phone by bending it into an angle and having it rest or push off the surface to counter-stabilize your phone.
Joby GripTight Demo from *safe solvent™ on Vimeo.
What are your favorite apps for shooting? For editing?
I’m a huge fan of Camera+. It’s essentially the first thing I open when I’m shooting and also often the only app I use to edit. I have started to play with the Slow Shutter app for nighttime shooting and I’m very impressed by Photoforge 2 app for masking and heavy duty, complex edits. But for the most part, I like a clean image with a bit of contrast boost and a little cross process filter—both of which can be done in Camera+.
Joby GripTight Demo 4 from *safe solvent™ on Vimeo.
What is your best advice for folks who are new to self-portraiture?
I often pretend like nobody is around when I’m taking my self-portraits because I know how being self-consciousness affects the final shot. You can tell, even on a small iPhone screen, if someone is not in the moment. Pretend like nobody is looking and you’ll get better self-portrait shots.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by a combination of the music on my iPhone while I’m wandering around, and the light and architecture of a place. If I’m in a rush, I’ll usually be late because I can’t help but capture things like lens flare from the sun hitting a building and reflecting onto the ground. People have started to comment that “*safe solvent time” is 15-20 minutes behind reality.
Get your own GripTight GorillaPod Magnetic here! And be share your #gorillapod photos with us on Instagram or Facebook!
