Photography enthusiasts worldwide are accustomed to capturing moments with their smartphones, with the iPhone leading the charge as the most popular camera device. Despite the availability of numerous accessories designed to enhance mobile photography, a truly practical and portable tripod for smartphones has remained elusive, until now. We sought a compact, easy-to-use tripod that could be carried at all times, fitting the description of a perfect travel companion. We are pleased to present a simple, cost-effective, and time-efficient DIY solution.
2 expired or de-activated plastic cards (similar to ATM or gift cards).
Ruler
Marker
Box cutter, Exacto knife, scissors, or any cutting tool suitable for the task
Sandpaper (optional but recommended)
Electrical tape (optional)
This DIY smartphone tripod tutorial is as straightforward as it gets, ensuring even the most inexperienced DIYer can create a reliable accessory.
The most critical step is measuring 2cm from one end of your plastic cards. At this mark, create a slit that spans exactly half the width of both cards. With cards measuring 85mm x 54mm, this would mean a 27mm width. Be sure the slits are wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the cards, using a boxcutter or Exacto knife for precise cuts. Sandpaper can be used to smooth out the edges for a better fit.
From the opposite side of the slit, measure 1cm and cut out a 1.5cm x 3cm piece of plastic on both cards. The cards should not be mirror images of each other.
Insert the slits into each other, and place your phone in the holder. This compact yet sturdy tripod is perfect for stable shots, and the ability to orient the phone in portrait mode adds versatility.
With this portable tripod, you can capture great shots at any location. We encourage users to customize the design to better suit their specific needs.
Utilize your phone’s timer to avoid camera shake from hand movement. An iPhone’s included headphone with inline remote can also function as a remote cable release.
The key to a successful tripod is ensuring the intersection of the cards is straight and secure.
For straight cuts or if the slits are too narrow, use sandpaper to even out the cuts.
If the slits are too wide, use electrical tape to add material and tighten them up.
Consider spray-painting the cards for a more polished look.
Experiment with the holder’s cut to accommodate various angles and phone dimensions.
Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
