No Tripods Allowed! Enter The Platypod ...

I would not be surprised if people are sick and tired of listening to me, talking about Platypod. The fact is that I have not used or carried a tripod to take pics since 2024; so no more worries about the tripod police telling me that tripods are not allowed. 

Platypod Ultra and Platypod eXtreme have been quite reliable pieces of gear used for my photography or vlogging needs. Platypod is a compact alternative to bulkier and heavier tripods, especially for low angle and travel photography. It works great when used on my DSLR, my GoPro action camera, and my cellphone. In my personal opinion, Platypod Rules. 

Behind The Scenes Pt. 2 : Smartphone on a Platypod eXtreme

For the time being, these images will be the last one's taken inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. 

I am planning to travel to New York City and Washington DC soon, to photograph inside other cathedrals and churches. Some of these buildings offer spectacular architecture, which can translate to unique and interesting compositions. 

Platypod will never replace my trusty tripod. But have earned a permanent home in my camera bag if I am using a DSLR, a GoPro action camera or my smartphone.

And Yes, The Ice Cream Was Delicious

The forecast for Philadelphia includes a wet weekend, with showers and steady rain continuing into Monday. Yesterday, before the rain arrived, I decided to head on over to one of my favorite spots, the Schuylkill River near Boathouse Row.

This is a historic and scenic area in Philadelphia known for its row of 15 Victorian boathouses, which house rowing clubs and are a popular spot for rowing, walking, and viewing the illuminated lights at night.

I was hoping to capture a few behind-the-scene images of my GoPro Hero on a Platypod eXtreme. Surprisingly, maybe because of the weather conditions, the area was empty. Faster than the blink of an eye, I took all the pictures I needed, just in time before the rain arrived.

Before heading home, and to celebrate the successful photo walk, I purchased a "Swirl" from the ice cream truck parked in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum. A "swirl" is a combination of vanilla and chocolate ice cream in a cone. And yes, the ice cream was delicious. 

Behind The Scenes: Smartphone on a Platypod eXtreme

For weeks, I've been planning to visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I've ever seen. I was hoping to capture a couple of low-angle pictures inside the cathedral using the Platypod eXtreme. 

As expected, this cathedral is very crowded. Catholics and tourists from all over the world come to Philadelphia to admire the sacred art, the cathedral stunning architecture and the significant religious and historical importance.

To avoid the crowds, I arrived at 9:00 am sharp. It was ideal to take photos, only the maintenance cleaning man and I were the only ones there. I had the cathedral all by myself. I noticed that most of the lights inside the cathedral were off, so I sat in a cathedral pew to kill time. 

At some point the maintenance man was cleaning in my area. I asked what time the cathedral lights usually are turned on since I was hoping to take a few pictures. He noticed I was holding my camera and asked me how long it would take me to take the photos. Maybe 5 or 10 minutes, I replied. The gentleman was so kind, that he turned on the lights of the entire cathedral. His kind gesture surprised me. 

On my way home I realized I forgot to take "behind the scenes" pictures". I didn't see the maintenance gentleman again either; to thank him for turning on the lights. 

I think the Platypod eXtreme has been of the best photography tools that I have added to my camera gear.

Platypod eXtreme at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Esta mañana visite la Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul en Filadelfia. Llevo semanas planeando como fotografiar dentro de la catedral usando el Platypod eXtreme. 

Esta catedral es muy concurrida, turistas de todas partes del mundo vienen a Filadelfia a visitarla. Estuve el jueves pasado, pero habia una boda programada y no pude tomar fotos. 

Hoy llegue antes de la 9:00 de la mañana y estaba ideal para tomar fotos, el hombre de mantenimiento haciendo limpieza y yo eramos los unicos alli. Me di cuenta que las luces dentro de la catedral estaban apagadas, solo estaban encendidas las luces mas minimas. Me sente en un banco de la iglesia a matar el tiempo. 

Al preguntar a que hora prendian las luces, el hombre de mantenimiento al verme con las camaras en la mano, me pregunto cuanto tardaria en tomar las fotos. Solamente de 5 a 10 minutos le respondi. Fue tan amable que el caballero encendio las luces de toda la catedral para que yo tomara las fotos; ese gesto tan amable me sorprendio. 

De camino a casa me di cuenta que se me olvido tomar fotos de "detras de la escena". Tampoco vi mas a el empleado de mantenimiento para darle las gracias por encender las luces. Asi es esto, en cuestion de fotografia no todo sale siempre 100% perfecto. Gracias a Dios no todo fue una perdida, me gusto como quedo la foto del celular Samsung con el Platypod eXtreme dentro de la catedral. 

Pienso que el Platypod eXtreme ha sido una de las mejores herramientas de fotografia que he añadido en mi arsenal.