rechargeable AA battery and it works well. I was able to purchase a
tiny diffuser that snaps over the lens and opens and closes like a
cap on a hinge. These can be useful if you need just a little light or
want to backlight the bell of a flower or something. The problem
with flashlights, like with diffusers, is that you need an extra arm to
hold it steady. I use a Flowerpod to do this and that works fine.
Flowerpod
This little device is lightweight, folds up and slips into a small over-
the-shoulder bag, and can do all sorts of things. I use it to (as
mentioned) hold the flashlight on rare occasions but more
commonly to hold one of the diffusers to block direct light so my two
hands can focus the lens and operate the remote.
I also use the Flowerpod to hold the stem of a flower or to reach up
and grasp a branch firmly so the wind won’t affect it. I even have
ordered extra segments (line-lock ¼ inch) to lengthen the reach of
the flexible arm. I have two Flowerpods and they are the ideal
assistant for my work.
I also have McClamps, collapsible mini-tripods, Plamps, and other
devices that I mostly leave at home given the advent of the
Flowerpod. They don’t hold anything but their own weight.
Clips
I also carry a few little clips much like the ones you can find in any
stationary store for (what else) clipping this or clipping that. I can
clip a diffuser to a bush or branch leaving my hands free for other
things. Old-fashioned wooden or plastic clothespins are great.
There are many uses and these take up almost no space or weight.
Knee Pads
When I got a pair of inexpensive and very light knee pads my wife
gave me a look like I had gone soft or something. Actually I am
often on stones and forest floors where stems and roots and more
stones abound. In the moment of trying to photograph a tough
subject my knees land on whatever is there and does it ever hurt
sometimes.
For $9 on Amazon, I got a pair of light, foam-like, waterproof knee
pads that I love. They also keep me from getting soaking wet when
kneeling on wet grass. Yes they might look dumb but they help and