Build Your Own Phone Mount For Night Photography

You can easily create a DIY phone mount for night photography using an aluminum angle bracket, a large springy clothes clip, and a nut that fits your tripod bolt. Simply attach the bracket to your tripod, position the clothes clip to hold your phone securely, and start capturing stunning night shots. For a more permanent setup, drill a hole through the clip and fasten it to the bracket with a bolt. The following steps will transform your night photography experience.

Numeric List of Second-Level Headings

Five essential second-level headings will guide you through the phone mount construction process.

First, “Materials Needed” lists everything required to build your custom smartphone adapter.

Second, “Preparing the Base” covers how to create a stable foundation for your phone holder.

Third, “Attachment Mechanism” details the connection between your camera tripod and the phone mount.

Fourth, “Securing Your Device” explains how to guarantee your smartphone stays firmly in place during long exposures.

Finally, “Testing and Adjustments” walks you through verifying the stability of your DIY phone mount before heading out for night photography.

These organized sections guarantee you’ll build a reliable mount that costs less than commercial options while providing the same functionality for capturing stunning nighttime images with your smartphone.

Essential Materials for Your DIY Phone Mount

Your DIY phone mount requires just a few key materials: an aluminum angle bracket, a springy clothes clip, and a nut that fits your tripod bolt.

You’ll also benefit from an optional bolt and nut if you’re planning to make the clothes clip attachment permanent rather than temporary.

Most of these items can be found around your home, but your local hardware store offers convenient alternatives if you need to purchase anything specific.

Materials Shopping List

Just three primary components form the foundation of your DIY phone mount: an aluminum angle bracket that provides structural support, a large springy clothes clip that securely holds your phone, and a nut matching your tripod’s bolt for proper attachment.

Compared to commercial smartphone adapters, this DIY approach offers significant cost savings while delivering comparable functionality.

You’ll likely find most items around your home, or you can purchase them inexpensively at hardware stores. For enhanced stability, consider adding a bolt and nut to permanently attach the clothes clip to the aluminum angle bracket.

If incorporating wood into your design, verify it’s perfectly flat and exactly half an inch thick. Prepare to use basic tools like a planer, band saw, and sander to properly finish your components for a professional-looking mount.

Hardware Store Alternatives

Three alternative options exist if you can’t find the exact materials listed. Your local hardware store offers plenty of substitutes that can work just as well for your DIY phone mount while maintaining stability.

• Use binder clips instead of clothes clips—they provide similar tension and can firmly grip your phone.
• Substitute plastic angle brackets for aluminum ones—they’re lighter but still provide adequate support.
• Try automotive hose clamps as an alternative mounting method—they adjust to various sizes.
• Consider using industrial-strength velcro strips for attaching components—offering flexibility and detachability.
• Look for rubber-coated clamps that provide extra grip and protect your phone from scratches.

Remember to test the grip strength of any alternative before trusting it with your phone, especially for night photography sessions where stability is essential.

Tools Needed for the Project

To build your phone mount successfully, you’ll need essential tools including a planer, band saw, and sander for proper wood preparation and shaping.

For the mounting hardware, a Forester bit proves vital when drilling precise holes for both camera attachment and charger access.

While table and miter saws aren’t strictly required, they’ll greatly enhance the accuracy of your cuts and the overall quality of your finished mount.

Basic Tool Requirements

Before commencing your DIY phone mount project, familiarizing yourself with the essential tools will guarantee smooth construction and professional results.

You’ll need five key tools to transform raw materials into a stable, functional phone mount for capturing stunning night photography.

• A planer to achieve the precise half-inch thickness required for your wood pieces
• A band saw for accurately cutting the mount shapes after you’ve traced your templates
• A sander to smooth all edges, ensuring stability and preventing any rough surfaces
• A Forester bit for drilling precise holes, including the centered opening for your charger
• A roundover bit to profile the edges, enhancing both the mount’s appearance and handling comfort

With these tools ready, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a professional-grade phone mount that delivers steady support for your night photography sessions.

Optional Advanced Equipment

While the basic tools will serve you well for a standard phone mount, several advanced equipment options can elevate your project from functional to exceptional. When pursuing deep sky astrophotography with your smartphone, precision becomes vital for capturing clear images.

Advanced Tool	Benefit
Planer	Guarantees wood is exactly 1/2″ thick and perfectly flat
Band Saw	Creates precise cuts for better stability than the NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone mount
Sander	Provides professional finish and comfortable handling
Forester Bit	Drills clean holes for mounting components

A roundover bit for your router will give your mount professional-looking edges while making it more comfortable to handle during long night photography sessions. These advanced tools guarantee your DIY mount rivals commercial options at a fraction of the cost.

Measuring and Cutting the Angle Bracket

Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’ll need to properly measure and cut the aluminum angle bracket as the foundation of your phone mount.

Make certain you’re using aluminum since it’s easier to manipulate and adjust during assembly. You’re going to make cuts based on your phone’s dimensions, typically between 10-15 cm for ideal stability.

• Use a band saw for straight cuts on your aluminum bracket
• Switch to a miter saw when you need precise angle cuts
• Drill holes with a Forester bit if you’ll attach a clothes clip
• Measure carefully based on your phone size and tripod height
• Sand all edges after cutting to guarantee safe handling

Selecting the Right Clothes Clip

The foundation of your DIY phone mount hinges on choosing the perfect clothes clip. You’ll need a large springy clip with enough grip strength to securely hold your phone’s weight during night photography sessions.

Feature	Good Choice	Poor Choice
Grip	Rubberized, textured	Smooth, slippery
Spring	Strong but manageable	Too tight or too loose
Size	Proportional to phone	Bulky, screen-obstructing

Look for clips with textured grips to prevent slipping and protect your phone’s case from damage. Confirm the clip’s spring mechanism provides firm support without requiring excessive force to open. If you’re planning a permanent mounting solution, select a clip that’s easy to drill through for secure attachment to your angle bracket.

Mounting Options for Different Tripods

When building your phone mount, you’ll need to decide between standard screw mounts and quick-release plates based on how frequently you’ll change devices.

Your tripod’s ball head design affects the mount’s range of motion, so check compatibility before finalizing your DIY design.

Remember that standard 1/4″-20 threads work with most tripods, but specialized equipment might require adapters to guarantee your homemade mount attaches securely.

Standard Vs Quick-Release

Choosing between standard and quick-release mounting options greatly impacts your phone photography workflow. For night photography, where timing can be critical, the convenience of a quick-release system might outweigh the simplicity of a standard mount.

• Standard mounts require screwing your device directly onto the tripod—stable but time-consuming.
• Quick-release systems use plates that stay attached to your phone mount, allowing you to slide on/off without unscrewing.
• Quick-release mounts enable faster shifts between shots—particularly valuable when capturing time-sensitive night scenes.
• Check compatibility with your tripod brand before purchasing a quick-release system.
• Consider the slight weight/bulk trade-off that quick-release options add to your setup.

When building your DIY phone mount, determine which system aligns with your shooting style and frequency of camera position changes.

Ball Head Compatibility

Three critical considerations arise when matching your DIY phone mount to your tripod’s ball head system.

First, verify your angle bracket features the standard 1/4″-20 thread, as this universal size fits most ball heads on the market. Without this compatibility, your DIY project will stall before it begins.

Second, confirm your ball head’s weight capacity exceeds your phone and mount’s combined weight. This is especially important for night photography, where stability during long exposures is non-negotiable.

Finally, evaluate the ball head’s adjustability features. Look for models with friction control to fine-tune stability and free-angle adjustment to capture your desired composition.

For convenience, consider incorporating a quick-release plate into your design—you’ll appreciate the ability to rapidly attach and detach your phone mount when shooting conditions change.

Assembling the Portable Configuration

The portable configuration consists of just two main steps that you’ll need to complete.

First, attach the angle bracket to your tripod’s camera mount using a nut that fits the tripod bolt.

Second, secure your phone by positioning the clothes clip over the top edge of your device.

• The clothes clip works with your phone still in its case, saving setup time
• You can position your phone both vertically and horizontally
• The entire setup can be quickly assembled and disassembled
• No permanent modifications are required for this mobile-friendly solution
• Be aware that the clothes clip may block a portion of your screen when framing shots

This simple configuration gives you a reliable phone mount for night photography without complicated equipment or adjustments.

Creating a Permanent Mount Setup

While the portable configuration works well for occasional use, a permanent mount setup offers superior stability for serious night photography enthusiasts.

To create this more robust solution, drill a hole through one of the clothes clip handles that aligns perfectly with a matching hole in your angle bracket. Secure these components together using a bolt and nut, creating a fixed connection that won’t shift during use.

This permanent configuration maintains the ability to easily clip your phone while it remains in its case—a significant advantage for night photography sessions.

You’ll notice improved stability during long exposures, resulting in sharper images with minimal camera shake.

The beauty of this mount is that despite its permanent assembly, you can still quickly attach and detach it from your tripod when switching between different shooting scenarios.

Testing Stability for Long Exposure Shots

Once you’ve assembled your DIY phone mount, testing its stability becomes vital for successful long exposure photography. A secure mount prevents vibrations that cause blurry images during those significant nighttime shots.

• Confirm your phone is firmly attached to the mount with no wiggle room.
• Use an aluminum angle bracket for added stability and minimal flex.
• Perform a gentle tap test on your tripod—a stable setup won’t shift or wobble.
• Capture a short test exposure to verify alignment and stability before committing to longer shots.
• Utilize a remote shutter or timer function to eliminate hand contact and further reduce camera shake.

Don’t rush this testing phase—it’s the difference between crystal-clear star trails and disappointing blurry streaks in your night photography.

Positioning Your Phone for Optimal Results

Every successful night shot begins with proper phone positioning on your DIY mount. Place your device horizontally to capture wider scenes and reduce vibrations that could blur your nighttime images.

Make sure your phone’s camera lens aligns perfectly with the mount’s opening to avoid unwanted vignetting.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your tripod’s adjustable features—try different heights and angles to compose the most striking night scenes.

Take advantage of your phone’s manual mode to extend exposure times for brilliant low-light captures. For the sharpest possible results, use a remote shutter or timer function to trigger the camera without touching your device, eliminating motion blur from hand contact.

These small positioning adjustments make a significant difference in the quality of your night photography.

Adapting the Mount for Different Phone Sizes

Now that you’ve mastered positioning your phone, let’s address how to customize your DIY mount for various device sizes. Your clothes clip needs to firmly hold phones of different dimensions while maintaining stability during those long night exposures.

• Add foam padding or rubber grips inside the clothes clip to prevent slipping and provide cushioning for various phone thicknesses.
• Use adjustable angle brackets with multiple mounting holes for flexible positioning.
• Modify the bracket length for larger phones to maintain proper balance and center of gravity.
• Test camera alignment with each phone size to guarantee the lens perfectly matches the mount’s opening.
• Consider making the mount width adjustable through sliding components or interchangeable parts.

Always test your adapted mount before heading out for a night photography session to avoid equipment issues in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make a Makeshift Phone Mount?

You’ll need an angle bracket, clothes clip, and tripod nut. Attach the bracket to your tripod, secure your phone in the clip, and connect them. It’s quick to assemble and works for all positions.

Can You Do Night Photography With a Phone?

Yes, you can definitely do night photography with your phone! Modern smartphones have night mode features and larger sensors that capture impressive low-light images, especially when you’re using a stable mount.

How Do I Make My Phone Stand for Photography?

You can create a simple phone stand using an aluminum angle bracket and a large clothes clip. Secure your phone in the clip while it’s in its case for stability during photography sessions.

How Do I Adjust My Phone Camera for Night Photography?

Enable night mode on your phone, increase ISO to 800-3200, set longer exposure time, and use manual focus. You’ll need to keep your phone completely still to avoid blurry images.

In Summary

Building your own phone mount for night photography doesn’t require expensive equipment or technical expertise. You’ll save money while creating something tailored to your specific needs. Once you’ve assembled your DIY mount, you’re ready to capture stunning long-exposure shots that were previously impossible without specialized gear. Try different positions and settings to maximize your results. Now you’re equipped to elevate your mobile photography to professional levels!