Just some fast notes on photo things we’ve seen in the past week.

New product: Joby Gorillamobile.
This item takes care of a few of our needs in one handy set-up.
First of all, it includes the much needed bumper for our iPhone, insuring better reception. Being a bumper, it keeps the phone pretty slim.
Then it has a black Gorillapod tripod with a special clip on top allowing you to mount your phone vertically or horizontally. Why?
So you can make jitter free movies, use FaceTime hands free, watch a movie (although we still prefer a bigger screen) and bascially use your phone in a hands free mode.
PLUS, they include a tripod mount so you can use it for your point and shoot camera, too.
Loving this, and it goes right in the bag. Good gifting idea, also.

Exhibits:
Coming to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, is Photography from the New China December 7, 2010 — April 24, 2011: Photography from the New China will display a selection of Chinese photographs produced since the 1990s, when People’s Republic leader Deng Xiaoping introduced the current period of Opening and Reform. Photography from the New China will be shown concurrently with Felice Beato: A Photographer on the Eastern Road, an exhibition featuring nineteenth-century views of China and other parts of East Asia, creating a powerful contrast with the contemporary works.
We’ll be there for the opening and bring you some first hand reviews. The Getty Museum has been on their game in the world of photography, and we couldn’t be happier.
Of course, there will be books, so we’ll figure out the best way to share this work with you.
(sidebar: check out photographer Fan Ho for work by another Chinese photographer, set in mid-century Hong Kong)

Martin Parr brings his special sense of of humor and hubris to the Rose Gallery in Santa Monica, complete with commemorative plates featuring his likeness, and tea towels printed with his own special message. His satirical take on the world around him is an unvarnished yet brilliantly designed view, with a commentary inherent in each image. We are huge fans, and encourage you to pick up at least one of his books. We listed some in the Holiday Gift List this year. Even some of his books, that are not collections of his photos, further expose a view of the world that you may find simple, accessible and right on the money. Exhibit opens on Saturday the 11th, and book signings on the Sunday.

Books:
Just picked up the Elliott Erwitt hardback: Handbook. And it is exactly that. No, not teaching guide for photography or a treatise on his ironic view of the world, although you may argue that.
It is a book of photographs that feature hands in the composition and is not to be missed. Looking for that unique gift for either the other photogs in your life, or any civilians you think may enjoy a sweet book, with not many words. for about $15.00 on Amazon, it’s a must get.

And we have decided in the big giveaway for the year end: A GoPro Camera
! Yes, after examining all of the items out there, we realized that many of the basic imaging equipment or tools, may already be on your list.
This special camera has been challenging our minds, and altering our vision as to what kind of images to make.
Sure, you get a tiny, HD 1080p video camera you can place anywhere, but you also get a 5mp still camera with a built in adjustable intervalometer. Yep, time lapse magic is within easy reach.
We’ve even worn this camera on our chest, and recorded a day in the life.

The idea of a gift is sometimes something you may not get for yourself. We feel this is one of the hottest products of the year, and we want to give one away.

Details to follow this week.