You’ve probably come across a situation where you find a great photo opportunity but you cannot frame the photo properly because something is blocking your view in the viewfinder. There might, for example, be a crowd of people, a fence, tall shrub, wall, etc., directly in your line of sight.

One way is to use a camera with a movable LCD monitor so you can snap photos at awkward angles. Unfortunately, most point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLRs don’t have a tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor. Therefore, you may want to consider attaching a Flipbac Angle Viewfinder to your camera.

The Flipbac Angle Viewfinder help you compose shots at high and low angles.

The Flipbac isn’t fancy; it’s simply a mirror attached to a small wire frame that you can swing a couple of different directions. It does do, however, what it says it will do. It’ll help you compose shots at difficult angles. It does this by reflecting the LCD image on its mirror-like surface, which simulates a screen that’s able to tilt. You can use the Flipbac in either landscape or portrait mode.

You can use the with many digital SLRs as well.

This gives you a much better chance of getting a great photo from virtually any position: ground level, waist level or overhead. You won’t have to raise your camera above your head and simply hope everything is framed right (not to mention in focus).

I do have one concern about the Flipbac. Although it seems to be firmly attached to my camera, its construction, although not flimsy, could be a bit stronger. A camera accessory should be built strong because we sometimes mishandle, jostle or even drop our cameras occasionally. Therefore, I’m wondering about the durability of the Flipbac; in particular, how long will it stay attached to the camera. Time will tell on that one so I’ll leave that up to a future article.

Note that what you see in the Flipbac is a reflection. Therefore, menus and data such as histograms and other information will be backward. The manufacturer also recommends removing any LCD protector you might have on your camera before attaching the Flipbac. Don’t worry, the Flipbac folds up when you’re done shooting and serves as protection for your LCD monitor.

This is the Flipbac attached to a Canon XSi. Although the day was overcast and snowing, I was able to focus, frame and shoot the photo using the Flipbac.

The Flipbac is currently compatible with most compact digital cameras and digital SLRs with a 3-inch or 2.5-inch live view LCD monitor. Your camera must have a live view function.

It’s available for $19.99 US. Visit the Flipbac website (www.flipbac.com) for more information. Click here to watch a Youtube video about the Flipbac.