Sometimes you have to get a little crafty when you're on a photo shoot or filming a movie. Here are five clever ways to add 1/4" mounts to your camera equipment and accessories so they can go anywhere.

A good camera tripod or lighting stand is a given, but they need to be secure to shoot safely, especially if other people may bump into them. DIY Photography explains that cheap suction pads, normally used for glass lifting, work nicely when attached to the bottom of your tripod or light stand.

The cheap string tripod is a great trick when you need steady shots without proper equipment. Instructables user inspiredwood took it to the next level with a DIY contraption that makes it a much more pocketable solution.

Mini-tripods often collapse under the weight of any camera you'd actually want to use, but Manfrotto, known for its higher-quality camera stabilisation gear, has produced a mini tripod actually worth using. It adjusts easily, won't break after moderate use, and still fits in your pocket.

Whether you have shaky hands or want to leave your camera unattended for some time-lapse action, you don't need to spend money on a tripod. Instructables user jawasan cleverly makes one out of a few disposable razors.

Shooting from a camera mounted to a tripod usually results in better images as the camera is less likely to move. A heavier tripod is generally more stable, but you don't always want to lug one around on an outdoor shoot. Instead, attach a weight-bearing hook to the centre column of your tripod and use your camera bag or backpack to provide the weight.

You probably won't be making Sundance-worthy movies with your iPhone, but if you need to keep it stable for, say, FaceTime, here's an easy way to mount it to a tripod using a cheap mount, some glue, and a nut.