Platypod Mag on the boat with whales
Out here in Lofoten, surrounded by fjords and jagged mountains, the sea is a stage for some of nature’s most dramatic performances. In summer, we’re lucky enough to witness orcas, humpbacks, minke whales—and even the occasional basking shark—cruising through the Vestfjord. As a photographer and filmmaker, the challenge isn’t finding the subjects—it’s capturing them well from a moving boat. That’s where the new Platypod Mag has become an absolute game-changer.
Meet the Mag
If you haven’t yet seen it, the Platypod Mag is a compact, ultra-strong magnetic base that lets you attach your camera setup securely to almost anything using other Platypod gear. And when you’re on a boat with steel railings, that opens up a world of possibilities. But here’s the trick: most railings are round. That’s why I paired the Mag with a Mini Super Clamp and Platypod Elbow to cheat the geometry and give myself a mountable surface right where I needed it.
The Setup
Using a super clamp on the boat’s canopy support bar, I attached a small steel plate, which gave me the perfect anchor for the Mag. From there, I mounted my iphone with and hit record. The entire rig was rock solid, even in choppy water. I was free to move around the deck, focus on spotting wildlife, and let the Platypod do the work.
The best part? No need to hand-hold the camera, no risk of it toppling over if the boat suddenly shifts, and no massive tripod getting in the way.
Why It Matters
When that telltale puff of mist appears in the distance and a dorsal fin breaks the surface, you don’t want to be fumbling with gear. The Mag gave me the ability to film continuously and capture candid, stable footage of the whales as they passed my boat. Whether it was an orca pod slicing through the water or a curious minke popping up nearby, I knew the shot was steady.
This setup is now part of my regular kit for marine tours and wildlife work. It’s quick, adaptable, and lets me focus more on the moment and less on the mounting.
Whether you're on a whale safari or working in any situation with metal surfaces and limited space, the Platypod Mag opens up new creative angles. Pair it with a clamp or a bit of ingenuity, and you've got a mobile, magnetic rig that sticks with you—literally.
Until next time—keep creating, keep exploring, and never underestimate the power of a good magnet.
