I’m never in the picture! I’m always the one behind the camera or the one holding the 
camera out taking the shot of everyone. It’s a constant struggle that results in a disappointing photo that can’t capture the background. During my recent trips to Aruba and Hard Rock Vallarta though, I found a simple, yet fantastic solution. The Pocket XShot Camera Extender is a telescopic arm that holds the camera or video camera and can be extended to take a full picture, including the background. Now I can say, “cheese” because I’m actually in the shot.
The XShot Camera Extender attaches to any compact digital camera and features a built-in tripod adapter at the bottom to attach a mini tripod. I used it on both the GoPro and the ATC Chameleon while boogie boarding, zipping down the water slide, snorkeling, and underwater photos. While I was boogie boarding, it took a few tries to position it properly but I was able to get both photos and videos. On the water slide, it was simple. I just held the XShot out and I was in every shot with a great view of the background as well. It was the underwater and snorkeling shots that I was most impressed with while using the XShot. I was able to get closer to marine life without having to hold my breath or dive deeper. For someone a little nervous of snorkeling, or more specifically what’s around me while snorkeling, it’s the perfect solution.
The XShot is the ideal attachment for me as an adventurous traveler on the go. I don’t always have someone around to take a photo for me and I hate asking even when someone is around. Now, even if I’m on my own, I can get the picture.
Bucket List Publications 
Very cool. I could use something like this as well.
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I saw someone with it 6 months ago when I was in Fiji and I feel in love. I don’t know why it took me so long to get it but I’m so happy that I did. It’s fantastic. I bring it everywhere with me in my purse. Perfect!
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Hi, Lesley! Love your blog and follow you regularly. But holy, holy, just checked the prices for Hard Rock Vallarta and it’s almost $400 a night. I realize that you’re using your blog as promo and I admire the smarts behind your moves. Would be great if you’d post on budget travel. We struggling writers want to be adventurous, too. Thanks so much, and happy, happy.
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There are lots of options at Hard Rock with much better prices. If you book it as a package, it is much more reasonable. Plus you get a $1500 resort credit to use for adventures, spa, dining, etc.. When you really look into it, it can be affordable. I do realize, though, that it’s not in everyone’s price range.
I write about all price point options from hostels to 5 diamond resorts. Let me know what area you’re interested in and I’ll happily make some suggestions or find someone who can 🙂
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I’ve been thinking about getting one of those as I am in the same boat…just back from an amazing adventure north of Toronto (Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Perry’s Sound) and all my photos are of everyone else! Must get better at getting photos emailed to me or grab an extender!
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It’s really not expensive for what it does! I love it. Send me a photo when you pick it up 🙂
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What a neat invention! I’ve been a behind the camera or extending my arm girl up till now. I”ll have to look into it!
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Those extending poles are great. I have one for my Drift Cam (like a GoPro) and use it for selfies and it is really good for filming yourself walking. It may sound strange but try it. I have some great footage of my wife and I walking through The Red Square, which i will post up when i get to it.
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Awesome! I look forward to seeing it. Let me know when it goes live 🙂
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Oh, I’ll try the walking footage this week and let you know how it goes. Thanks 😉
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I’ve been using a QuikPod for years, http://www.quikpod.com/quikpod-uses.html , but yours looks even better. I may try it.
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It seems like a cool tool to have. You can get a bit further away from yourself when taking self-shots. Your pictures certainly came out great with it!
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Very cool item! Love the water photos you and hubby got with it. 🙂
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I, too, hate asking others to take a photos for me. I’m definitely going to check this out. This is a perfect tool for the “solo” traveler/blogger. Thanks for sharing!
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That is one cool little contraption. I want one!
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My God that means John and I no longer have to take self portraits of our nostrils.
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Something new for me to learn about photography 😉
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I having a camera that can stick everywhere is perfect. I love my go pro for video and pics for my Car videos
But i can see how your Xshot is perfect for what you do
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Great photo! It’s surfing next!!!
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I so need one of these. I get tired of the same picture of my head and a little bit of the background. Purchasing very soon.
Thanks Leslie and your trip looked amazing. I loved Puerto Vallarta and better than Aruba (but both were a LONG time ago).
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That sounds like me, I need one as well!! Great picture
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great photo!!!!!
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The XShot is awesome, I use it with my GoPro when I want to film while snowboarding!
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My husband uses like one too when we’re snowboarding. He complains that I’m the only one in the pictures. LOL! 🙂
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Sounds great for somebody who travels as much as you do. You shouldn’t be shy about asking people to take a picture though. People are usually more than happy to do it, especially if you agree to take a picture if they will take a picture of you and your friends! I must have a face that begs “I will take your picture” because I was always getting stopped while I was living in Madrid being asked to take people’s pictures. I never minded. 🙂
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What an awesome Invention. I cannot tell you’re doing anything but posing, never mind holding a telescopic anything.
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The perfect thing for people like me who like the background to be perfect.
I find myself behind the camera most of the time – as I am never happy with photos others take 🙂
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Great shots. I just came from my vacation and I hardly have any photo. Everytime someone takes my photo with my camera it is always out of focus so I don’t even try anymore. I will check this out. Thank you!
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Perfect for selfies in awkward positions. So much win ♡
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Great body boarding photos. I really could do with something like this, as my pictures are usually all of other people, with one or two terrible selfies that show only the top of my head.
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Thanks for the information, I am definitely going to get one. It solves yet another problem for me.
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‘i’m never in the picture,’ not a bad commentary really. No doubt sounds like you are not ‘ego’ challenged. Good call
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It’s one of the best gadgets ever!!! I can’t wait to put mine to use!!! 😀
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cool pics Lesley ..some serious fun u are having
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Gosh you are fun! You inspire me to be more fun!
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That is awesome, ha, ha! The pictures are hilariously amazing. My sister is into photography, so this will make a great present – thanks! I’m glad you had so much fun on my side of the world :D! The Caribbean FTW!
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Super pictures. I don’t get it how there’s no sign of you holding anything in the boogie board shots?
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I’m holding the XShot 😉 It took a little practice but it’s certainly doable.
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But there is no sign of your extended arm or anything – your hands seem to be behind the board. How is that done?
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I’ve had the same problem, always being behind the camera & little to no pictures of myself. I’ve been looking into getting one of these for a while, but I’m glad you tried it and gave it such a great review! Thanks!
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That is a rather nifty accessory! It’s nice to see (action) photos you shot of yourself as well!
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Hi Lesley!
Where did you go to get this camera accessory? I probably find 1 in a camera shop or online. Sometimes I am by myself & find I need a shot of me or family without leaving anyone out. That would help a lot!
Rodney
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