Tips for the best GoPro photos and videos

Want to get the very most out of your GoPro action cam, but don't know where to start? We've got some tips for you!

You finally have it: your GoPro camera. You've spent hours staring at those stunning action videos and GoPro ads. We can hear you thinking: I can do that too! But how exactly do they pull it off? All that fantastic action footage and breathtaking slow motion. Well, there are a few handy tips for that, and we'll walk you through them below!

Choose the right settings

Before you start, you need to think about the right settings. One of the most important settings to pay attention to is the frame rate (fps). This setting determines how many frames per second your GoPro camera records. The rule here is: the higher the frame rate, the smoother the image.

To make things easy for yourself, you can use presets. These are pre-configured profiles that let you change several settings at once. That way, you can save a huge amount of time when you're on location.

To help you get started, we've selected two presets: a Vlog Preset and an Action Preset.

Vlog Preset

• Lens: 4K Linear/Narrow
• Framerate: 24 fps
• Color: GoPro
• Hypersmooth: on
• Bitrate: High
• Shutter: Auto
• Sharpness: High
• ISO min: 100
• ISO max: 800
• Wind reduction: on / auto

Action Preset

• Lens: 2.7K wide
• Framerate: 120 fps
• Color: GoPro
• Hypersmooth: on
• Bitrate: Low
• Shutter: Auto
• Sharpness: High
• ISO min: 100
• ISO max: 800
• Wind reduction: on / auto

Stay close to the action

When you stay close to the action, it comes across best to the viewer. Because of the wide angle of view of GoPro cameras, subjects quickly become small when you're further away. On top of that, action footage also becomes a lot less exciting when you film from a distance.

So make sure you capture the action up close to fully immerse the viewer in your adventure!

Choose the right angles

GoPro cameras are known for being extremely small, light and easy to handle. This gives you the freedom to play with different angles. With GoPro mounts, you can film the action from the front, back, above and below, giving you very dynamic footage that really draws the viewer into the action.

Do make sure that speed and composition remain clearly visible, so you avoid chaos.

Consider using filters

Many photographers and videographers use filters on their cameras, so why not use a filter on your GoPro camera?

For example, use a red filter for your underwater footage so the water looks less green. Or choose a polarising filter when you're on a winter sports holiday, so your footage isn't overexposed, you keep good contrast and you enjoy beautiful colour saturation.

Don't forget your accessories!

Accessories are indispensable when filming with a GoPro camera. Think of a small tripod so you can set your GoPro down for a timelapse or easily film yourself for a vlog. Mounts for your bike, motorbike or helmet are also handy, so you don't have to worry about your camera and can focus fully on the action.

GoPro Quik App

Connect your GoPro camera to your phone and import your videos straight into the GoPro Quik app.

The app is intuitive, easy to use and, not unimportantly, simply good. Stitch your best clips together, edit your video, add filters or stickers, adjust the colour temperature and make shadows more intense. It's all possible with the GoPro Quik app.