Seven Tips to Achieve Great Shots with Your Action Camera

Congratulations on having your first action camera! I know how exciting it is to try your favorite sports or hobby using your new device, but the question is, how would you capture a perfect shot?
How would you utilize it and create a beautiful memory that you can always go back with? See below tips that you can immediately apply today.

1. Master Your Mount
Action camera mounts are used to clip or position your camera in a particular area to capture the best shot or angle. Several mount types are:

• Head and Hat Mount – allows you to strap on your head/hat to capture view;
• Helmet Mounts – can be used on helmets, allowing you to run straps through vents;
• Chest Mounts – you can use this if you would like to decrease camera shake. It also gives a great POV look;
• Wrist Mounts – divers favorite;
• Mask Mounts – ideal for scuba diving;
• Suction Mounts – commonly used with surfboards, snowboards, skateboards, boats, and cars;
• Clamp Mount – can be directly clamped to achieve a wider camera range/angle.

Whatever type of mount you will use, make sure that you know how to use it. Clip it properly. Make sure it is safe and won’t lose. Test the angle and outcome first.

2. Always Review Your Angles

Once you mastered how to use your mounts, the next step is to review your angles.

Check the settings whether you will use a medium, narrow, or wide field of view. It depends on what you are shooting.
Checking the angle setting before shooting will give you peace. It delivers your expected results, especially if you are only going to the place once.

3. Do Not Settle with a Single Shot
Action cameras have time-lapse and burst shots. Use this so that you will have plenty of options. Then, choose the best image. You will also be surprised at how you can even capture mini or specific scenes.

4. Why Not Use the Slow-Mo Video?

Slow-mo settings are also great features. It adds glorious appeal to most subjects and gives a dramatic aura.
Imagine shooting a slow-mo of how a volleyball player hits the ball or your cat playing with your dog. You can even apply this to natural sceneries; how the waves are rolling at sea, how the tree branches sway, or how you sip your coffee on your lawn.

Slow-mos create a unique impact on the whole footage. It may be short, but it increases the viewer’s attention and evokes positive emotion.

5. Less is Always More
This tip is specific for video editing.

While you have plenty of shots or longer videos taken, remember that you don’t need to put all of these into a single output. You may want to distill your 80-minute video into one minute, two, or even seconds.
People get interested in short yet direct-to-the-point videos. It portrays excitement, interest, and they will keep watching your videos again.

Like what they say, less is always more.

6. Be Reminded with Your Battery

Nothing is worse than delaying your shooting because your camera is running out of batteries.
There are two ways on how you can manage your batteries. First, charge it daily and switch it off in between shots. Utilize its usage on the actual shoot only. Second, invest in alternative batteries. In this way, you will be at peace because you know that you can finish everything even for 24 hours.

7. Storytelling is the Key
Mastering the action camera is significant, but storytelling is the key.
Here’s what you can do to prepare for a shoot considering your story:

• Research on the place or location. Scout significant spots that you can utilize.
• Check other videos with a similar location so that you’ll have possible peg or inspiration.
• Conceptualize the goal of the video. What do you want to convey to your audience? What are the scenes you’d love to highlight? 
• Prepare your storyboard before going to the set. Input the first scene, the subject matter, angle, camera setting, and the duration. 
• If there are voice overs, prepare the scripts ahead of time to align them on the video.
• If you see that there’s room for experimentation, why not? You can add extra clips and scripts that you feel are appropriate upon getting into the set. 

Stories engage people. It resonates with their emotion and imagination, creating a great connection.

Start That Shot Now
Action cameras are powerful devices to capture great memories for your personal or professional goals. However, inability to utilize it will only cause you a headache.

Ensure that you master all of the settings, strategies, and accessories.
You may not master it on your first shot, but you can always do better! Go ahead and take that first shot now.