It’s no secret I’m in love with my Sony CSC camera, but I find myself reaching for my GoPro Hero4 more and more often. There are so many features that just make it more convenient: its small and compact, its waterproof, and its design makes it easy to take great GoPro photos when traveling solo. Best of all, it manages to have all those perks while still maintaining amazing image quality!
While it’s definitely an easy camera to use, it took some time and practice to really understand the workings of the GoPro and how to get those great shots. To save you some time, I put together some tips on how to take amazing GoPro photos:
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Best GoPro tips for taking amazing travel photos
Use Time Lapse Mode-
I’m a big fan of taking multiple photos of what I’m trying to capture and thankfully the GoPro has this option already programed! There are so many instances where you should use time lapse:
- When asking others to take a photo of you- Usually, when you give your camera to other people, you end up with terrible shots. Time lapse mode can help with that! Simply, put the GoPro in time lapse mode and then show them how you want the shot set up. This way you can change up your pose and get several different photos.
- When taking a selfie- Put the GoPro in time lapse and change your angle just a bit. Since the GoPro is so wide lensed, tilting the camera just a little bit can change the whole photo. Just be sure to move slowly or you will end up with a bunch of blurry shots.
- Sunsets & Sunrises- This one is sort of self explanatory but I have gotten some beautiful sunset shots using my GoPro. Just be mindful that the GoPro doesn’t shoot to well in low light settings to choose your timing wisely.
- When driving- If you invest in a good car GoPro mount, you can take some amazing scenery shots using the time lapse setting. I also took some fun time lapse photos cruising around as a passenger on the back of our motorbike in Southeast Asia using my GoPole.
Invest in the Right GoPro Mounts & Accessories-
After you buy your GoPro it can be tempting to buy all of the accessories available but you’ll probably only end up using a few of them. I ended up tossing a few of the accessories along the way since they were just taking up space in my bag. To save you time and money, here are some essential GoPro mounts and accessories:
- GoPro 3 in 1– This is a must have if you’re serious about taking nice photos with your GoPro, plus its super convenient. The GoPro 3 in 1 is a camera grip that can be extended to a pole and has a built in tripod. It’s also waterproof so you can take it diving. If you buy one mount or pole, let it be this one!
- GoPole– If you want a pole that extends a little further, the GoPole is it! I use this when taking photos and videos when there is a large crowd like the Full Moon Party or I’m trying to take a selfie. The extra few inches that the GoPole extends allows you to get a lot more background in your shot.
- Floating Hand Grip– I’ve seen to many GoPros fall into the abyss to not recommend buying a floating hand grip. If you are planning on bringing your GoPro in the water, then this is an essential! You can also get a floating wrist strap if you prefer to hold your GoPro.
- Suction Mount– Suction Mount- You can use this mount to stick your GoPro to any surface including car dashboards, sides of boats and helmets. This little gadget has helped me capture some pretty cool shots. Just make sure that you invest in a reliable option. You don’t want to loose your camera to cheap suction cups!
- Head & Chest Mounts– If you want to capture some cool POV shots, these are the mounts you need.
Use the App-
I didn’t download the GoPro app until a few months into my trip and, boy, was I missing out! The app has so many features that will up your photography game. First of all you can use the app to set up your shot and remotely take the picture. This is perfect for trying to take a back of the head selfie or if you have your shot set up on the tripod. Also, you can edit your photos on the app and even screen grab an image from a video. If you want to take good GoPro photos, the app is definitely worth the download!
Pack Extra Batteries-
One downfall of the GoPro is its battery life. When shooting video the battery can drain very quickly. I always carry several extra batteries on me and actually prefer Wasabi batteries to the GoPro batteries. I find that the Wasabi brand batteries hold a longer charge. They have a really great bundle where you get three batteries and a charger that can charge them all at once. Click this link to check out the Wasabi bundle and other options!
Pro tip: It helps to turn off the wifi when you aren’t using it. Doing this can really extend your battery life, allowing you to take more awesome photos!
Invest in Dive Filters-
If you plan on taking lots of GoPro photos underwater, I definitely suggest purchasing some dive filters. These filters help counteract the lack of white balance in underwater photos. It will help the colors in your photos come out closer to what you see with your naked eye. Check out the difference in the two photos below to see what I mean!
If you’re serious about getting good dive photos, plan on investing in a decent filter. The cheaper options don’t always have the right balance and can lead to over saturated shots. I suggest the PolarPro Red Filter— it’s great quality and is super easy to snap right on your camera.
Play With Perspective-
While you can get amazing photos by just taking traditional front-view shots, don’t be afraid to get creative with your angles and perspective. Just changing up your angle can give you a brand new shot or the moving POV of the camera can change the whole feel of the photograph.
My favorite trick for this is to put your GoPro in a hole! Dig a small whole in the sand or dirt and place your GoPro in. This reverses the fisheye affect and can be really fun!
Protect Your Photos from Fog & Water-
There is nothing worst then getting home from an incredible adventure only to find that all of your GoPro photos turned our crappy due to fog or water droplets! Save yourself this agony, and prepare for it in advance!
Because the GoPro is in casing, moisture can get in there and cause your photos to fog up. This is exceptionally common in humid climates. The easiest way to stop this is to purchase GoPro fog inserts and use them whenever you’re in a humid climate or around water. These GoPro fog inserts will absorb any moisture in the casing and keep your photos nice and clear. If you’re in a bind and need a quick fix, a few pieces of uncooked rice will do the trick!
Also, be sure to check your lens for water droplets frequently. These can get in the way and ruin your shot. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to lick your GoPro lens between each shot. This has always worked for me, but if you feel to uncivilized licking your GoPro all the time, they do make hydrophobic lens covers that will do the trick.
Edit Your Photos-
If you want truly awesome GoPro photos then you need to spend some time post-editing them! I find that sometimes my GoPro photos don’t have as much vibrant color or sharpness as the scene had in real life. Thats were editing apps come in! Here are a few of my favorite iPhone photo editing apps:
- VSCO- I love this app because it has some beautiful preset filters that I use with my social media images. This app makes photo editing quick and easy.
- Snapseed- This is my #1 editing app! I never post a photo on social media that I haven’t tweaked in Snapseed. I love how the selection feature allows you to edit bits and pieces, making edits look more natural.
My favorite GoPro Gear-
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Great article. I took a gopro with me last summer but did not know about the functions, so only used the basics and I wish I had been more creative. Thanks for sharing these tips, I can use them next time I travel
x
I love your tip about licking your lens! hahah that is actually super helpful and I’m not above doing that at all. I just got a GoPro for Christmas and brought it to the Virgin Islands with me and had a blast with it. I did notice I ended up using that more than my DSLR too, just because it’s so convenient. I will definitely take a look at some of the accessories you suggested!
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Sometimes it is the simple answer that helps the most! I swear that licking the lens has saved so many of my photos from a water drop death 😉
As an avid hobby photographer, I’ve been getting closer and closer to getting a GoPro for my more adventurous travels. You have some wonderful tips here that I’ll be keeping in mind if I do get one. This statement “when you give your camera to other people, you end up with terrible shots. ” rings true with all cameras and is something people should keep in mind when having other people take photos when travelling. Get a tripod and you’ll be better off 🙂
Too true! I usually don’t like to travel around with a tripod because it’s rather bulky but if photography is my main objective I always bring it!
We love our GoPro. Thanks for these great tips on improving photo quality. The time lapse feature is a life saver. We also often take video and get screen captures, especially when dong some activity.
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Great tips. I am looking at buying one of the GoPros, still researching models and accessories, so this is very useful information.
Great tips. I had one of those Chinese, cheapo action-cams – never again. Met a guy who had a GoPro and the quality next to mine was like night and day. I’m looking into buying a GoPro next month and have bookmarked your post for the tips. Good post. Thanks for sharing!
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Definitely worth it to get the real deal! I’m hoping to upgrade mine soon to maybe the sessions because they just keep coming out with smaller yet better quality cameras!
I think GoPros are so awesome! They always take such cool pictures, and it’s so awesome that you can even take them underwater. These are all great tips! Hopefully I’ll be able to save up for a GoPro before my next trip 🙂
The GoPro is definitely a traveler’s buddy! You have shown some excellent tips – that time lapse mode is a brilliant idea. I’m also still trying to master its use and capture great photos. But you are right, it is so handy to use especially for adventure travels when a DSLR just isn’t practical to take with you!
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Yes! Time lapse has gotten me so many shots that I never would have gotten if I only had it on single shoot mode. Another tip is to take video and then screen shot it later on the app. Sometimes they can look blurry but more often than not they come out great!
I have a love-hate relationship with my GoPro and it’s my new year’s resolution to give it one more chance. Great tips!
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It took me awhile to really get comfortable with it. Play around with the settings and download the app. Once you get past the learning curve it’s a really incredible camera in such a small package 🙂
Dive filters? I didn’t know these were a thing! Need to get me some to up my GoPro game
Dive filters changed my life! All exaggerating aside, it really did change my dive footage and photos. I never realized how much the lack or red changed the colors until I put the filter on.
Nice article! Thanks 🙂 Now I really need a go pro ?
I had NO idea there were so many handy accessories! Filters?? Fog inserts?? I’ve been thinking about investing in a GoPro for a while and I may just take the leap this year!
Do it! Seriously, its so handy to have and really does take incredible photos. I would start with just the camera and as you become more comfortable add some of the gadgets and accessories to up your game 🙂
I definitely need to get the red filter for underwater. I learned so much from this post. Thanks for sharing!
I really only use my Go Pro for water adventures, but that’s a great tip about the filters.
I honestly never knew you could get them for a Go Pro (can they be used on the 3 as well as the 4?)
Cheers!
Love the elephant picture that ones incredible! Great article and info, would love one of these!
We all know that Pictures are a great part of a trip and a way to keep our memories
preserved. We depend on our Nikon for capturing our travel experiences, Not tried a GoPro, I know it is amazing for action pics. Thanks for the tips.
You are also a living example of another great tip for GoPro shots – live an awesome life. What good is GoPro without that? Thanks for sharing you adventures and tips on how you capture them in your great photos.
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I will need this guide when I finally get a GoPro. I rented one (without a screen) for one trip, but I was full of questions and didn’t use it properly until the end. When I buy one this will be a great resource!
Wow I didn’t know renting was an option! I’m looking to update my current GoPro and maybe will rent the newer models to see which one I like best before I buy. Thanks for the great tip!
Thank you Thank you …..n no of times for this post. I have been contemplating one GoPro for myself for varied reasons but sometimes your own thoughts are so muddled in your head that you need someone else to lay it down for you. Your post has done just that. I am bookmarking this so that I can remind myself and also, take some tips when I buy one (hopefully this year)
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GoPro looks like the way to go for us. We have been definitely struggling with having our family pics clicked on vacation by handing over the camera to others. Not everyone is comfortable with DSLRs and as a result, we get all nice pics except our own 🙁 . Thanks to your post. we know know what to do
Awesome tips! It is definitely not as easy as they make it look to get awesome photos and videos from your action camera!
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Very comprehensive and useful guide to a great-looking camera. The underwater shots are superb!
Great tips! I’m new to the GoPro scene but this was extremely helpful
We don’t own a GoPro but we have been thinking about getting one. I personally have never operated one. Other than the price, I think it is just inexperience that is holding us back. We’ve got used to our big and clunky DSLR and we’ve sort of got complacent. Oh well… Maybe when our blog is no longer a wee little baby!
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I wish I had this post on my last trip! Great tips!
I had to giggle when you mentioned having other people taking “less than ideal” pictures of us. I can’t even count how many times I have asked friends and strangers alike to take my picture in front of something…only to look at the shot they captured and have more of the ground in the frame than the building, tree, or person I’m in front of. Classic.
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Great tips, I’ve been wanting a go pro but haven’t got one yet.,
Will save this for when I finally buy one…!
I’m still deciding if I want to invest in a GoPro. Leaning more and more towards, YES! Your shots look active and fun! Guess I need to go ahead and seriously invest in mine. 🙂
This is perfectly timed. We’re looking at getting a Gopro. It’s especially helpful to hear which accessories are worth investing in. Sometimes it’s so hard to know what’s worth the cost. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!
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Argh, I really need to invest in a GoPro! I’m always so jealous of the pics they take! I love the elephant one hehe. I have a DSLR, a bridge, my iphone and a waterproof compact so I just haven’t been able to justify the expense…but I will at some point! hehe
Thanks for all the wonderful tips on taking photos with GoPro. I recently invested in one and it has been a real revelation especially when it comes to taking photos aside from all the action camera features. I love how the wide angle shots are so panoramic almost and quality is pretty great too. Using the Time-lapse is a great idea and something I will explore more.
Great tips! Thank you for a great collection of GoPro tips in one place. Yes, there are a lot of accessories to buy for the GoPro. I especially like your tip of making a hole in the sand and enjoyed the picture which at first led me to believe that you were looking inside a deep cave in Nevada or someplace! I have a GoPro 5.
This is really good information I have visited this blog to read something fresh and I really admire you efforts.
I got a GoPro as a gift a few years ago and I have sadly used it only once. This is super helpful, and I am definitely inspired to play around with it more now.
Aah this is great and i needed this because honestly my GoPro has been sitting in my wardrobe without being used since past 8 months! I am just not a video person so this is challenge for me. But thanks for this article, I’ll surely use these tips and guide.
Such a great article with some killer tips!
I’m investing in my first ever Go Pro next month and I love this, especially the hole-in-the-sand- so creative! 😀
Great tips, especially about the filters for underwater. All my underwater photos look like the ‘before’ picture.
I’m looking to take the plunge and get myself a GoPro so thanks for these tips. They sure will come in handy!
Great tips on making awesome travel pics. Especially, the ones about taking a selfie or getting the help of other people. I often am a bit frustrated when people offer some help (as I usually travel alone) and afterward, the shots are not as I hoped they would look like. But maybe this way I could do it a bit better. 😉 Thanks for sharing your tips!
Thank you for sharing such great tips.
i am just not a video person so this is a challenge for me. But thanks for this article, I’ll surely use these tips and guide. raindrop quotes
Thanks it is really a good information . I would loved to use GoPro for making travelling videos.