Taking selfies is an art! If you don’t believe me, spend some more time on Instagram. Figuring out how to take the perfect shot takes a lot of practice.
People often ask me how I get great GoPro photos as a solo traveler. Finally, I decided to put together a review of some of the tricks I learned along the way.
Here are my tips on how to take epic GoPro photos as a solo traveler!
When we talk about photography; settings are the best place to start. Learning which settings are best for different situations is an essential part of becoming a good photographer. Settings are especially crucial for selfies, because they’re really more challenging to take than photos of other people.
Raw format: The most common setting for me is the continuous shutter in RAW format. I love this option because it dramatically increases my chances of getting a great shot.
Using the RAW setting is a must. Although it creates a larger file size, you will get the best quality photos. Since no information is compressed when you shoot in RAW, it’s much easier to edit.
Continuous Shutter: The continuous shutter is especially useful for selfies. It gives you a few shots to choose from, reducing the chances of your eyes being closed on an otherwise perfect shot and other similar issues.
Pro tip: While learning how to take a good photo is essential, having the right tools to edit your photos is invaluable! Even the best photographers in the world have to edit their photos. If you haven’t already, check out my Lightroom Presets for a collection of my favorite solutions.
Night Lapse Mode: This is so important in low light environments. From dimly lit rooms to shots of a starry sky, the night shot mode is a must. It will make a dramatic difference in the quality of photos you can take in dark conditions.
Burst Mode: Use burst mode on your GoPro to increase your chances of capturing the perfect shot. This takes a quick burst of photos, giving you a video-like sequence of photos. Doing this will capture every exciting moment, whether you’re jumping off a waterfall or just making a funny face.
Voice control: This is a total game changer for solo travellers. Enable this feature and you can take selfies hands-free! Just say, “GoPro, take a photo,” and you’ll get a single shot in RAW format. For video, say “GoPro, start video,” and you can create your own hands-free movie. What more could a solo traveler ask for?
Picture settings: When it comes to mastering the GoPro, you’ll also want to figure out which video settings are best for different situations.
For a slo-mo video, choose 60 fps / 2.7k (or 240 fps for super-slo-mo). If you plan to share to Instagram, YouTube or FB Stories, go for 24fps / 2.7k. If you’re aiming for professional video production standards, use 24 fps / 4k.
accessories
Incredible accessories are a must for every girl on the go! For me, it’s all about the three-way mounting. This gives a camera grip, extension arm and tripod, so it’s perfect for just about any situation.
I also take my dual battery charger with me wherever I go. Having 2-3 batteries on hand is essential when traveling, and being able to charge two batteries at the same time is extremely convenient.
Last but not least is my dear amigo, El Grande! This very long pole (38 inches/3.16 feet) is perfect for paragliding and other times when you really need to capture the whole scene.
Read more: How to take great travel photos with a GoPro?