Your marine supplies Toronto analysts know that as a boating journalist, my primary job had been to gather information for print articles. But the job description has changed: I’m often asked to shoot photos and video, too. I take pride in what I’ve learned about working with action cameras to get the shot. 

Location, Location, Location

“Action cameras are changing the way we shoot,” says professional photographer Ben Hicks. “Especially in the towing environment, we had limits on what we could do. I’m looking for new angles: something different and unique. Action cameras are so small and light that I can get them in areas I just can’t get a DSLR. When I’m on assignment, I have to shoot with the DSLR.” He often rides on a tube, either in front of or behind a wakeboarder, shooting with his Canon EOS 1DX and a wide lens in a waterproof housing. 

Harrington, who often captures images specifically for GoPro, pushes action-camera shooting further. “We do a lot of ride-alongs, where we pass the camera back and forth,” he says. “Make one tow rope about 5 feet longer, and use an extendable pole — the longer, the better — so you keep a safe distance.” Harrington adapted a 12-foot telescoping boathook.

Shooting with Ultrawide Camera Views

“You have to get really close to the subject for it to stand out,” Hicks says. “If you’re not close, a rider will look like an ant in the photo.” That proximity can be tricky, though. “Think about how that image is going to distort. 

“GoPro’s wide field of view makes composition less critical,” says Sport Fishing magazine editor-in-chief Doug Olander. “Just guesstimate, being mindful to keep the camera horizontal, and move it around. 

Nuts and Bolts

“When it’s bright daylight, in perfect blue skies, that’s when action cameras do well,” Hicks says. As light diminishes, image quality suffers. Challenging light also throws exposure meters awry. “Point a GoPro into the sun for a silhouette, and it has a tough time metering [the light],” he says. 

Your Marine Products International Analysts Suggest That Patience Will Always Get You the Winning Picture

You can find more information as well as get assistance on marine products for sale at Raritan Engineering.

Your marine products for sale professionals suggest that for quick social media posts, professional bass fisherman Fred Roumbanis says, “I leave my camera on all day, but after I catch a fish, I flip it off and back on,” which starts a new video file. “Later, I can get right to the action.”

Garmin chose a GoPro-compatible mounting system for a reason: Your marine parts online specialists feel that there are thousands of third-party accessories for that particular mount. I also use RAM mounts, based on 1-inch balls and connecting arms, to enhance mounting flexibility.

Act Now!

Each new generation of action cameras extends capabilities with higher frame rates for super-slow-motion HD video, ultra HD video, and better low-light performance. “We went from film to digital, and now to tiny little cameras that we can put anywhere, even in midair,” Hicks says. 

Fishing

“When the angler is landing or holding fish, extend the GoPro out on a stalk well outside the boat, looking in, and let it snap away,” says Sport Fishing magazine editor-in-chief Doug Olander. 

Outrigger mounts work great on large boats, mounted low with the camera pointing back toward the cockpit. Be sure it’s level to the horizon. 

For underwater shots, consider using a GoPro encased in waterproof housing and an extended camera pole. West Coast editor Jim Hendricks uses a 6½-foot camera pole or attaches it to the handle of his deck brush.