When Nick Woodman founded GoPro in 2002, he did so with one mission in mind, to make a versatile camera that you can take anywhere in the world. The idea came to him when he went surfing in Australia and found he could not capture quality photos or up close action shots without expensive equipment or professional photographers. His solution, the GoPro has since revolutionized the world of action photography, a portable, durable lightweight camera that can be harnessed to the end of a surfboard or the side of your motorcycle to capture high definition video of your adventures. With the release of the Hero4 Session, the GoPro is smaller, lighter and more portable than ever before. While we all know it will be great for action shots, this camera’s versatility is not to be understated—here are 8 ways you might not have thought of to have fun with a GoPro.
1. Stick it on an Instrument!
The GoPro is so small and compact you could easily attach it to the bow of a violin or the slide of a trombone. PaulTheTrombonist, a popular star on youtube covered Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” to interesting effect using this technique. There are countless other examples of instruments you can stick a GoPro to. Add another dynamic element to your musical performance by strapping it to anything that moves.
2. DIY Personal Surveillance Drone
While most drones come equipped with a camera, the video quality isn’t always the best or at an angle that you want to use it. Plus the ability to strap a high quality video camera to a mobile quadcopter means you can capture new angles and stunning aerial views that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise. GoPro has plans to make its own quadcopter in the next couple of years, but in the mean time you can outfit your own with the lightweight GoPro Hero4 Session. Just be sure to mind the weight and the copter’s center of gravity, you wouldn’t want to crash your drone.
3. Pet POVs
What would the internet be without cat videos? If you’ve ever wondered what you cat does at home when you’re not around, strap a GoPro to your cat for instant entertainment. Or stick it to your dog and experience the joy of running around your uncut lawn at ground level. Strapping GoPros onto animals is popular enough that GoPro even sells dedicated harnesses for your pets. Just be mindful of how your animal feels wearing the camera as it’s not worth hurting your pet over a video.
4. Bird’s Eye View of your Room
Ever wonder how people make those cool “fish-eye” aerial shots of their room? The answer is a wide angle lens. In the past you would have had to risk stringing up your DSLR to your ceiling fan, but thanks to GoPro, you have a durable wide angle lens camera that you can control remotely with your smartphone. Hang up your GoPro without fear, and you’ll turn the messiest of rooms into an artsy aerial photo.
5. Hula Hoops, Ceiling Fans, and More
It’s not just for instruments, try sticking your GoPro on anything that moves for unique and new perspectives. The hula hoop GoPro is now a classic mainstay of youtube videos. You get to show off your awesome figure with the unique perspective of a twirling hula hoop.
6. Dishwasher
A GoPro can make something as mundane as your dishwasher an endless source of amusement. Well maybe not “endless” but you can certainly take an afternoon to use your waterproof GoPro to figure out why your dishwasher always leaves crumbs on one side of the rack or determine the optimum way to pack your dishes for maximum cleanliness.
7. Roller Coaster
Those photos they take at roller coasters are always overpriced, what’s more you only get a handful of shots to choose from when you reach the end of the ride. A GoPro was made to handle action, and your roller coaster is no different. Take high definition video of the ride from the front of the roller coaster, and serve the stills up to your friends. Just be sure to mind the rules of the amusement park and realize that they are not liable for the loss of your camera.
8. Weather Balloon
Send your GoPro up to the stratosphere for some amazing aerial shots of the Earth. It’s as close to photographing space as you can get without working for NASA, just be sure you’re willing to run the risk of losing your GoPro upon its descent back to Earth.You will need to be mindful of where your weather balloon lands and track it with a GPS device if you want to stand a chance at recovering the video. If you’re looking for tips, Hartley Brody has an excellent breakdown of his GoPro weather balloon project on his blog.
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