How to Use GoPro Hero 6
Getting hands-on practice with the GoPro Hero 6’s tips and tricks can give you a real edge over most standard vloggers.
The process isn’t as easy as it sounds, but it’s all about how much hard work and dedication you put in while mastering these techniques.
GoPro cameras have changed the photography world by providing new takes on pre-existing videography styles and techniques.
You don’t need to think twice about capturing that stunning shot from deep in the ocean or thousands of miles above sea level. With that in mind, let’s look at all the handpicked GoPro Hero 6 tips and tricks suggested by our photography experts.
Recommended list of GoPro Hero 6 tips and tricks
1. Bring your creativity and imagination into play
With a GoPro action cam in your hands, you can always give wings to your style, creativity, and vision. While you’re at it, make the best use of the features and specs this camera has to offer.
For a start, experiment with the mounting process. Instead of mounting the camera on a helmet or drone, try placing it at random spots that’ll give your vlog or video a completely different perspective.
You can try mounting it on a tree, your bike’s handlebars, or any place that fits your creative vision. Just make sure the camera body isn’t getting damaged while you’re shooting.
Here are a few creative mounting ideas that work surprisingly well: attach the GoPro to a dog chest mount for a pet’s-eye-view of the world. Strap it to the end of a fishing rod for unique over-the-water angles. Clamp it to a fence or railing overlooking a skate park. The more unusual the angle, the more interesting your footage will be.
2. Remove the waterproof housing for better image quality
This tip is strictly for shots where there’s no moisture or water involved. We get it, the extra layer of glass housing protects your camera from water damage. But removing that layer can bring more clarity and definition to your captured shots.
Once you do that, you’ll need to take extra care of the device because of its fragile body and design. You can also buy a different GoPro frame to improve the overall video quality.
The difference is especially noticeable in bright outdoor conditions. Without the housing, you eliminate one more layer of glass that light has to pass through, which reduces reflections and ghosting. Indoor shooters should always remove the housing for the cleanest possible image.
One thing to keep in mind: the Hero 6 Black is actually waterproof on its own down to 33 feet (10 meters) without additional housing. So for light rain, splashes, and shallow water, you don’t necessarily need the housing at all.
3. Composing the shot beforehand
Never go in blind with your shot composition. Keep checking the LCD screen to analyze the setup before you start filming. Let’s say you want to create an image from an unconventional spot or location.
In that case, you might not be able to check the settings manually on the LCD screen.
That’s where the GoPro app on your phone comes in. Using the app, you can compose the image, adjust the cam settings, and even trigger the shutter from a distance.
Take composition a step further by thinking about the rule of thirds. Even though the GoPro’s ultra-wide lens captures a broad field of view, your subject should still be positioned in an interesting part of the frame. Centering your subject every time leads to flat, boring footage. Place them slightly off-center, use leading lines in the environment, and think about what’s in the foreground and background.
The app also lets you switch between different field-of-view modes: Wide, Medium, Linear, and SuperView. Each one changes how the scene looks, so experiment with them to find what works best for each situation.
4. Always carry spare batteries and other accessories
If you’re a GoPro user, you know the frustration of running low on battery right in the middle of a perfect travel or adventure vlog. That’s why carrying extra batteries for any shoot is always a smart move.
With the GoPro Hero 6, swapping batteries is quick and easy, so you never have to worry about running out of juice.
You can also bring along other accessories like a camera cover, case, or strap.
Beyond batteries, here’s a quick checklist of accessories worth packing for any GoPro shoot:
A few extra microSD cards (at least 64GB each, Class 10 or UHS-I rated). Running out of storage is just as frustrating as running out of battery. A portable power bank that can charge the GoPro between sessions. Extra adhesive mounts, since the sticky pads lose grip after a few uses. And a small carrying case to keep everything organized and protected during travel.
5. Cleaning the lens
Last but not least, don’t forget to clean your lens regularly. Gently clean the case from the inside and outside. Take extra care of the lens when shooting in moist or wet surroundings.
If any dust, dirt, or debris gets on the lens, it can stick to the surface after contact with water. And that’s when all your efforts to capture the perfect shot go right out the window.
Carry a cotton cloth or hand towel to wipe down your lens after using it underwater. You can also pick up a lens cover to prevent any unwanted damage.
For stubborn smudges and salt residue (especially after ocean shoots), use a lens cleaning solution or a pre-moistened lens wipe. Avoid using regular household cleaners, since they can leave a film on the glass or damage the lens coating.
6. Make the most of slow-motion footage
The Hero 6 Black shoots 1080p at 240 frames per second, and that opens up some seriously impressive slow-motion possibilities. Everyday actions like jumping into a pool, tossing sand in the air, or riding through a puddle look completely different when slowed down to a fraction of real-time speed.
To get the best slow-motion footage, shoot in bright conditions. Higher frame rates need more light because the sensor has less time to collect light per frame. Shooting 240fps in a dark room will give you noisy, muddy results.
Plan your slow-motion shots around moments with clear movement and visual impact. Water droplets, dust particles catching sunlight, and fast athletic movements all translate beautifully to slow motion.
7. Use voice commands for hands-free control
The Hero 6 supports voice commands, and this feature is incredibly handy when your hands are busy with an activity. You can say “GoPro, start recording” to begin a clip, “GoPro, take a photo” for stills, and “GoPro, stop recording” to end.
Voice control works best in calm environments. Wind noise and loud surroundings can prevent the camera from hearing you clearly. If you’re going to rely on voice commands, test them before your shoot to make sure the camera responds consistently.
You can enable or disable voice control in the camera’s Preferences menu. There’s also an option to change the language for voice commands if English isn’t your primary language.
Bottomline for Go Pro Hero 6 tips and tricks
Practicing the GoPro Hero 6 tips and tricks listed above is your first step toward mastering action and sports photography.
No matter your experience level, these tips can level up your vlogging skills. Stay tuned to this space for more tutorials and reviews of your favorite cameras and gadgets.
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