The wearable camera is slowly emerging from a novelty item to an indispensable tool, whether for personal or professional use. This is due to the device’s ease of use, durability, and image stability. In this article, let’s look at some techniques to maximize your wearable camera to get the best images and enjoy it for a longer time.
In decades past, cameras were not as important as they are now. In fact, casual teenagers are now into capturing their daily activities and share their photos and videos on social media.
The same is true with wearable cameras. More athletes, morning joggers, and bicycle riders are using this nifty device to record just about any piece of action viewable.
Tips to Maximize the Wearable Camera
You would think that since the wearable camera is already packed with the best features, all you need to do is press the clicker to start taking photos or filming videos. However, there are other features that will definitely enhance your photos and videos using the wearable camera.
Don’t just shoot. Aim straight.
A certain subject may look beautiful but capturing it in a wrong angle or direction will let you miss the perfect moment. The easiest way to take amazing videos using your wearable camera is to keep your horizon straight.
You can do this by holding the camera out in front of you and then line up the top edge with the horizon line. You can easily capture photos or videos when you look for something that will become the basis of your “straight horizontal line”.
If you prefer to wear the camera while taking the shots, test it several times so that the angle of your head or hand points perfectly to the subject in front.
Get close to the subject
Most wearable cameras can still be in focus even as close as 12 inches. So go ahead and take photos at different distances until you feel that you have captured the right one.
Make use of light wisely
Lighting is extremely important when capturing photos or filming videos. If you want to have soft and cool lighting, take shots before sunrise. The varying colors of the sky provides that much-needed drama to make your photos and videos stand out.
If you can’t trust ambient light, you can always bring your own lighting equipment. Of course, this is practical only for professional photographers instead of casual sports bikers.
Play with angles
It is so much easier to capture different angles with a wearable camera, particularly because it is small and lightweight. On top of this, you may use an extended pole to capture better angles.
Here are some examples of unique angles for shooting:
- At ground level: Shooting straight feels like you’re a crawling critter
- Down low, looking up: This makes your subject appear larger, like a superhero or giant
- High up, looking down: This makes your subject look smaller
- Underwater looking up: It creates a more dreamy look
Use filters to improve the quality
You may be familiar with the filters that you use in Instagram. Luckily, some of the best wearable cameras in the market already carry filters that you can use to alter the images.
As an alternative, you may also use physical lens filters. When you use a neutral density filter, for instance, shoot in bright environments at slower shutter speed. This keeps the footage from looking too shaky. If you are filming underwater, use a red filter to remove the blue-green color cast that is inherent to the underwater environment.
Use mounts and stabilizers
To shoot photos or film videos, you need to have steady hands. Otherwise, the outcome would be blurred or hazy. To help you make your photos and videos look better, use a tripod to stabilize on uneven ground. You may even wrap it around the tree to keep it steady.
You may also purchase an anti-shake camera mount to stabilize the shots even if you’re wearing the camera.
Transform raw POV camera footage into professionally edited movies
In a low light setting, set your frame rate to 24 FPS (frames per second). This will allow more light to reach the camera’s sensor. The lower the number, the better your camera will perform in low light.
In the absence of a significant light source, you may use a flashlight – a mobile phone flashlight app may work – to improve lighting.
Constantly check the battery life
You may be too engrossed in snapping photos or filming to the point that you haven’t noticed that you have already drained your batteries. Make sure that you have a spare just in case you need to capture more photos or film videos. That way, you won’t miss any special moments.
Keep away from moisture
Most wearable cameras have a waterproof casing, but it does not make it moisture-free. Remember that humidity inside the case may condense and cause photo-ruining fog. That is the last thing that you would want to happen.
To address this, drop a couple of anti-fog inserts to help you eliminate lens fog.
You can bring the best out of your wearable camera when you take time to understand the purpose of each of its features. Always remember to take extra care of your cameras while using it to ensure that you don’t miss out on the most memorable and cherished events of your life.
