Film Fest Winner!

How to Make a Video in 60 Minutes from Jimmy McKeever on Vimeo.

Film Fest, a student wide event at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown WI, occurs during the spring semester each year. Students are permitted to submit a video of their own making in order to win monetary prizes. This year's winner of the Film Fest: "How To" category was a movie entitled "How to Make a Movie in 60 Minutes. The original idea came from Luke Tanis and Peter Duran, and the movie itself was filmed and edited by myself using a GoPro Hero 2, GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition, and Final Cut Pro X. 
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GoPros at Camp Chetek

Benjamin Turcotte, currently a student at Maranatha Baptist Bible College, has worked at Camp Chetek in Chetek Wisconsin for one week two summers ago and trained junior campers several weeks this past summer. Ben also has his own personal blog which can be found here.


During an interview with Ben, the following questions were asked in order to learn how GoPros could benefit a camp ministry.

1. What do you do there work wise?

I will be training two photographers, running the media department, and creating promotional videos as part of a business internship.

2. How is videography used in a camp ministry?

Videos are used as part of the camper week in game times and intro videos. They could also be used as part of staff training. The majority of my experience involves watching videos that camps have produced that are promotional in nature targeting younger campers or an explanation of the ministry targeted to teens and youth staff.

3. Why should videography be used in camp ministry?

Videos allow for a refined, consistent delivery of content. They can be viewed at almost any time and any place. Instead of a staff member explaining camp using works and images, a video can allow the viewer to experience camp though sight and sounds. The script can be worked through to communicate exactly what it needs to be - rambling and unclear speech is minimized.

4. How can a GoPro better enable you to capture the message the camp wishes to share?

The GoPro due to its size and ruggedness will be a great asset to capture activity times and water related activities. Instead of risking a larger, more expensive, and less rugged camera to achieve shots, the GoPro can be used in dangerous situations with minimal risk.

5. What specific camp activities can be captured with a GoPro that would not be possible with a typical camcorder?

Camp Chetek has a biannual mudpit (happening this summer), camp wide water games for Inner City Outreach week, and various cabin activities including a blob, swimming, kayaking, and tubing.  The GoPro can also be used as an action camera during game times where a camcorder would not be maneuverable. 

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Creative Angles

Getting unique angles and good looking shots can be difficult with an ordinary camera. As this video demonstrates, a GoPro enables an individual to capture himself without the help of another. The far away feel of the shot adds a great deal to the video. Great job, Andrew Whiteford, for being so creative with your GoPro Hero Black Edition.

HERO3 Test- around JH from Andrew Whiteford on Vimeo.

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GoPro in the Sky

The versatility of GoPro expands everyday as people experiment with different mounting techniques. Chest mounts, head mounts, wrist mounts, helmet mounts, and suction cup mounts are typically used for GoPro. One of the newest mounting locations is on a remote control helicopter. 

The majority of these GoPro equipped flying devices are actually referred to as Quadcopters because of the number of propeller. 4 Propellers provide adequate stability and substantial maneuverability. Because GoPro cameras are so light, they can be easily attached to these flying machines with out much difficulty.

DJI Phantom Aerial UAV Drone Quadcopter for GoPro

As illustated in these picture, GoPro quadcopters come in all shapes and sizes. Often they are homemade devices, but some copters such as the white one pictured directly above can be purchased from Amazon for only $679. This particular model contains a GPS system that will automatically fly the quadcopter back to the remote with the touch of a button. 


Quadcopters have revolutionized how GoPro cameras can be used. The following possibilities have been made available through the combination of Quadcopters and GoPro.

• High Angles
• Surveillance
• Fast movement through the air
• Professional edge
• Unlimited accessibility in hard to reach areas

Here is a video demostrating the power of this amazing piece of technology. Enjoy!

Minute Nine - Quadcopter Snowboarding from Rob Antill on Vimeo.

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GoPro Array

GoPro Cameras have amazing capabilities and new capabilities are being discovered everyday. One such feature that GoPro is being used for is called GoPro array. Basically this technique freezes the shot and give the appearance that the camera is rotating while the video is frozen. In order to achieve an effect as complex as this, have multiple GoPros is necessary. 

Typically the people who create these vides are sponsored by GoPro so they do not have to purchase 10 or more GoPros. Here is a video which I found on Vimeo that gives a good sense of what a GoPro array looks like. Enjoy!



My GoPro Array from Marc Donahue on Vimeo.

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GoPro 3 Vs. GoPro 2

The following post is a side-by-side comparison of the GoPro HD Hero 2 and the GoPro HD Hero 3. Through this Prezi presentation, the basic differences between the two models will be explained. If any further questions come up either comment below or contact GoPro Support.

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Mounting Tips: Curved vs. Flat Adhesive Mounts

Curved and flat adhesive mounts semi-permanently stick to the surface on which they are place. Using 3M stick technology, these mounts are great for both curved and flat surfaces. It is important to think creatively when using these mounts. Although these sticky mounts can be removed with heat (using a hair dryer), it is best to place these mounts somewhere they will stay for an extended period of time.

The quick release technology make it easy to transfer the camera from one mount to another. Simply squeeze the two tabs together and slide forward. This feature allows for quick angle changes without the hassle of unscrewing the camera from the quick release mount. 

The picture below shows the two types of quick release buckles. The vertical surface J-hook buckle (left) is used for mounting on vertical surfaces such as the side of a helmet or the side of a car. The J-hook buckle is also used on the chest mount. The horizontal quick-release buckle is used for horizontal angles such as the top of helmet or on a ski/snowboard. 

Creative thinking can be put to good use with the adhesive mounts. Below is a handle I created using the handgrip of an old airsoft gun. After removing the handgrip I simply stuck a flat adhesive on the top. Homemade mounts can be created from anything and can be a very inexpensive alternative to official equipment.

In order to purchase additional mounts follow these available links to the appropriate mounts. And as always, please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions below. 

Adhesive Mounts                Quick-Release Buckles

Chest Mount                       Helmet Mount

Side Mount

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