I recently took the Go Pro rig out for a video shoot and learned a lot about the shooting process. I encountered a lot of problems, and I think this quick list will help anyone who is trying to shoot, especially if it’s your first time.

1. Charge all the batteries before you leave

• I had to charge the batteries multiple times while in the field and having had them at full life before leaving may have alleviated this. It took me more time to charge them than it did to actually shoot my subject.

2. Check the settings on every camera before you shoot.

• Maybe even check it twice. Once when you’re in the lab, and then once again before you shoot.

3. Turn the remote off when you aren’t recording.

• This will save you battery life

4. If the camera stops responding, you might need to reset it

• You will have to unscrew the camera from the rig and take the battery pack and the SD card out and then put them back in.

5. Re-check the settings on a camera if you reset it

• This is super important.

6. Get you’re most important shots first

• This doesn’t apply to every shoot, but if you have shots of high priority, try and do them early in case something goes wrong

7. Use multiple sync mechanisms

• The stitching software relies on different mechanisms to line the video up. Both sound and movement are mechanisms you can use. Clapping after hitting record, and giving the rig a little twirl will help the editing process.

8. Definitely bring battery chargers
9. Bring a screwdriver
10. Double the amount of time you think it will take

• There are so many things that can go wrong that if you think it will take one hour to shoot, give yourself two hours.

11. This is the most important one: Plan on BS

• Multiple things are likely to go wrong, just be prepared for it.