GoPros are great action cameras, but we photographers, tend to use them as behind-the-scenes cameras.
GoPro cameras have revolutionized the way we capture action-packed moments. Originally designed for sports enthusiasts to record their adventures, these compact cameras are built for durability, portability, and versatility. But let’s face it — as a photographer, you may find yourself frustrated when using a GoPro for behind-the-scenes work or static setups.
Why? Because it’s not what the camera was primarily designed for
They come with a GoPro mounting system and not a tripod hole, and that’s exactly what I’m trying to address today. The original design ensures that your camera stays securely attached, no matter how much shaking or movement occurs. It’s perfect for extreme sports enthusiasts but can be a headache for photographers who need quick and stable mounting solutions for tripods or light stands so we can forget about the behind-the-scenes camera and focus on the primary task of capturing amazing photos.
The newest camera, the GoPro13, has addressed this and now includes a standard tripod hole directly on the camera body. However, if you’re using an older GoPro model, you can achieve the same result by purchasing replacement mounting feet with a built-in tripod thread from marketplaces like AliExpress for around 6$. This is just a partial fix and if you want to record vertical video you will still need another mount but it’s a great first step for today’s project
GOAL
I wanted to create vertical GoPro Mounts for Photographers, Videographers, and other types of Content Creators who need vertical video and don’t want to waste time securing a camera for extreme sport so it can sit on a tripod during a photoshoot.
My mounting system aims to :
- be reliable for behind-the-scenes and pov footage during photoshoots
- be fast and easy to use
- use standards that we use in the photography industry like the ¼’ screw
- allow you to change the battery without having to remove the camera from the mount
- remove the memory card while still attached
The key to my entire project is this specific thumbscrew that doesn’t have threads all the way down the shaft. Because of this feature, I can turn it into a captive screw and use it to pressure mount the camera against a 3d printed part.
ArcaSwiss compatible mount
If you want to mount your GoPro onto an ArcaSwiss-compatible tripod head you would normally need a tripod plate, an adapter from 1/4′ to GoPro mount, a right angle adapter, and a couple of GoPro screws. What if I told you that all this can be 1 piece?
Here is the first one of the mounts that I created for photographers, videographers, and content creators. The orange will be 3d printed, and you will need a 1/4′ heat set insert in the bottom of the plate and a tripod thumbscrew to which you will mount the GoPro. The resulting mount is amazing as you can just plop it onto the tripod head twist the screw a few times and your GoPro is ready to go.
I also added a tripod hole in the bottom completed with 2 insets for Arri locating pins to go in. This one is offset in such a way that now is aligned with the lens of the camera so just in case you want it you can use the GoPro for circular panorama. And most importantly panning around while filming off the tripod will look much better.
Neck Mount / Other GoPro mounts
This one is perfect if you like me want to get POV shots while setting up your lights. I always struggled with this angle because my beard gets in the frame, while a chest strap was always so annoying to put on.
The best part about this mount for me is that I can now push the camera slightly forward and out of my beard without having to tilt it forward. This way my POV is facing perfectly forward while I can still mount and unmount the GoPro super fast with the help of my thumbscrew
POV on top of the camera
The last one is designed to go on top of your camera’s cold shoe with a little help from a piece that is usually used to mount an external monitor. This way you push the GoPro far enough of the camera so you can get your main camera into the frame and get video from the POV of the camera where you have a nice static foreground that will help you give context to your vertical videos.
Where to get the models
All three of the designs are FREE to download on my Printables profile – https://www.printables.com/@vmoldo_687081alongside some of my past projects like the “Parametric insert to make your lenses have anamorfake bokeh” And if you download them and find them useful a like on Printables would be much appreciated.
DO NOT USE THIS MOUNTS FOR SPORTS!
3d Printing Advice
If you do have a 3d printer I would recommend:
- print the Arca Swiss mount vertically
- print the other 2 models on their side
- use a layer height of 0.13 to 0.15mm
- use at least 3-4 walls on every side
- for the the Arca Swiss mount use 5-8 bottom layers to give it extra rigidity
- use 15-20% cubic infill
- do not use supports
- while I printed them in PLA and everything is fine PETG would probably be even better
And if you don’t have a 3d printed don’t give up, there are a lot of 3d printing services online and I bet you can most probably find someone in your city that is willing to print for cash.
Shopping list
- GoPro Baseplate with tripod hole – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEursdh
- Thumbscrew – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCa0znv
- Tripod1/4 20x8x8 heat-set inserts – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFcFhlN
- Monitor mount – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ollMqdh
Final Thoughts
I’m not a product designer, and these mounts could probably be even better, but at the end of the day every time I use one of them it makes my day a just bit better because I know I don’t have to fumble around for 5 minutes with a mounting system that was designed for sports while all I need is to have one more caper sit on a tripod. And it’s that bit of happiness that matters a lot to me. Photographers are problem-solvers by nature. But for some reason, we always talk about what gear to buy next. And we don’t seem to focus enough on how to improve the functionality of our gear and the accessories we use day by day.
