There is a new product that has given a company millions of dollars of profit and delivered a million smiles from pleased customers.  As many of you may know, GoPro has taken over the world with its amazing qualities. I was introduced to this product in my journalism class when I saw a GoPro box laying on one of the tables in the classroom. When I picked it up and began to read what this camera had to offer, I jumped on the opportunity right away.

Before I get into how GoPro has made an impact on my life, lets backtrack to see the amazing story about where this name came from.

The company was founded by Nick Woodman in 2002. Woodman started the company following a 2002 surf trip to Australia in which he was hoping to capture quality action photos of his surfing, but could not because amateur photographers could not get close enough, or obtain quality equipment at reasonable prices. His desire for a camera system that could capture the professional angles inspired the “GoPro”name.

Woodman initially raised a portion of the money for his company by selling bead and shell belts for under US $20 out of his VW van and later, fashionable camera straps. He also received over $230,000 in investment from his parents.

In 2004, the company sold its first camera system, which used 35 mm film. Digital still and video camera were later introduced. As of 2014 a fixed-lens HD video camera with a wide 170-degree angle was available; two or more can be paired to create 3D video.

In its first year GoPro sold $150,000 worth of product. The following year GoPro sales shot up to a whopping $3.4 million.

The 35mm camera (model #001) became available on April 13, 2005. It had dimensions of 2.5 by 3 inches and weighed 0.45 pounds. It included the camera, a clear case with quick release, a camera strap, and ski glove adapter lash. It could pivot “on the fly” and was functional to a depth in water of about 15 feet. It was described as a “reusable wrist camera” and included a roll of 24 exposure Kodak 400 film.

GoPro cameras as of today come with various different mounts, straps, and cases to improve your adventure. These accessories can be viewed here.

It is crazy to see how GoPro has made its impact on everyday filming. Check out what GoPro has to offer today by viewing their amazing site.

Now back to where I was. I was blessed to spend Thanksgiving this year in the Great Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I was looking for something different this year; an adventure of some sort. I was looking for something that I could capture with just a press of a button. I knew that this could be done, simply with the help of a GoPro.

Charged up and ready to go, I spent three days of recording the fun filled, adventurous, sad, and joyful moment that my family had together. The outcome of it all was truly amazing.

Watch how GoPro made my trip in Gatlinburg more memorable than ever.

As you can see, this simple camera can make a few days with the family unforgettable. The thing that shocked me, was seeing how emotional my family was after watching the video that was put together.

I was using a GoPro Hero 4 (silver) when recording all videos viewed here.

This camera may not seem like it is worth the money, but trust me it is worth every dime.

If you were interested in the GoPro I used, click here.