Image capturing systems and methods of capturing images, especially in contact prone environments are provided. The image capturing systems includes an optical sensor and output device adapted to receive the electrical signals from optical sensor and transmit a corresponding signal, and a housing retaining the optical sensor and the output device. The housing is adapted to mount to a surface, for example, inside or on top of a helmet, and includes a low profile above the surface and a footprint in contact with the surface. The size of the footprint is selected whereby and impact loads on the housing are minimized or attenuated before being transmitted to the surface to which the housing is mounted. The invention is uniquely applicable to head gear mounting, but may be used on a broad range of article and a broad range of fields.