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My own story with travel videography

Since I’ve been old enough to own an iPod, hitting the “record” button has always been an easy task for me. It didn’t matter where I was, who I was around, or what I was doing. I fell in love with telling a story.

Over the years I have become obsessed with telling my story through my experiences. This included my own short films, vlogs of my vacations and travels, and music videos. There’s something magical about capturing our lives and I want to be able to share this passion of mine with the world.

I vigorously tried to think of possible blog topics, but nothing else crossed my mind that I was truly passionate about. Sometimes life gets crazy and we tend to forget our good times and laughs. Travel photography and videography helps us keep our memories to look back on as times inevitably passes.

These creations are essentially a way of leaving our fingerprints on the world. Our time here on this Earth is limited and I’d like to assume that all of us want to leave something behind for others to remember us by.

Executing our ideas and visions in to something concrete is magical. A photo can hold a thousand words and a film can deliver a thousand more.

Nostalgia is extremely powerful and emotionally evoking. I hope to shed light on my passion to possibly motivate you to pick up your own camera.

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Where to begin with your travel video

(Image of Richard Linklater by https://nofilmschool.com/2013/07/lessons-from-self-taught-richard-linklater)

Sure, anyone can simply press “record” and point the lens at something. However, it takes skill and some creative processing to turn that “record” button action in to something worthy of being watched. There is an unspoken art to travel videography.

Any good film needs a purpose. What is your purpose for reading this blog? I’d hope it’s to gain some insight on travel videography because if you’re looking for cute cat photos on Google, you’ve made a wrong turn on the internet highway.

Your story is the entire backbone of your craft and developing that story is not always an easy task. On that same note, magically becoming inspired is pretty difficult too. On the contrary, this process is heavily overthought by the majority of content creators.

One of the biggest tips to implement is sticking to your theme, or the reason why you’re making the film. Creators all over try to emphasize consistency. This tactic makes your videos much more likely to be watched by viewers.

Start by watching others. If you can YouTube it, then YouTube it. Discovering an idea from watching other people is the easiest way to get the ball rolling.

But wait, you want to be completely original I hear? Do not fret, some of the world’s greatest contributions have been created by folks who found inspiration from other people’s work. A few to mention, Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook. Or perhaps even the one and only Shakespeare with his legendary love story, Romeo & Juliet.

The creative process is usually grueling and filled with a lot of adjustments. Remember to look around you wherever you are. Inspiration is not far.

Sources:

https://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/how-to-create-a-great-travel-video/

https://www.lifehack.org/290675/10-successful-people-whose-ideas-were-thought-ridiculous-the-beginning-2

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No equipment means no travel film

(Image from https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/video-gear-for-traveling-road-warriors-and-frequent-flyers/)

So you’ve got this awesome idea. You’ve told all your peers about it and you can’t wait to jump on it. Before you speed off into shooting, are you prepared equipment wise? This question is almost as important as your entire story and inspiration. 

Without the necessary tools, you’re not going to get very far with your game changing idea. Travel videography is a little different than a feature film. You most likely won't have all the resources a blockbuster director would have. 

Your iPhone is capable of capturing your shots but let's just be realistic - It’s not the same. Investing in a low to mid-ranged priced DSLR is the best way to start off. The functions are plentiful enough to get you a great shot, yet not too overboard to intimidate you.

When traveling, you want to aim for lightweight and easily accessible recording options. For many travel videographers, the “run-and-gun” style is most prominent. This merely means you whip out your camera, point, and shoot!

Being on the road or in more exclusive locations means you’re not always going to have an outlet nearby. Charging stations won’t be around the corner as if you were in the comfort of your own home. A quick fix is to stock up on batteries.

Having power to shoot in the field for a solid duration is crucial. This goes hand in hand with memory cards. More shooting = more storage being taken up.

The three biggest components to travel videography is having a lightweight camera, making sure you have multiple power sources, and multiple memory devices. Additional accessories such as tripods, lights, and drones are all recommended for enhancement but not as essential.

Last but not least, a backpack. Specifically enough, a camera backpack. These bags have designed compartments to keep your gear safe.

Remember, your gear doesn’t make you, you make the gear. As for a pro tip, invest in glass (lens) before the body. Thank me later. 

Sources: 

https://www.capturemag.com.au/advice/5-reasons-why-you-should-upgrade-your-lens-before-your-camera

https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/top-5-pieces-of-gear-you-need-for-travel-video-and-photography/

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It’s time to plan your trip

(Image from https://pickyourtrail.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-trip-from-scratch/)

I believe the most daunting aspect of being a travel videographer is planning locations and how you're going to budget everything. Structure is much needed when making the decision to film your travels. 

All in all, it really boils down to what you think you need and where you need to be. Some trips require thousands of dollars for round trip flights, hotel rooms, food, etc. Then on the flip side, some require just a couple bucks for gas money. 

An easy way to eliminate unnecessary costs Is to make a list of importance. Strikethrough what is not crucial and plan accordingly.

Understanding and respecting your own budget aids the planning process immensely. When brainstorming, try writing your own agenda and dedicate certain dates to certain tasks.

If you find yourself on a very low budget, there are many ways to get out of your neck of the woods without giving up an arm or a leg. One way flights on Google  Flights is outstanding with traveling expenses. Not to forget, Uber also does the trick cost effectively once you're on the ground. 

Housing costs can be drastically decreased when using AirBnB. This application is ran by private owners who rent out their spaces for much cheaper prices when compared to hotels. These tips would’ve been extremely beneficial to my knowledge when I first started out filming. 

Sit down and make yourself a schedule along with projected costs. This will make your traveling much easier versus when going off on a whim. 

Sources:

https://www.bucketlistly.blog/posts/10-tips-how-to-create-great-travel-videos

https://www.roomkey.com/blog/how-to-set-your-yearly-travel-budget

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Remember to be in the moment first

(Image of Sam Kolder from https://www.visitbrasil.com/en/blog/sam-kolder-does-rio-in-breathtaking-video.html)

The easiest way to make a stellar travel videography is to have fun. It’s really that simple once you gather the necessary tools.

You don’t have to be the best, you don't even have to be the second best. You just need to be you. Film what you want to film. 

There are many techniques and technological limitations when being a travel videographer, but there are no rules about creating what you want. Bring your visions to life.

Be bold, be adventurous, and most importantly make “the jump”. Taking risks sometimes makes for the best stories and catching them on film only makes them that much sweeter. You won’t know what you're missing out on if you stay within your comfort zone.

Film is one of the greatest outlets we have for connecting to one another. Sharing our moments, whether they good or bad leave lasting impressions.

I’d like to see my creations as my signature left on the world. The places I have been, the people I have met, and the moments I wont forget can all be shared.

It’s now your turn to get out and simply press, “record”. What’s your story?

Sources:

https://liberationist.org/how-to-leave-your-comfort-zone-for-the-better/

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Long Range: Located at 18545 US-301, Citra, Fla. The Orange Shop’s front porch continues to stand firm on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. With its abundance of rich history, The Orange Shop serves as the last remaining true roadside citrus stand in Florida. Family operated and owned, Pete and Cindy Spyke are the current overseers and are third generation citrus growers who take much pride in continuing The Orange Shop’s legacy. (Image by Blade Hall)

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Mid Range: During the mid 1930′s, automobiles were beginning to surge on to highway US-301. Not long after in 1936, The Orange Shop opened its doors and embarked on its journey with one goal in mind - selling the best oranges around. Citrus groves were commercially grown in Citra since the Civil War but had never been marketed as such until 1936. Bright orange billboards and signs lined the highway to help travelers navigate to the shop. A slice of Florida to take home was only a stop away. (Image by Blade Hall)

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Close Range: To ensure best quality, The Orange Shop planted its two growing locations in the Indian River area and also in their own backyard - Marion County. The science behind the roots relies within the warm summer nights. The climate allows the citrus to hold more juice and natural sugar. Naval oranges thrive in north central Florida soil, but also do better with cooler winter temperatures that aren’t too extreme that kill off the trees. (Image by Blade Hall)

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Close Range: The Orange Shop’s history goes way beyond its selling of citrus fruits. It is believed to be in the epicenter of where the rare pineapple orange was originated. The shop is seen as a landmark and time capsule for all locals who have grown up seeing the rows of groves. Tradition and heritage runs deep through its walls and many of shoes have stepped on the front porch to get a taste of Florida’s very own treasures. (Image by Blade Hall)

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Mid Range: Whether it’s fresh oranges, citrus infused honey, or T-shirts you can find almost anything right past The Orange Shop’s doors. The Orange Shop logo has been a beacon of heritage in the town of Citra for many moons. You can’t go far without having a local tell you to stop in and grab a pint of their gourmet orange juice. The Orange Shop is truly a one-stop all establishment. (Image by Blade Hall)