So you have decided that you would like to start making videos. You’ve got a camera; you’ve found that you love to share your ideas and enthusiasm through a YouTube travel blog, and you want to know more about how to make the best travel videos. If it is the case of yours, then you have come to the right place. In this post, we will share the key travel tips for bloggers that will help you create really outstanding video content. So keep reading and be up for grabs.
If you want to be the kind of travel video-maker who takes amazing pictures and videos, it is time to think about your video production equipment. A good travel video is really all about the story you are telling and the experience you are providing to the audience. The story of your video can be a unique insight into a new or unknown place, or it can be a glimpse into the life of someone you care about.
If you like to travel with a portable rig or a small, hand-held camera, then a waterproof camera can be your solution. One of the most common travel cameras is the travel tripod-mount. These cameras have the ability to go anywhere with you and are able to shoot/film a travel video in different ways. An array of options make travel tripod-mounts the best travel camera for beginners and pros. However, these types of cameras come with a pretty hefty price tag. On the other hand, a travel rig can be a cheaper option.
Rig-based cameras are different from travel tripod-mounts in that they generally have higher quality, smaller size, and more manual control. With this type of travel camera, you don’t have as many features as you get with a travel tripod-mount camera, but it is a good option for those looking for a more compact and more portable camera. For a rig, it’s best to consider what type of videography you want to do, where you want to take your footage, and what you are looking for in your camera.
One of the main things about doing travel videos is that you have to find the right location for the video. This could be really important if you’re just starting out, or it’s something you’re really good at. But in some instances, it’s a bit of a minefield. Finding the best spot to shoot in your travel video can be a challenge. There’s no shortage of beautiful spots, but do you know where to look and how to make the best video with the resources you have?
Look up in maps and discover the most interesting and touristy places. For example, you can check what to do in Barcelona, where to go in Rome, and what local pubs to visit in Berlin. When recording your travel journey, don’t just record every little detail that you see. Instead, go to the most interesting and unique places. Do not hesitate to use Google Maps to find some great locations.
The key to successful travel videos is shooting them in a way that will inspire people to travel to the location where you’re shooting. You can shoot anywhere, but it’s important to identify what makes the location special and tailor your shots accordingly.
In addition to featuring the usual travel staples like beaches, hiking trails, and iconic landmarks, think about what makes the area truly unique, such as the location of the oldest skyscraper, best museum, best food, best nightlife, etc. From there, you can decide if you want to create a “destination video,” a “cultural video,” or something completely different that showcases the fun stuff that only you and your friends can know. You shouldn't necessarily talk about a foreign country or spot to visit; other relevant information, such as how to save on flights, can be interesting to your audience as well.
In order to capture those unique moments, it’s essential to keep your shot list simple and prioritize the shots that make the most impact. When working on a video shoot for a particular location, it is recommended to have a pre-written list of things and spots to be covered. Thus, once you arrive at a location, you will have a clear idea of what spots to shoot and won’t feel lost trying to capture just everything.
Before you head out to capture that perfect shot, know the best light times and weather conditions. We doubt that you want your videos to be dull or have any technical glitches, like blurry or out-of-focus footage. So, whether you’re in front of a DSLR camera or recording a smartphone video, make sure to take your time with it, and get all the details right. Otherwise, you risk losing your potential audiences who wouldn’t have gone on that trip.
Another thing to consider is when is the best time to shoot. If your shoot is based on weather conditions or daylight hours, you’ll want to make sure to book a date when it’s most convenient and videogenic. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is capture the place at different times of day to see the best combination of visuals and atmosphere.
This is a great way to document the most magical time of day in a destination, like twilight at the beach. For the best travel videos, it’s important to know the best time to shoot, whether you’re in a place that’s not in the peak travel season. This way, you won’t get lost in the crowds and will have more time to capture some unique shots.
Video editing software is a must for any traveler who plans to make videos. A typical video editing software enables users to edit existing or create new multimedia clips. These include cutting out/replacing some shots, creating transitions between clips, adjusting the background sound if you know video editing tips on how to add voice over to video, and many more. With such solutions, editing and creating videos is actually a lot easier than it may seem as most editing software programs are really intuitive and straightforward.
Whatever the reason you have for making a travel video and what kind of video you want to make, video editing software can help you make that perfect clip. Some of the best video solutions that will come in handy are Movavi, WeVideo, Vimeo, Lightworks, and others. The programs will help you create a great travel video, which not only shows a catchy picture but tells the story of your journey.
One of the most important things about producing a travel video is the music or soundtrack that is accompanying it. After all, it is your “voice” in travel video and an element that will attract the most views and clicks. It is not enough to pick an amazing song. There are tons of factors to consider, which makes it tricky. Make sure that the sound of a chosen soundtrack meets the mood of the video, that it doesn’t distract a viewer from the video itself, and that it helps tell the story behind a travel experience.
There are many music services you can use to find music for your video, such as Google Play Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, or Spotify. You can also choose from some great songs in the Apple Music library. A perfect-match soundtrack will help you create the overall story, mood, atmosphere, and impact that you want your video to have.
Shooting a travel video is challenging. There are too many things that you need to consider. But when you know what to keep your radar on, the situation becomes a lot easier. We do hope to have shed the light on this topic, and now you have an idea of how to make a travel video that truly impresses.
Image credit: Panasonic
