^Lake Atitlan^
So this trip I decided to something a little different: I packed my GoPro, extra batteries, a sticky camera mount, and set off for Guatemala.
“I’m going to be a vlogger” I thought to myself.
Now calling it “vlogging” way over simplifies it. Sure you can go out with a camera and narrate your surroundings but how can you make a compelling story? A dynamic, entertaining narrative people can get excited about? The short answer is a lot of work.
Firstly, you have to think about what you actually want to film. Is it a person, a building, nature? How are you going to get there? Do you film that journey? These were some of the things I had wished I thought about as I now sit combing through hours of raw footage.
Second. You need a plan. Not just what you’re going to shoot but when, where, and why. Then you need to figure out order is most efficient? What will be most compelling to watch? How can you effectively relay your IRL experience through the camera?
Third. The gear. Now don’t get me wrong you can do a lot with a cell phone these days, but no one wants to watch a shaky video filmed on your iPhone 7+. Gear can make or break your video allowing you to get beautiful shots, high quality, and smooth the editing process in post but don’t let not having it limit you.
Now in retrospect- Here is what I should’ve brought(also doubling as a shopping list):
Sony alpha ZV E10 mirrorless camera
Zhiyun Crane M3 gimbal
Extra gopro batteries
A fuzzy (wind) mic and personal mic
A bag for all this
Versus What I had
DJI action cam
Phone
Crazy editing skills(work in progress)
As I embark on the twisty mountain roads back to Antigua I have this to say before I get car sick-
I have gained a new respect for travel bloggers and admire all the effort that goes in behind the scenes. To that end I hope my first YouTube video(coming soon) won’t be a total dumpster fire.
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