How to Film and Edit Memorable Family Vacation Videos
Summary:
- Determine the right gear to film your family vacations, starting with what you already own, like your phone.
Filming with an iPhone [ 00:00:35 ] - Consider the benefits of filming versus being fully present.
- Focus on capturing establishing shots, action shots, and B-roll footage to create a well-rounded video.
- Edit chronologically, use voice-overs, add graphics, and choose music to enhance your video.
An example of a fun graphic added to a vacation video. [ 00:08:45 ] - Securely store your footage and share the final video with family.
A finished vacation video clip demonstrating the joy of shared memories. [ 00:09:49 ]
Gear Selection [0:29]
- Start with gear you already own.
- Using your phone is a great way to start filming family vacations because it is convenient.
Filming with an iPhone [ 00:00:35 ] - Beginning with a phone prevents feeling overwhelmed by multiple cameras and lenses.
- Using your phone is a great way to start filming family vacations because it is convenient.
- If you want to purchase additional gear:
- Consider portable pocket cameras like a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or Insta360 Go Ultra.
Portable pocket cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Insta360 Go Ultra. [ 00:01:10 ] - For more advanced filming, the Sony A7S3 is an option.
A Sony A7S3 camera setup for advanced filming. [ 00:01:13 ] - Stick with one lens to avoid spending too much time focusing on the filming aspect.
- Consider portable pocket cameras like a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or Insta360 Go Ultra.
- Bring a travel tripod.
Should You Film Your Vacation? [1:50]
- Before filming your family vacation, ask yourself if it is something you truly want to do.
A prompt asking if you truly want to film your vacation. [ 00:01:56 ] - Filming requires extra effort to bring a camera, film, and edit the footage afterward.
- Conduct a personal cost-benefit analysis to determine if the time and effort required are worth it for you.
- Consider the value of having footage to look back on as a family.
- It's okay if filming is not for you.
What to Film [2:49]
- Determine your reason for filming.
What to film for your family vacation video. [ 00:02:50 ] - Is it to document the moment, capture your thoughts through voice-overs, or post online?
- Your reason will help you decide what kind of shots to get.
- Types of shots to get:
- Establishing shot: A wide shot of the location to establish the setting.
Title card for "Establishing Shot." [ 00:03:22 ] - Get wide shots and details to help remember the location.
An establishing wide shot of a scenic mountain and field. [ 00:03:26 ]
- Get wide shots and details to help remember the location.
- Action shot: Film family members doing activities, or place the camera down and have the family walk into the scene.
An action shot of feeding an animal. [ 00:03:43 ] - Set the camera down and get family portraits.
A family portrait captured by setting the camera down in a unique location. [ 00:04:11 ] - You can also capture creative family portraits with a framed style.
A creative family portrait presented in a framed style. [ 00:04:28 ] - Focus on scenery or have everyone pose and look at the camera.
- Set the camera down and get family portraits.
- B-roll: Get insert shots to use in editing.
- Film establishing shots of locations, such as a restaurant space.
An establishing shot of a restaurant space for B-roll footage. [ 00:04:56 ] - Capture shots of food and family members eating.
An insert shot (B-roll) focusing on food. [ 00:04:58 ] - Capture details like food being picked up.
Capturing details like food being picked up. [ 00:05:21 ] - Know when to put the camera away to be present in the moment.
A family enjoying a meal, illustrating the tip to know when to put the camera away. [ 00:05:26 ]
- Film establishing shots of locations, such as a restaurant space.
- Vlogging portions: Talking to the camera for storytelling.
A 'talking head' or vlogging segment for weaving a story. [ 00:05:34 ]
- Establishing shot: A wide shot of the location to establish the setting.
Editing [7:40]
- Choose an editing software.
- Options include DaVinci Resolve, Cap Cut, and Adobe Premiere.
Examples of video editing software: DaVinci Resolve and CapCut. [ 00:07:50 ]
- Options include DaVinci Resolve, Cap Cut, and Adobe Premiere.
- Methods of editing:
- Chronological: Edit the footage from beginning to end.
- Voice-over: Record a voice-over to move the story forward and capture your feelings in that moment.
Using a voiceover graphic to add narration to your video. [ 00:08:14 ]
- Add graphics using tools like Canva to make fun additions to your video.
An example of a fun graphic added to a vacation video. [ 00:08:45 ] - Find a good song that matches the vibe of the vacation.
- Use royalty-free music if posting on YouTube, otherwise, you might be able to use any song for private sharing.
- Good music can make a big difference in the final feel of the video.
Storage [9:56]
- Bring a portable SSD to back up footage during the vacation.
- Back up footage on two different drives at home.
- Work off of the SSD when editing.
- Back up the exported project with all the music and graphics on a large drive.
- Share the finished product via YouTube (live or unlisted), Dropbox, or Google Drive.
- Practice editing with footage you already have to get the hang of it.
A photo album, suggesting practicing with existing footage. [ 00:10:50 ]