Creating your own memorable Travel Video
I visited Kaohsiung last week and completed this timelapse video.
Creating a timelapse project as a travel video tour can be visually stunning. However, pulling it off requires careful planning, resource management, and balance to ensure you don’t miss out on enjoying your journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you execute your video project seamlessly.
Planning Ahead
To create a captivating timelapse, you need enough variety in your shots and locations. This means you must plan to cover different landmarks, natural vistas, and bustling cityscapes.
Time, energy, and resources are your biggest constraints. Overloading your schedule can lead to exhaustion, which can detract from the overall travel experience.
One key lesson from previous attempts is to keep the project within your limitations. Over-ambitious plans can lead to fatigue, making it hard to enjoy the holiday or even complete the project. Careful planning on the locations, splitting them up into manageable sets will ensure you don’t overtire after the first few days. Learn to prioritize quality over quantity.
Researching Locations
Start by identifying key locations using resources like official tourism websites, Instagram, and Google Maps. Look for places with iconic views, unique lighting conditions, and interesting activity.
Understanding the timing and angle of sunrise, sunset, and the amount of daylight is crucial. Check when specific locations open and close to avoid wasted trips and maximize shooting time. Some places may need you to request special permissions before the shoot, so do inquire early to avoid disappointments and waste of time and energy by travelling to a site and only to be told you are not allowed to set up your tripod.
Use Google Maps to track the locations and map out a route. Create a shot list for each geographical zone to ensure you’re prepared and efficient. For example, from your daily starting point (presumably your hotel), you can choose to shoot locations north of your hotel on day 1 and those east of you on day 2 and so on, going to cover all zones in a clockwise manner over the number of days you have.
Finding Interesting Angles
While a ground-level walkabout can uncover hidden gems, social media platforms are excellent for inspiration. Look for creative perspectives shared by other photographers and videographers.
Do not be afraid to ask locals for help on getting certain angles. You are only there for a short period of time and it’s just not feasible to do ground recce for every single location you want to shoot, sometimes it’s better to have one or two quick and simple angles instead of spending half a day looking around for that perfect angle, which may not have looked as good because of the lighting conditions or other reasons.
Key Dates and Timings
If your travel coincides with specific celebrations or events, plan your shots accordingly. Crowded areas on weekends can provide lively scenes, while weekdays are better for less crowded, serene captures.
Amenities Nearby
Ensure your shooting zones have nearby amenities such as food outlets, washrooms, and rest areas. This minimizes disruptions and saves travel time between your shooting locations and your hotel.
Locate good food options near your shooting zones and pack snacks to stay energized. Quick refueling prevents unnecessary breaks, especially during peak mealtimes when restaurants may be crowded.
Transport Options
Decide on your mode of transport based on your budget and preferences. Walking and biking offer flexibility, while cars and subways provide quicker access to distant locations. If driving a car, remember you need to walk back to it instead of just calling for an Uber and going to your next destination.
Luggage Weight and Accessibility
Consider luggage constraints carefully. Luggages with wheels are great for city travel but challenging for mountainous terrain. If you’re torn between wheeled luggage and a backpack, prioritize what suits your itinerary and avoid overpacking.
Balancing Work and Joy
Will all this planning take the joy out of traveling? It’s true that such projects can be exhausting, but the pride and satisfaction of completing a beautiful video often outweigh the fatigue. By keeping the project manageable and integrating fun into your itinerary, you can strike a balance between work and pleasure.
Final Thoughts
Executing a timelapse project during your travels requires effort, but with proper planning and realistic goals, it can enhance your journey rather than detract from it. Plan wisely, stay flexible, and enjoy the process of creating something memorable.
