If you are planning to go on vacation, and you want to create an impressive video of the occasion, then you might want to consider hiring a vacation video editing service. It is true that you don’t need a film degree to make an excellent video these days. There are tons of equipment and online tips to teach how to do it. But if you really want to make it different, you need the best for the job.
Top 15 tips to make a great vacation video
A video editing company works with the footage you provide. Even though they do all the post-production job, your input makes the whole difference. During your vacations, you will be filming and taking pictures non-stop. In this part of the article, you will learn some cool tips on how to get excellent footage for a vacation video.
Create a story
Once the vacation is done, you need to be able to tell a compelling story. Emotive storytelling is the heart of any successful vacation video. When you want to be remembered, you must bond with whomever is watching the video! Plus, since you want to make it memorable, you need to show off everything you did and why you did it!
Carry out interviews
Pictures are awesome for vacation videos, but videos show a whole new perspective. Pictures show you how things are but videos can express how you feel, what you may be thinking, how you move, talk, etc. That is why videos are so unique! Do not be afraid to carry out interviews of yourself, your family and friends. Don’t rehearse the interview, the more natural the better.
Keep the camera steady
Everyone hates a shaky video. It looks unprofessional. You might want to consider investing in a tripod for your phone or camera. If not, you can create a tripod with books or just by placing the camera on a flat surface.
Don’t use digital zoom
Even if it sounds like a good idea, when you use digital zoom, it can actually make a very blurry video. Unless you are using very high tech, avoid the zoom and just move closer to the person or object you’re trying to capture.
Manually adjust your camera’s white balance
Take into account that there are different light sources and that can affect your camera’s white balance. You need to capture the “real white” in an environment to avoid color casting. Most cameras have an auto-white balance feature, but I strongly recommend that you learn how to set it manually. That way you don’t have to rely on your camera to achieve a correctly color balanced shot.
Do not ‘spotlight’ your interviewees
You should probably avoid placing your interviewee (especially yourself) in bright pools of direct light. This type of intense primary light can increase the brightness and contrast of your picture and cause unflattering reflections on any person. Make sure you use proper lighting for your video scenes.
Check the acoustics before you film
Before you start filming, check the acoustics of the place. Try to avoid any echo. Sometimes you might be in a rush to capture something, and that is fine. But remember that even the faintest echo can be a nightmare to get rid off completely during video production.
Shoot multiple takes of special moments
This goes without saying but if you want to capture something perfectly, take as many takes as you can. Afterwards, it is easier to pick the best one. And if you are planning to film something ahead of time, make sure you include time for multiple takes. It is never good to shoot one take. Even if the first take goes flawlessly, shoot another one just in case.
Try asking questions to yourself and your audience
This is a different way to engage with your audience and it makes your vacation video fun! Plus, this might come in handy when watching the video with your loved ones and you want them to answer the questions!
Don’t overdo it with transitions and/or effects
If you use a mobile app to make some editing of a video you just took, or you are about to film something using a special effect, be careful. Heavily edited takes are not that good-looking. The more natural it looks, the better.
Consider using subtitles or on-screen text
If you really want a message to get to your audience, then you might need to consider using subs or on-screen texts. You can write them yourself and give it to the video editing company to include them in the vacation video.
Include some “behind the scenes” takes
People love this kind of takes! Therefore, you should include it! Think of funny ways to capture some behind the scene moments of the entire vacations. That will surely be hilarious.
Be funny
Nobody likes a serious vacation video. On the contrary, humor can work well in generating more interest in your video.
Choose good music
Vacation videos need background music. However, you need to be extra careful with your choices and your personality.
Last but not least, have fun!
The video must reflect that you are having fun! After all, it is a vacation! Filming and taking pics is not boring. It could be tiring, but find the bright side! Only then, will you get amazing footage for the final video.
Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas when it comes to creating a vacation video. Make sure to follow these tips. You will be thankful in the end. Have fun during your vacations!
