How to Shoot Video for a Trip Around the World

A trip around the world is the journey of a lifetime. Shooting video of the trip is the best way to preserve your memories. When you get home, you can share the experience with others then revisit it yourself years later. It is important to have a plan for your video before you embark on your around-the-world trip. If you know what you want your video travel diary to look like, you will know what to do as you go along.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Video camera
• Tripod
• Extra tapes
• Extra batteries
• Video camera charger
• Electricity converter

1. Always have your video camera with you. If it isn't within arm's reach, you wont bother to get it much of the time. Many precious memories are lost when travelers don't want to dig out their video camera. Get used to shooting a little bit of everything. A few seconds of video is all you need. Video on an around the world trip is about the passage of distance and time. You will get a warped perception of how you spent your time if you shoot a lot in one place and nothing in another.

2. Break your video up into sections. Around the world trips consist of long flights broken up by stops in amazing locations. Whenever you visit a new place, point out that you are entering a new phase of your journey. Use a reoccurring theme to divide sections. This could be a skyline, an aerial shot as your plane lands, or a close-up on a native person's face. Be creative and consistent.

3. Edit as you shoot your video. Everything you shoot requires wide shots, medium shots and close ups. Mix these shots up. Try shooting a wide shot of a scene first, then a close up of something interesting and then a medium shot showing perspective. Avoid zooming, panning and tilting the camera. Use a tripod if you can. Steady shots are more interesting and professional. Focus on the little things. A funny sign, unusual accent or bizarre food can be just the detail that makes your video memorable. If anything catches your eye, get the video camera out.

4. Record the passage of distance and time. Traveling around the world is about the travel. It is jarring to see someone magically appear halfway around the world in an instant. Provide a logical transition. Get in the habit of closing your chapters at the airport or on the plane. Reflect on your experience and talk about your anticipation for the next stop. This gives your video a feel for the miles you traveled.

5. Tell the camera how your experiences make you feel. Record your emotions as you go. Emotions are fleeting. It is difficult to remember them accurately. Recording them on video tape preserves your feelings. Years later, you may be surprised by the extent of your emotions at the time.

Tips & Warnings

• Electric current varies from country to country. Be sure that you have converters so you can charge your video camera batteries. Always fully charge your batteries whenever you have access to electricity. Also, keep empty tapes with you at all times. Nothing is worse than running out of videotape or batteries at an important moment.