Planning your next vacation and want to make sure your footage turns into something truly memorable? Whether you’re planning to turn your trip into a cinematic highlight reel, a personal vlogger-style documentary, or a polished cutdown video, capturing the right shots and angles is key to making your vacation footage look like it was captured by a pro.
As a video editor, I help people turn their raw vacation footage into beautiful, high-impact videos that truly reflect the spirit of their travels. But even the best editor needs good material to work with! So, before you head out on your adventure, here are some essential tips and techniques to make your vacations videos look like they’ve been professionally filmed.
1. Capture Three Types of Shots: Wide, Medium, and Close-Up
One of the best ways to tell a dynamic story through video is by varying your shot types. By using a combination of wide, medium, and close-up shots, you can create a visual experience for your vacation footage that pulls viewers into your world, while giving them a sense of the scope and depth of your trip. Here’s what to look for:
- Wide Shots– Think of these as your “establishing shots.” They set the scene and give context. If you’re hiking to a stunning overlook or standing in front of a famous landmark, pull back and show the landscape or cityscape in all its glory. Wide shots help give viewers a sense of where you are, while also showing the environment around you.
- Medium Shots– These shots capture what’s happening in the scene. It could be a shot of you and your friends laughing by the beach, or a fun action moment, like zip-lining or skiing. These shots focus on your travel activity, adding a layer of storytelling. Aim for a shot that shows both you and your surroundings, but zoomed in enough to capture the action and emotions of the vacation.
- Close-Ups– Close-ups are the details that make your video personal and unique. Whether it’s a shot of your feet as you walk through the sand, a close-up of someone’s face during an intense moment, or even a candid smile, close-ups bring intimacy and artistry to your footage. These are the shots that capture the essence of the experience, things you won’t realize are important until you see them later.
A combination of all three shots will give your vacation video depth and make the final edit more dynamic, so make sure to get a variety of angles!
2. Filming for the Highlight Reel: Think Short, Sweet, and Impactful
If you’re aiming for a high-energy Highlight Reel, remember that the best footage from your vacation doesn’t always require long, drawn-out clips. The goal is to capture moments that have emotional impact, whether it’s excitement, wonder, or awe. You don’t need to film everything while relaxing in your vacation—focus on moments that will be fun to watch again and again.
Here are a few tips:
- Action Shots– Things like diving into a pool, hiking a trail, or climbing a mountain. Fast-paced shots with high energy are great for keeping the viewer engaged.
- Scenic Shots– Even in your highlight reel, take a few moments to film that breathtaking view. Just make sure it’s balanced with other types of shots to keep the energy up.
- Natural Reactions– Smiles, laughs, or those “wow” moments when you see something amazing. These are the moments that turn a simple vacation video into an emotional and memorable highlight.
3. Take Time to Talk Into the Camera
Here’s a tip that will elevate your footage in ways you won’t fully realize until you watch the final cut: take a few moments every day to talk into the camera about your vacation experience so far. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown monologue, just short snippets of you sharing your thoughts, reactions, or excitement. Here’s why this makes a big difference:
- Personalization– When you talk into the camera, you’re not just documenting what you saw; you’re sharing how it made you feel. This adds a level of personality and emotion that’s often missing from raw video footage. When viewers hear your voice explaining the significance of a moment, they feel connected to the story.
- Narrative Flow– Having your voice in the video helps us (the editors) create a smoother, more coherent narrative. Instead of random clips, we can use your commentary to tie everything together—helping us put the your vacation’s footage in the right order and highlighting the moments that are most important to you.
- Reliving The Experience– After the trip, it’s easy to forget what you felt in the moment. But when you talk on camera, you’re capturing your real-time reactions, allowing you to relive the trip in a more authentic way. It makes the video feel like a true “memory” rather than just a collection of pretty scenes.
You don’t have to go overboard—just talk about what you did, what you’re feeling, or what made the day’s trip special. Even short sentences or casual observations will make your video feel more personal and engaging.
4. Bonus Tip: Capture the “Behind the Scenes” Moments
The best vacation videos aren’t just about the spectacular views or the big events; they’re also about the moments that don’t always get the spotlight. Try filming some of the “behind the scenes” parts of your trip—like packing, getting lost, or just hanging out with your friends and family. These small, unscripted moments bring a sense of realism to your vacation video and make it feel more relatable and fun.
Conclusion: Take Your Time, Get Creative, and Have Fun!
Remember, the best vacation videos are a reflection of you and your unique experience. Whether you’re capturing epic landscapes, candid moments with loved ones, or your own reactions to the unexpected, the goal is to tell your story in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
By following these tips—shooting a variety of shots, capturing impactful moments, and adding personal commentary—you’ll have the building blocks for a vacation video that you’ll be proud to share for years to come.
And once you’ve got the footage, I’m here to help you transform it into something truly amazing, whether you’re going for a Highlight Reel, a Cutdown Video, or a full Vlogger-style video journal.
So, grab your camera, hit record, and start making those memories count!
Editing Your Vacation Footage, Photos, and Videos
Going on a vacation is an amazing experience to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone including you, deserves and needs to travel from time to time just to escape from reality for some time. Your future self will be pleased to see all the memories and experiences you’ll capture from your vacation footage. We’re only given one lifetime so make it count!
If you want to turn your raw video footage and photos into something memorable and enjoyable to watch, contact us! VACA.video is a video editing company with a team of professional video editors that knows how to turn your raw footage into something worthwhile. Make your memories remembered forever with a video!
