Whether writing or editing video, good storytellers use the principal elements of character development, story arch & pacing.

Character: When we watch a movie or read a book, we are engaged by the characters and the circumstances they find themselves in.

Think of yourself as a character in a good book.

  • What would you like to know about the character?
  • What are you doing and why?
  • What do you hope to gain from your travel experience?
  • When you give the audience a look into how you are being affected they can better live vicariously through your trip.

Story Arch: Even simple travel footage benefits from being presented with a beginning, middle and end. Creatively organize your photos and video footage in an order that gives the footage movement

Cut the Fat: Look for moments when you or your subjects are actively engaged into what’s unfolding, and take out the rest. A good rule of thumb is if it doesn’t add to the story, take it out. People like digestible content; three minutes is a good goal for your video. If you have really engaging content, you may be able to grab their attention for five.

Be Consistent: If you have enough footage for several videos, create a style and be consistent. Decide on a title for your series and add some royalty free music. Using the same opening each time will create continuity for each of your videos.

Community Connection

Contemplate yourself as a better travel writer.

Video Tips
 

About The Author

Joshywashington

Joshywashington is a Travel Media Ninja from Seattle who enjoys writing, climbing trees and strong coffee.

  • http://therecessends.com Austin Chu

    Rad post, what camera are you shooting on?

Video Tips →

"Your opinion means shit!" and 3 other travel video insights by Mark Shea.

Video Tips →

It may be important to your video to maintain a sense of spontaneity but capture the best...

Transportation Guides →

No matter how intrepid and seasoned we may be, all travelers have a thing or two they can...

Video Tips →

The first step to not sucking is knowing what sucks....

Video Tips →

Joshywashington has to put his money where his mouth is and learn that being a creative...

Video Tips →

"Taking a few moments to watch what you just filmed marks the difference between a host...

 

Nomadic Matt dishes up advice on how to travel the Yasawa Islands, Fiji.

Video Tips →

Annotations are the most underutilized and perhaps the most powerful feature on YouTube....

Video Tips →

Thomas Reissmann has been shooting travel videos professionally for four years. He...

Video + Vlogs →

Explore the different ways to achieve clear and full sounding audio recordings for your...

Video + Vlogs →

Traveler and videographer Tom Reissmann gives a few pointers on shooting better travel...

Video Tips →

If you genuinely strive for an authentic connection, your subject just might open up and...

Video Tips →

What's the easiest technique you can use while filming for a stronger travel video?