Anyone can make a memorable family vacation video!
If you have a phone full of fall break videos, for example, don’t just let them sit and take up storage. Instead, turn them into a highlight reel. It’s a 60-second family video that your kids will watch again and again, and a project that will make you feel like a winning, memory-keeping mom.
Videographer Catherine Grandy shared simple techniques to make a memorable vacation video.
The Power of Planning
Catherine emphasized the importance of planning your shots before you start filming. “What is the story you’re wanting to tell? What are specific things you’re wanting to remember that are special about that time?” she prompted. By thinking through your shots, even if it’s just mentally, you make sure you capture the moments that matter most without being stuck behind your camera the entire time. This helps you be present and enjoy the experience while still getting what you need for a memory video.
Shooting Techniques: Wide, Medium, and Tight Shots
To create a visually rich video, Catherine suggested using a variety of shots. “You want to do wide, medium, and tight,” she explained. Wide shots provide context and set the scene, medium shots capture the main action and interactions, and tight shots focus on the details that bring out the emotion in your video.
“A good balance is the goal,” she advised This makes your video is both engaging and heartfelt.
The Importance of B-Roll
B-roll footage is important for polish and providing smooth transitions. “B-roll helps to enhance your main story,” Catherine noted. This supplementary footage can include anything from waves crashing on the beach to close-ups of your child’s toes in the sand. B-roll not only adds depth to your video, but also helps avoid jarring jump cuts, making your video more visually enjoyable to watch.
Making the Most of Your Phone
Catherine reassured us that high-quality videos can be made using just your phone. “The best tool we have is whatever tool we have with us, which is usually our phone,” she said. Modern smartphones offer great dynamic range and stabilization, making it easier to capture beautiful footage even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Editing: Bringing It All Together
When it comes to editing, Catherine highlighted the importance of selecting key moments and being intentional about what you keep. “Think, ‘what story am I trying to tell,’” she advised. Incorporating a mix of wide, medium, and tight shots, as well as B-roll, will help you create a cohesive video that shows the heart of what you did as a family. She also suggested using music to boost the mood, and including dialogue to capture the unique voices and expressions of your family.
Tools and Resources
If you want to get serious about video editing, Catherine recommended using tools like InShot for phone editing and Adobe for more advanced projects. “Find the one that works for you and go with it,” she encouraged. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, anyone can create a memorable family video.
Find Catherine’s work on Instagram, @grandyphotography, or at grandyphotography.com.
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