Easy Ways To Create Video | Stoke-Ness
When I can still see light after 6pm, I know the best part of the year is coming.
I’m a big Spring guy. All other seasons are great but Spring, it’s the best of the best. In Montana, March is not really Spring, that won’t happen until May, but two months away and I’m already excited.
In this month’s issue, I share a hot spring near Teton NP, my favorite jacket for all seasons and why you should write your video before you shoot it.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Who I'm loving on Instagram
Kyle actually won a giveaway I did with my friends at Huckberry in January.
His minimalist landscapes are Apple background quality. It’s always fun to see photographers like him out shooting familiar scenes with new perspectives.
Give him a follow Here
Photo/Video Technique
Why you should write your videos before you shoot them (even your IG stories)
If you have ever made a video, even something as simple as an IG story, then you know that putting more than a few clips together and making it a cohesive storyline is hard.
Which clips should you keep and which should you delete? If you are like me, then you shoot way too much and have to watch all of it until you are bored stiff and your will to make a video is gone.
An easy solution is to write your video first. I’m not suggesting you write a full script, but any sort of guide to what the video is about and the shots you want to capture will give you a massive leg up. Here is why and how I do it:
#1 Writing the story makes sure there is a story
I quickly start at the beginning and write the story all the way through to the end. This doesn’t have to be complicated, just as if you were explaining a movie or video to a friend. What it does is arrange the entire story while your brain isn’t trying to run a camera, frame the shot to look best, or think of how much longer you have before dark. It saves your brain from being overloaded later and forgetting what you are supposed to say or do in the story.
#2 Writing a shot list creates a recipe to follow
Next, I like to write a shot list that follows each storyline. This step isn’t strictly necessary with short videos, but it is a good technique to create a more professional-looking video. It creates a recipe you can follow to get the video you want. You can tweak it or add in a shot if you find inspiration while out shooting.
#3 When you edit the video it will save you time
The best part of writing a story and a shot list is when you start editing the video you will already have the layout and structure sorted out. This will literally save hours of your time. I have spent days going back and forth on how to arrange video clips after I shot them without a plan. It’s excruciating, but can all be avoided by preloading the effort to a written story and shot list.
You can see my written plan for a recent video HERE.
You will also notice I start with the premise, title, what’s at stake, what’s a victory, and elements I think will keep people interested. If you want me to talk more about why I write these and how, let me know.
New Places
Granite Hot Springs, Wyoming.
I have wanted to head here in the winter for years. While the summer attracts campers with RV’s and the crowds that go with it, in the winter the road is closed to all but skiers and snowmobilers. Only one staff member lives on site and the pools are mostly quiet. Plus there is no better combo than snow and hot springs (except maybe coffee and cream).
More info Here
Gear
Topo Designs Puffer Hoodie
I think most people know that layering is the way to stay warm and comfortable in the mountains. What I see most people miss is what they should be layering with. Stuffing a large down jacket under a shell or a thick cotton sweatshirt is a recipe for a sweaty then ice-cold adventure.
I recently picked up a Topo Designs Puffer Hoodie. It is synthetically insulated, lightweight, and super packable. I am also super hard on my clothing and Topo Designs is known for making their gear robust. After using it for over a month on several backcountry snowboard trips and more than 15 resort days, I’m sold. It is the perfect layering jacket for winter and I will be wearing it all spring on its own.
For only $179 you should grab one before they are all gone for the year.
You can get one HERE from my friends at Huckberry and return it for free if you don’t like it. It’s free shipping both ways. (not sponsored)
Music I'm Diggin'
Take it Easy by Surfaces
I know you want a cruisey song to transition from the harsh winter weather to the green days of spring. Soft as blue sky and as buoyant as the clouds floating in it, Take It Easy is going to put you in a good mood and give you a sly grin. You know spring is coming, but now you feel it too.
Give it a spin on Spotify here. (or hit the play button above)
Videos, Movies, and TV
How To Tell A Story by Andrew T Kearns
A fun to watch BTS of a shoot Andrew, myself and the Strohl Works crew did last month. I had such a great time collaborating with Andrew and I learned a lot from this video too.
Watch it HERE (or click the play button above)
Reads
How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
This month I asked my friend Theron Humprey for his top book recommendation. He is the great photographer behind the @thiswildidea Instagram account.
Theron said I should check out How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Michael Pollan.
“It’s part of the conversation that we need to re-examine why we banned substances. It’s essentially research on psilocybin (shrooms) that can open your mind and heal emotional wounds. They are using it with addiction and trauma now.”
See more Here
If you made it this far then thank you. You make what I do possible and I am grateful.
I have my first product for sale ever releasing near the end of the month. It’s a solution to help you and other freelancers find sponsorships for your projects.
If you or someone you know would be able to help promote it, I’d love to chat. Send me an email or text me at 406-471-4662.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
