Mastering Event Filming: Elevation Celebration BTS, Lake & Trail Shots | Snowman Stories Ep 2

This blog post takes you behind the scenes of the Elevation Celebration event, where I filmed stunning shots at a lake and on a mountain trail. Join me as I share my experiences, tips, and the challenges I faced while capturing the essence of this vibrant community event.

Key Takeaways

• Always check your gear before heading out.

• Use a variety of shots to keep the video engaging.

• Capture testimonials to add authenticity.

• Plan your shots ahead of time to maximize efficiency.

• Adapt to unexpected situations creatively.

The Setup

Before diving into the event, I had a bit of a hiccup. I forgot the memory card for my camera in the car. Not the best start, right? But as luck would have it, a group of bikers was willing to be in our video. Sometimes, things just work out!

We arrived at the Elevation Celebration, ready to film for Ripple Ice Cream. The plan was to capture testimonials from people trying the ice cream and film an ice cream eating contest. The atmosphere was lively, and I was excited to get started.

Filming the Event

Getting Started

Once we set up, we began filming testimonials. I used a DJI lavalier mic for clear audio, which plugged directly into my camera. This setup made it easy to capture clean sound without needing a separate audio recorder.

The main event was the kids' ice cream eating contest, and I was ready to film the excitement. I made sure to get a variety of shots, including close-ups of the ice cream and wide shots of the crowd.

Capturing the Action

As the contest kicked off, I focused on getting dynamic shots. I wanted to show the energy of the event, so I moved around, capturing different angles. I also made sure to film the reactions of the kids and their families.

After the contest, I transitioned to filming the rest of the festival. I had a shot list prepared, which included:

• Stages

• Wristbands

• Llamas and goats

• Circus acts

• Disc golf

Having a plan helped me stay organized and ensured I didn’t miss any key moments.

The Challenges

Technical Difficulties

Filming in a busy environment can be tricky. I had to swap batteries frequently and deal with changing light conditions. At one point, I realized I filmed a hyperlapse in slow motion—definitely not ideal! But hey, mistakes happen, and I can always speed it up in post-production.

Adapting on the Fly

When I arrived at Evergreen Lake, I faced another challenge. I needed to switch my camera setup to capture paddle boarders. I had to change lenses and adjust my gimbal for vertical shots. It was a bit of a scramble, but I managed to get some beautiful footage of the lake and the people enjoying it.

Final Thoughts

By the end of the day, I had captured a ton of footage, from the ice cream contest to the serene lake shots. It was a long day, but seeing the final product come together makes it all worth it.

Filming events like the Elevation Celebration is a great way to connect with the community and showcase local businesses. I hope my experiences and tips help you in your own filming adventures. Until next time, keep shooting!