EyeEm Video: Lasse Schneppenheim Shares Golden Rules Picked Up on His Travels

Cutting the technical jargon and the impossible-to-reach goals - professional photographer Lasse Schneppenheim is bringing it back to the essentials when it comes to shooting video footage. Read more about the lessons Lasse is learning has he travels the world, camera in hand.

There’s so much to learn about shooting video. I’m finding that it’s even more special when you’re trying it out as you travel. This being said, I don’t know your journey when it comes to moving image. I don’t know if you’re coming from a background of photography, or maybe you’re already filming professionally. It might be that you’re new to all things visual just like we all were at one point.

So, instead of talking about all the technical details, finding the best creative angles, grading your footage, or other details that you might know more about than I do, I’d rather take this opportunity to note down some of the golden rules.

Back to Basics: Lasse’s Practical Guide For Shooting Video

This universal advice may be simple, but for me personally it’s what I will often forget first in the heat of the moment.

1. Pack Light

This seems easy, especially in the beginning when you don’t even have much equipment. However, over time your line-up of cameras, lenses, and other gadgets might grow as you attempt to step up your game. It totally worth taking a moment to reassess your gear in preparation for your next trip, or planned shoot.

As you travel you will need to carry every piece that you chose to bring along with you. You’ll also need to set it up each time you shoot, so take a moment to consider the number of batteries that’ll need charging, lenses to change, gimbals to balance. The last thing you want is your kit to be the thing that distracts you from what’s most important.

My advice? Firstly, plan your setup so that it will get you 80% of the way, but only use 20% of the effort. For me my go-to kit includes my camera body and two prime lenses - and that’s pretty much it.

2. Keep Your Gear Ready

I couldn’t count the amount of times that I have missed an amazing moment or a great shot because my gear wasn’t set up and ready to be used. I have learned the hard way that keeping your gear at hand and ready to use at any moment is essential when travelling. The very best things that happen are more often than not a total surprise - it’s those moments that end up being the best content.

Quick Fixes That Seem Obvious (until it’s too late):

3. Wait For The Good Light

This may be no secret, but when you are traveling and hoping to capture some amazing, and quite ambitious shots, you might end up feeling pretty stressed out. Here’s a little reminder…take it easy, and wait for the right moment.

Getting up early, or pushing dinner back until after sunset, is worth it. It’ll give you time to enjoy some of the days without feeling pressure to capture content. This is not to say that you shouldn’t mix up your footage and capture some day-time clips, but what I have learned is that the clips from the golden and blue hour easily deliver the quality and authenticity you’re looking for when it comes to lifestyle footage.

4. Shoot The Small Things, Tell a Short Story

When travelling somewhere new, and far away from home, I will usually hold high expectations. Whether it be shooting great landscapes, cities, landmarks, wildlife, or action shots, I always want to get shots that fully credit the amazing destination.

Often I will feel the pressure of my own expectations, and when unforeseen circumstances hit - like bad weather or overcrowding, I can feel pretty disappointed.

I am pretty sure many of you have experienced the very same thing. So, how can we avoid it? I’ve made it my goal to focus on capturing the small things, the close ups, the personal mimics of your travel companion.

Try to do this with new angels or try out new ways of moving the camera. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of shooting opportunities from a single two-week vacation - start small.

Seek out just one story of the day or a single hike. For instance, sketch a 30-second edit in your head and follow that script. This way you’ll make sure you have much more footage to play with, a longer edit, but much less stress.

5. Accept That You Will Miss Some Things

One of my biggest fears is missing out on amazing footage. What if I miss the most beautiful light? the most amazing location? Or the most dynamic action?

I’m realising each time get back on the road with my camera that if I am to follow the simple steps above, there’s a high chance I will capture some great clips and be able to tell a story from them. I have managed to create some of my favorite clips in less than 4 days shooting, sometimes it’s taken nothing more than hours.

In general, dedicating yourself to the fun of it, the fun of creating, and capturing stories - whatever they might be - you’ll be fine. So here it is, the most important rule I can share: relax and just enjoy the moment whether the camera is in your hand or not.

Want to see more of Lasse’s stunning photography? Take a look at his EyeEm Profile or check out his Instagram.

If you are inspired by Lasse’s insights on video - make sure you follow his Youtube channel to keep up to date with his new video content.

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