You don’t need a $10,000 camera rig or a full production crew to capture jaw-dropping, cinematic footage in the wild. With a bit of planning and a few smart techniques, an action camera like a GoPro, a DJI Osmo Action or even a phone can produce cinematic results, even if it's an older model. It's more about what you do with the camera than what the camera can do.
1. Chase Golden Hour
The hour after sunrise and before sunset is called “golden hour” for a reason. It's not only about color and warmth - the low-angle light can add depth and drama to your scene because shadows are softer. Harsh midday sun can flatten your footage and make it look lifeless and dull. It really does make a bigger difference than you might think in how your footage will look, so plan accordingly.
2. Think Like an Editor
Don’t just hit record and hope for the best. Capture:
- Wide establishing shots to set the scene
- Medium shots for action
- Close-ups for detail and emotion
Even if you're solo, mix up your camera angles. Your future self (in the editing room) will thank you because it gives you options, plus it helps establish more of a story.
3. Use Movement to Add Energy
Static shots can feel lifeless. Add movement with:
- Body-mounted cameras (helmet, chest, chin)
- Walking or riding past the camera
- Slow pans or reveals
- Parallax shots where object at various distances move at different speeds during panning/movement due to perspective.
Try to get a number of different type of movement shots so you can break up the footage in editing to keep it exciting.
4. Stabilize, But Don’t Sterilize
Too much stabilization can kill the feeling of motion. Instead of maxing out software smoothing, consider turning it down slightly to retain natural movement and energy.
You may also consider not using built-in stabilization and instead opt for stabilization in post using software like Reelsteady or Gyroflow. This will open up your options to adjust the amount of stabilization instead of being locked in.
5. Tell a Story
Cinematic visuals are great—but they’re forgettable without a narrative. Even a simple one helps:
- A beginning, middle, and end
- A location reveal or transition
- A challenge and resolution
It doesn't have to be a full-blown story, just a hint of a story can make the difference between amateur-looking footage and a video that looks pro. You're not just filming an activity—you’re documenting an experience.
6. Clean Your Lens More Often Than You Think
Dirt, condensation, or smudges can ruin otherwise great shots. Especially when filming in rain, snow, or dusty conditions, get in the habit of checking your lens frequently. Smears, dirt or fingerprints on your lens or filter can cause a loss of contrast and increase the likelihood of shot-ruining glare. A microfiber cloth is a filmmaker's secret weapon.
7. Don't Obsess Over Perfection
Some of the most shared videos aren’t technically perfect. They’re authentic. A missed frame, a little shake, even an unexpected moment of chaos—these things create emotion, and that’s what makes people watch until the end.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need the best gear to create memorable outdoor content. You don't even need the best gear (did you notice that none of these suggestions were gear related?). But you do need:
- Light
- Planning
- Movement
- Story
So get outside, press record, and focus on the moments worth remembering.
Do you have any thoughts on what has worked for you? Leave them in the comments!
📚 Related: How to Edit Adventure Footage Without Making it Boring