Category: video

I’m a VIDEOGRAPHER

On By Rick McIn cycling, hiking, videoLeave a comment

As a coach, I KNOW you need to practice to improve at anything.

I’ve been studying and editing most days during the pandemic. It’s been my #1 new hobby.

For my purposes — outdoor YouTube videos — I’m good enough now at the mechanics.

Here’s my latest. A terrific tune supported by a pretty montage.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

It’s not nearly as good as the best. But that video would cost you at least $50k.

I work for free. 😀

At least I now understand how the BEST videographers create those works of art.

In my mind, I’m moving NEXT to a focus on STORY.

Story is most important, in the end.

Over the summer I’ll be looking for good (short) video stories. Shooting a lot of content. Might not do much editing until winter.

Here’s my favourite video of 2020.

An IMPORTANT MESSAGE … and very creative video editing.

… I wonder what Nike paid for this. 😇

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Advice for Content Creators

On By Rick McIn videoLeave a comment

If you REALLY want to do something, you must practice.

A lot.

Possibly 10,000 hours to become excellent.

As a sports coach, I’ve learned that already.

It’s the reason I try to STUDY or PRACTICE video creation every day.

Click PLAY or watch this video by Daniel Sax on Vimeo.

BEST cycling videos

On By Rick McIn cycling, videoLeave a comment

For each genre (hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, skiing) I’m looking for technically good video coverage.

Great audio. That’s not easy.

But what makes the good ones GREAT is something that gets you emotionally.

Humour. Inspiration. Personal connection to the people in the very short film

I want to fly to Silverton, Colorado just to meet Avra Saslow, Clare Hamilton, and Delilah Cupp.

“Fame might change us.” 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Peter McKinnon X NOMATIC V2 camera bag

On By Rick McIn photos, product endorsements, videoLeave a comment

I bought the NOMATIC 3-7 day Travel Pack bag in 2017.

Love it.

Looks like I’ll be buying another — this time their dedicated V2 camera bag.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Mount Royal University pandemic LOCKDOWN

On By Rick McIn videoLeave a comment

Police brought me home when I was a kid. Brian and I were caught climbing the construction site of what’s now Mount Royal University in Calgary. We jumped from … 3 FLOORS DOWN, the cops told our parents.

Over the decades, Mount Royal’s been my coffee shop and office. Just 5 minutes walk from my brother’s place in Glamorgan, the neighbourhood where I grew up.

It’s bizarre and eerie to see the huge complex deserted. Unsettling. Like some dystopian science fiction movie.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Best for me is the audio.

I’m still studying and practicing video editing almost every day.

This one includes several (new to me) techniques:

  • colours: white & sterile, progresses to golds, and finishes with optimistic multi-colours
  • deliberately tilting videos 5-10 degrees to convey … something is wrong
  • rapid zoom introduction montage

Do I need a drone?

On By Rick McIn gymnastics, hiking, videoLeave a comment

Tried it once. Found it too complicated. LAWS too restrictive.

BUT — what about indoors?

Gymnastics Clubs would allow it. Of course I’d need an expensive one — something like the new  DJI FPV ( $1,299 plus accessories).

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Here’s some indoor footage.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Apple Watch Camera Remote app

On By Rick McIn Apple, photos, videoLeave a comment

If you want to position your iPhone for a photo and then take the photo from a distance, you can use your Apple Watch to view the iPhone camera image and take the photo. You can also use your Apple Watch to set a shutter timer—this gives you time to lower your wrist and raise your eyes when you’re in the shot.

To function as a camera remote, your Apple Watch needs to be within normal Bluetooth range of your iPhone (about 33 feet or 10 meters).

Apple

I added a QUICK LINK to my Watch Home Screen.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Life is Short #MakeItCount

On By Rick McIn travel, videoLeave a comment

Nike gave this guy money to make a promotional video. He wasted it — flying himself and a cameraman buddy around the world. 😀

Watch it if YOU want to travel the world.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Though published 2012, YouTube creators are still studying the masterpiece for inspiration.

‘ Just a YouTuber ‘

On By Rick McIn Art and beauty, video1 Comment

6 months ago I still had a low opinion of those trying to make a living on YouTube.

It seemed a juvenile race to the bottom. I did not watch any of the top YouTubers. Not even my friend’s son, Cody Ko, who has 5 million + subscribers.

BUT — even then — I did follow a few favourite vloggers on HIKING and TECH.

Fact is, young people on YouTube and now TikTok are in the midst of a video editing revolution. Most future great film and TV directors are currently doing their own thing on social media.

Peter McKinnon, for example. In this fantastic 7 minute edit he pays tribute to the art form.

McKinnon is as skilled at video editing as anyone.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.