Filming at Theme Parks - Tips?

[Hudson_Woodlief]

Now, I've been to countless parks with my cameras before, and I have fun every time. It's how I express who I am. I bring my Nikon z30, my camera bag with stuff like batteries, my shotgun mic, tripod, etc, and just do my thing. (quick little plug ThatCoasterGeek )

HOWEVER, on trips where I have brought my camera, for the most part I am just stressed out or overwhelmed. I mean of course I'm having fun, but I'm also stressed. Walking around, going from ride to ride, trying to shoot footage of me for the vlog, and then also prioritize off-ride shots, but at the same time, I need to have time to take off my bag, and switch lenses for better zoom-- which takes time, especially when I am in a rush to go from place-to-place. Carrying a camera around also isn't fun sometimes, especially when I need to do something like get a camera pass out of my pocket, or a phone. All of this happens during the day, just for me to get home, and see that lots of the footage is shaky and hard to watch. My point is, does anybody have any advice to help me have a stress-free day, where I can get plenty of rides in on stuff, but also have the time to take off-ride shots and pictures? I know for a fact there is something I am doing wrong, or could improve on. I'm going to Kings Dominion this summer for context.

 

[Dan Nguyen]

Gotta be patient with a camera. Doesn't matter if you're bringing a point n shoot, using your phone, or using an SLR.

Usually if I'm bringing my SLR, I stick with one lens. Unless I'm going to specifically get camera shots, I won't worry too much about changing lenses.

My rule of thumb for getting good shots at a park is to ride first and then take shots later. That way I get all my priorities in and I still have a bit of time to pull the phone or camera out and get some shots. You can also get shots between rides too. Its better if you add an extra day or come in a few hours before close the night before. Always be flexible and don't stress it out too much.

With KD, you should be able to get everything you want in with some photoshoots added into the mix.

I took these shots with a phone camera. They turned out pretty great.

 

[pakoaster]

I use a Canon HD camcorder (records on SD cards) that also takes still photos. Video quality is great, but still photos aren't as good as an SLR. BUT, it easily fits in my cargo pants pocket, so can keep it on me on most rides and get videos in ques and ride stations with no fuss.