Dear Future World Race Vloggers
Before the world race, I never vlogged. I wanted to vlog to share my experiences on the race with my family, friends, and supporter to see all the ministries, great people, and cultures. Also, I wanted to have something I can go back to view after my race experience. I watched a few World Race alumni vloggers to get a glimpse of their race experiences.
Camera
I had little to no experiences with cameras. After a lot of research, the best fit camera for me was the Cannon G7x. This camera is AMAZING! The picture and video quality is great. Not only is it compact but also it has a front screen which allow you to see yourself when vlogging. Because this was my first camera, I got it refurbish from the Cannon website but it was still expensive. I got refurbish just in case I had any bad accidents while on the race I wouldn’t be too attached. Unfortunately, I had two accidents (month 2 and month 8) with my camera and it sucked. But it is still functioning and that’s the important thing! I would suggest doing research and know what you want to do on the race. There are racers that brought bigger cameras like DSLAs and not use it. If you bring it, use it.
Equipment
Personally, I travel light. Space and weight are limited and you have carry all your stuff. I only brought my camera on the race. In month 1 my teammate dropped her mini tripod stick. That was so helpful when recording. I would also recommend getting a neck strap for your camera. I didn’t realize that I like to catch things in the moment. It is hard to always reach in my pack and set up my camera. I wish I would have brought at camera neck strap.
Software
I downloaded Windows Movie Maker for FREE. It is very simple to learn and it has all the important things you need. I used it before going on the race. I am not a Mac user so I didn’t have access to iMovie or FinalCutPro. Some of my squamates use it and they are great programs as well.
Things to consider
There will be times when you spent an entire day at a coffee shop just to upload your 3-minute video to Youtube because WIFI is slow.
You can compress your videos to help downloaded your video quicker. You can find FREE compress software online.
There will be times when you don’t feel like recording in the moment but in those moments just do it, you will appreciate it for your video.
Your ministry host might ask you to create a video for their organization. That is a cool way to use to serve and help share about the country.
There will be times you will not be in your videos. Two choices: Be okay with it or you awkwardly ask one of your teammates to record you.
Give credit where credit is due. Most of my videos are No Copyright Vlog music. I give credit to the vlog music in my YouTube description box.
Bring a dry sack or anything waterproof to protect your equipment.
Some of my favorite vlog videos:
(1) A day or week in a Life of a world race – You can vlog your entire day or week.
(2) Travel days-Travel days will look different from traveling by plane or bus, border crossing, 24-hour layovers.
(3) Ministry overviews -You can ask your teammates questions about their view and experience on ministry. You can include your ministry hosts in these videos as well.
These videos can give your family, friends, and supports a glimpse of what life on the race looks like.It is not always rainbows and sunshine but real life.
Overall this is your race experience. You will get out what you put in and this is beyond vlogging. You will see and experience some of God world wonders, hear amazing heart-felt stories, learn and grow spiritually. SHARE IT!! Now in my month 10. I am happy that I have capture a lot of my race experience on videos, pictures, and in writing. If you are like me -I have asked God to let me remember these moments in my heart but sometimes I can just forget. Now I have a friendly reminder to show that I was not dreaming and I was in these country in with great people. Some of footages might never make it on Youtube or blogs but you can always go back for laughter and great memories you have created on the mission field. You are in for a time of your life with God. Don’t lose your focus and always remember why you decided to go on the World Race.
