Point of view (POV) walking videos are becoming more and more popular as a way for people to explore both famous and unknown places. These videos help connect viewers with new locations and nature experiences from the comfort of their own homes through a first-person perspective of walking or hiking. Done well, POV videos give viewers the sensation of being there themselves.
This guide will give you all the information you need to make great POV walking videos, including how to plan, shoot and edit your videos, as well as tips and techniques to stand out from the crowd.
In this guide
1. Essential gear and equipment for capturing stunning POV walking videos
In creating impressive POV videos, having the right gear and will make a tremendous difference. But, it doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you probably already have the gear you need to get started.
The camera you choose will play a significant role in the quality of your footage. Aside from picture and sound quality, stabilisation is arguably the most important trick to making good POV walking videos.
Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless camera can produce fantastic POV walking videos thanks to their large sensors. Having this kind of camera will really set your videos apart, especially if you film in low-light conditions or at night. These cameras offer amazing image quality and lots of settings to capture stunning video quality. You can also attach an external microphone to get top-notch audio.
The drawback is that mirrorless DSLR cameras are big and heavy, so they are not very practical for long walks. Plus, you will need additional equipment, including a large and potentially very expensive gimbal to get good stabilisation. So while this kind of gear will give you the best possible quality, it’s worth looking at other options if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars up front.
If you go with a mirrorless camera, also get a good wide-angle lens. A focal length between 10-24mm is ideal for capturing expansive scenery and landscapes and will give your viewers a more immersive experience.
Action cameras
Action cameras, such as GoPro Hero 11 or DJI Osmo Action 3, are great alternatives for making POV walking videos because of their compact size, wide-angle lenses, and ruggedness. These cameras withstand the elements well and are perfect for capturing ultra-wide-angle shots.
While small, action cameras pack a massively big punch in terms of image stabilisation. You can forget about gimbals… Recent action cameras will capture super-stable footage even if you’re running at full speed with your camera.
Another great thing about using an action camera for POV walks is that you can mount the camera to yourself and free up your hands… All you’ll need is a mount that allows you to secure your camera to your body or backpack. Popular options include:
- Head mount: Placing the camera on your forehead or temple with a head mount provides an elevated viewpoint and records a fairly accurate reflection of your visual field. But be prepared for eye rolls and “bl**dy influencer” comments as you walk around with your camera stuck to your head.
- Chest mount: This harness-like device will hold the camera secure to your chest. While arguably the most secure option, chest mounts don’t exactly make you look good.
- Clips: Far less noticeable, a good action camera clip allows you to attach your camera to the shoulder strap of your backpack. This is a versatile option as it lets you adjust your camera position to suit the situation. And as a bonus, you will be far more inconspicuous while walking around and filming.
We've tested the GoPro Hero 11 Black to see how this small yet powerful action camera holds up for creating point-of-view (POV) walking videos.
This review is all about seeing if this camera lives up to its promise, and how well it works for filming walking videos. We'll dig deep into its key features, video quality, and even recommend some accessories and settings to make sure your videos come out top-notch.
Smartphones – great for beginners
A smartphone is a great beginner option for filming POV walking videos. Provided you already have one, you can essentially get started for free! And they can produce amazing video quality, especially if lighting conditions are decent.
Personally, I’ve made multiple videos with my trusty iPhone 11 (not even the pro model). I had some minor issues with HDR glitches (apparently a common problem with iPhone 11), but aside from this, I couldn’t really fault the footage it produced.
While newer phones, including the iPhone 14 Pro, have incredible stabilisation, they cost a lot of money. If you have an older smartphone, I’d recommend picking up an inexpensive smartphone gimbal rather than upgrading to the latest and greatest.
2. The importance of planning your POV walking and hiking videos
The first step in planning your POV video is scouting a location or area that will captivate your audience. Look for visually interesting places with a variety of terrains, unique features, or impressive landmarks.
Research popular trails or scenic routes in your region, or venture off the beaten path to explore lesser-known locations for a more exclusive experience. Remember, your location will set the tone for your entire video, so choose wisely.
Plan your route
Once you’ve settled on a location, you’ll need to plan your route. If you’re hiking, consider the length and difficulty of the trail, bearing in mind your physical capabilities and the time required to complete it. And if you’re doing a city walk, consider things like timing to avoid massive crowds of people, which will make it hard for your audience to actually experience the scenery.
Either way, plan your route to include points of interest and scenic viewpoints that will keep your viewers engaged and eager for more. If practicable, consider walking your route twice. That way, can scout out the points of interest and really plan your route before filming.
Mind the weather
The weather can make or break your video, so it’s crucial to monitor the forecast leading up to your shoot. Overcast days offer more consistent lighting, while sunny days provide dynamic shadows and contrast that can enhance your footage. Be prepared to adapt your shooting schedule if the weather takes an unexpected turn, and always have a backup plan in case of rain or other unfavourable conditions.
Timing is everything
The time of day can significantly impact the lighting and overall mood of your video. Consider shooting during the golden hour, the period just after sunrise or before sunset, when the sun casts a warm, inviting glow on the landscape. This time of day can truly elevate your footage and set it apart from the rest. Unless you’re on a fairly high latitude (think more than 45 degrees north or south), try to avoid filming in the middle of the day if the sun is out, as the light will be very harsh and unflattering.
3. POV shooting techniques
Making exceptional POV walking videos is not just about having the right gear and equipment. Good shooting technique is essential to create a captivating and immersive experience for your viewers.
Framing and composition
The way you frame your shots can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your video. If you plan to mount your camera on your body or backpack, aim to recreate the view you get by using your own eyes. Place the camera along the centre line of your body if possible and keep the horizon approximately in the middle of the shot.
If you’re going handheld, you have more freedom to frame and compose your footage depending on the scene. In that case, the most basic concept to keep in mind is the rule of thirds. This fundamental composition technique involves dividing the video frame into an imaginary 3×3 grid and then positioning key elements of your scene along these lines of thirds – or, even better, at their intersections. This creates balance and visual interest in your shots.
Also, consider using leading lines and natural frames to draw your viewer’s eye into the scene and guide their gaze through the frame.
Composing visually interesting and appealing photos (and video shots!) takes a lot of practice. But keep going and soon it will be second nature.
For a bit of help getting started, check out this article for 7 great tricks to take better photos (many of these tips apply to video too) with any camera.
Camera movements add interest and variety
Incorporating various camera movements can make your videos more dynamic and engaging.
- Panning: Slowly move your camera horizontally from one side to the other, revealing a new scene or landscape. This movement can create a sense of depth and scale in your footage.
- Tilting: Gently tilt your camera up or down to showcase the terrain or reveal a point of interest, such as a mountain peak or a river below.
- Tracking: Move alongside your subject, maintaining a consistent distance and angle. This technique can help to create a connection between your viewer and the subject, whether it’s a fellow hiker or an animal crossing your path.
Key to any camera movement in POV walking videos is to move slow. Tilt or pan too fast and your audience will start feeling disoriented and uncomfortable. Take. It. Slow.
Pacing keeps your viewers engaged
Maintaining a captivating pace in your video is key to keeping your viewer engaged. You can accomplish this by changing up your walking speed and stopping in one place to take in the sights if you find yourself in a place with a lot of eye-catching visuals.
Also, remember to look at small and interesting details. If you spot an interesting object or detail, walk up to it and film it so that your audience can also get an up-close look.
4. Editing tips for POV walking videos
While POV videos rarely require much editing, spending a bit of time on polishing and finessing will help your final product come to life.
Editing
POV videos are normally more or less uncut. But I highly recommend running your footage through an editing software to cut out less interesting parts of your walk, tinker with colours and light, and tweaking your audio to make sure it sounds good.
For bonus points, grab some highlight shots and edit them into a quick intro, showing your viewers all the amazing places they’ll see in your video.
Text and graphics
While editing, include text and graphics in your video when required to provide context and important information. But do it sparingly. I normally try to show the name of a location or trail, and occasionally other information such as distance traveled, weather, time of day and factoids about a particular location or feature. Ensure the font and style of your text align with the overall aesthetic of your video. Graphics, such as maps or icons, can also enhance your video and provide additional information about your journey.
Wrap-up
POV walking and hiking videos are increasingly popular for sharing an experience or location with audiences around the world. I hope this guide has helped you with some useful tips and tricks to get you started making POV videos. Now, grab your gear and hit the great outdoors. And let us know in the comments if you’ve made an awesome POV video that you’d like to share.
We've tested the GoPro Hero 11 Black to see how this small yet powerful action camera holds up for creating point-of-view (POV) walking videos.
This review is all about seeing if this camera lives up to its promise, and how well it works for filming walking videos. We'll dig deep into its key features, video quality, and even recommend some accessories and settings to make sure your videos come out top-notch.
