6 quick and dirty tips for producing a nature documentary

By no means do I claim to be the expert at all (or at any) about producing documentaries.  I'm sure many documentarians with vastly more experience than myself would roll their eyes at these suggestions.  However, if you're like me and just trying to get your feet wet... in a creek someplace, while shooting a video; hopefully you'll find these tips to be helpful or at least comical.  My experience with documentaries is small.  I was lucky enough to be able to produce a video about a privately owned climbing area in eastern Kentucky called Muir Valley.  The video is in the post production phase and will be released shortly. You can however watch a behind-the-scenes short about the project.  Most of my production work has been in commercials and corporate videos... most of which take place indoors.  Part of my passion (and most of my income) is in video production.  While I love what I do professionally, I'd love even more to travel to exotic places and shoot video... I know... keep dreaming right? The Muir Valley Project allowed me to marry both of those passions together.    

So if I haven't lost you by now (your cursor is probably hovering over the "x" right now) lets dive into these tips... before my page bounce rate goes through the roof.

1) Plan on throwing all your planning right off the cliff you're shooting on.

Ok, don't literally throw your production book off the mountain.  It could quite literally kill somebody and that wouldn't be nice at all now would it?  A lot of preproduction planning goes into any project.  It's part of what makes videos so expensive to create.  When you're shooting a documentary about an outdoor activity just know that things aren't going to go completely according to plan.  I spent hours prior to ever stepping into the field planning locations, writing scripts and scheduling crew and nearly everything changed by the time we started shooting. The director didn't like the look of a location, scripts didn't match the feeling and crew wasn't available. It's all part of shooting in the outdoors and telling a story that's true to life and always unpredictable.  In a studio or controlled space you know what you're going to get and you are in control.  It goes without saying that you're not so much in control when your studio is in the wild.  Oh yes and I put together production books for the shoot... didn't use them... it did look nice in my back pocket though.  

2) Pack only the most essential camera and lighting gear... then trim it down. 

When we first started planning for the Muir Valley Project I thought you needed a three ton grip package to make the shots look amazing.  I wanted every light available and every Cine' Slider and jib crane we could get. This tainted view came from all my commercial work where you can pull the truck up to the back door and unload. That's not the case outside.  We had to travel down into steep ravines (with 4WD vehicles) and hike gear up thigh burning inclines that had crew cursing my name.  Thankfully the director and DP were smart and said no to all the gear and threatened to quit.  I got my way with a few pieces of gear and the time to get them to the "set" outweighed the value of having that shot.  Go light so you can move efficiently.  Let nature give you amazing shots... not some fancy light or a jib.  Oh and the one essential piece of gear (some will disagree) two-way radios. Yes, you will get lost and separated from your crew, you will have a shot on top of a cliff and need to talk to them, you will not want to have to yell.  They're cheap... buy some or rent some for your project.  

3) Know where your light is coming from and where it will be in an hour.

Shooting the sunrise is an absolute must if you're creating a video about something... anything outdoors.  Get up early, brew some coffee and make some magic.

Studio lights don't move... the sun does. This goes along nicely with the point two.  We only packed in one light for shooting interviews. Reflectors and the clouds became our best friend.  Just having the one light meant we needed a generator, extension cords and of course the light.  That meant at least two members of our crew were tied up carrying those items.  Track your sun when you scout and visit the areas where you plan to shoot at the time of day you plan to shoot there.  Keep close tabs on cloud cover and tree cover.  Lighting will changes all the time and a location will be lit completely different in Summer than it will in Winter.  On shoot day, plan ahead and factor in hiking time and set up.  If you're trying to catch magic hour for that final climbing sequence or use natural light for an interview you can't be getting to your location at 4:00 p.m. when the sun sets at 5:45p.  Your light will change constantly.  You need to be set up and waiting for the sun to be at just the right angle... then work fast.  

4) Sound is a beast in the woods... and that beast in the woods will pick up on your microphone. 

Go with the flow when you're recording sound in a natural setting.  Birds, bugs, wind, people screaming while take big whippers - you'll hear it all when you're silent and listening through a high quality mic.  You'll have to roll with it and make sure the audio on your subject is crystal clear.  Those noises will fade off into the background if you can hear what's being said and the content is powerful.  Once you add in music it'll sound like part of the track.  Well except for the F-bomb from the climber... you'll want to take that out.    

5) Choose your crew wisely

You need people who are willing to put in long hours and jump into various roles.  There aren't production assistants, grips, electricians, wardrobe or assistant camera people in the woods.  You've got people who do it all and people who don't... well they aren't there because you didn't hire those folks.

When you're shooting a documentary, everyone on your team will need to be ready to step in at a moments notice.  We had an amazing crew for the Muir Valley Project and most of them had never worked on a documentary before.  Find people that you trust and that are willing to work hard.  Most of what you'll do during production is managing logistics and moving from one location to the next.  You'd be surprised how much time it takes to get 10 people and equipment from point A to point B in a valley.  Plan accordingly and don't try and do it all yourself.  If you can, have more than enough help on hand to keep things flowing smoothly; but if that's not feasible communicate with your crew what you'll need.  Everyone on the MV Project was so exhausted at the end of our production weekends that often times they didn't want to even climb.  Now that's a whole different level of work!  

6) Aerial b-roll is worth its weight in gold

I know not everyone will have the budget to include a drone in their documentary but if you can, rent one.  Even if the camera quality isn't what you're shooting for, having the amazing angles can make up for the slight granulation.  For low budget projects I recommend the DJI Phantom Quadcopter.  They're exploding in popularity and really aren't all that cost prohibitive.  You'll be glad you added that tool to your tool box when you get into a spot where getting your camera just isn't happening.  We were lucky enough to have a pilot from Chicago join us for one weekend while shooting for the Muir Valley Project.  He had a Phantom equipped with a GoPro and the footage is some of the most awe-inspiring in the video.  Beg, borrow or steal... ok don't steal... someone's helicopter if you can.  

Beyond these tips, the best piece of advice I can give you is: 'Make your own way'.  If you're just starting out no one is going to come to you and ask you to shoot a documentary about some really cool thing in some really cool place and give you $100,000 to work with.  Not gonna happen.  What you can do is find something that you're passionate about and work with a group (most likely a nonprofit) who needs your services.  It'll be pro-bono but it'll be your project and your passion and you won't even mind all the lugging of equipment.  Have fun!  

Fall Travel Series Part 2: The road less traveled

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There are a lot of cool places to see nature without seeing the crowds.  Ditch the glossy maps and dig around on the internet for those hidden treasures you'll be bragging about to your family during the holidays.

In September I started a three-part series diving into traveling this fall.  Part 1 took a look at what not to pack when planning that big trip... or that weekend getaway.  This month I want to dive into where you should go.  So that's a pretty broad subject.  Where should you go this Fall?  Like you, many MANY people are taking to the road and getting out of town now that leaves are changing and temperatures are dropping.  This is arguably the premiere time of year to head to national parks and popular leaf peeping destinations.  I live in Indiana... we have a little state park called Brown County State Park (which sits... surprise surprise in Brown County).  I wouldn't touch that park with a 10 foot pole duct taped to a 20 foot pole.  It's swarming with people stopping to peep at orange, red and yellow leaves and buying woodcarvings of Elvis and flapjacks (translation: pancakes).  If you don't find being hussled to purchase chainsaw carvings or two pounds of rocky road fudge by Jim Bob and his brothers Joe, John Boy and Sheldon relaxing what is one to do?  Easy, take the road less traveled... literally and figuratively.   

Recently during the government shutdown (don't get me started) I shook my head just a little at stories of people sneaking into national parks to hike.  I know some of it was out of defiance for the man but there were sob stories of people whose vacations were ruined by the shutdown.  There are cases that were a major bummer.  Not being able to raft through the Grand Canyon stinks, or missing out on a once in lifetime trip to climb El Cap is a major downer but if your plans consisted of going to these places to hike and see the leaves... you have other options.    

Nature Preserves: Many states have a whole slew of small, often times not advertised nature preserves.  These areas exist for the purpose of... well... preserving natural habitats.  They also make awesome day trips and come without the hoards.   

 Long Trails: Many of us have heard of the Appalachian Trail but have you heard of the Benton-Mackaye Trail, Knobstone Trail or the Foothills Trail?  There's a long Long Trails list (find it here: Long Trails courtesy of Wikipedia) and many of them have great views and even great isolation.  Lets face it.  People want to enjoy nature from the comfort of their automobile or the hot tub on the deck of their cabin... hike a few miles on one of the trails and you're bound to leave all the light weights behind.  

National Forests: I've talked about visiting these areas before.  I'm a huge proponent of national forests.  Usually they're close to identical to their national park counterpart right next door and have an intricate network of trails and camping facilities without the hoopla of the more popular and overcrowded national parks.  This isn't always a give me as people are catching onto these areas or in some cases a national forest counterpart to the park doesn't exist.  Still most states have a plethora of public land and opportunities to get out and stop and admire the changing seasons.  This is a great map that shows many of the national forests and grasslands.  

I know this post doesn't really get into other activities besides those of the outdoor genre but really the same concept holds true.  Do things that will avoid standing in line and upping the stress level.  Plan less and make sites and stops more spontaneous. Think like a tourist and act like a local.     

Fall Travel Series Part 1: What not to pack.

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The less you pack the less you have to drag through security and lug through an airport.  Less really can be better.

Death, that’s the way you can sum up this time of year.  Leaves are dying, the nights are getting colder, shadows make the woods look spooky and all that is pretty much why this is an awesome time of year to get outdoors and take a trip!  There are a dozen and one blogs out there about what to pack when planning your next adventure but it’s also important to leave a few things at home.

Limit your clothes: Obviously you don’t need to pack eight t-shirts for a five day trip.  I know sometimes picking out the right shirt can be a game-time decision but use some discretion when choosing your threads.  Even better, get clothes that’ll go the distance and can be worn over and over again further cutting down on your need to pack extra clothes.  I have three t-shirts that pretty much could carry me on a weeklong trek. If you've read my reviews, you've heard me preach wool. It'll take up less space in your bag and get you further, dry quicker and won’t start to stink after one or two wears.  Check out brands like Exofficio for awesome travel clothes and Ibex for some hip yet versatile shirts that’ll keep you going without needing to stop and change.  

Shoes: Just like clothes limit your shoe intake to a minimum.  As your activities start to get more diverse… so does your shoe collection on a trip.  This sounds kind of feminine but guys can be just as big a culprit as their female companions.  Go for a pair of hiking shoes, like the Merrell Moab Ventilator which are great for the trail or the town. My one exception to the one pair rule is a comfy pair of sandals.  Go for something like the Sanuk Fraid So which come in real handy if you’re getting a lot of windshield time on a road trip or when you’re staying at a hostel or roadside campground.    

Technology:  Make a choice.  Do you really need a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, ipod, camera and that fancy PSWhatever game console?  Don’t even think about cramming $2,000 worth of tech into your carry on or checked bag.  First, you’re a walking Radio Shack and are just asking to get something lifted from you.  Second, when are you honestly going to use all those devices?   For most their phone is an obvious must.  Of course that doubles as your camera and your music, probably means you don’t need your tablet and really, are you going to bust out your laptop while on vacation? Chances are you won’t need any of your gizmos outside your phone.  I’ve taken many trips where I brought my laptop, phone, multiple cameras and ipod… not using any of them save my phone.  Save your weight and your homeowners or renters insurance policy and leave the expensive toys at home.

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This image was shot on my phone.  Time of day, location and composition make a picture wall worthy... not carrying 10 pounds of pro gear.  

The pro camera: I touched on this one above but trust me… you won’t use your DSLR as much as you think you will.  Take it from a guy who used to hike and travel with his Canon 40D and 20mm, 50mm, and 70-200mm lenses.  I snapped a hand full of photos with that camera before realizing that my Canon point and shoot worked just as well and wasn’t as much of a hassle to take out and put together for one shot.  I don’t consider myself to be a professional photographer but I like great photography.  I can get results without needing to pack the big guns. Try the Canon Powershot G1 X or if you’re a Nikon fan the Cool Pix line is a versatile option for whatever expedition you’re going on.  

I’ve learned about what not to pack the hard way.  Overstuffed bags, unneeded items and wasted space all can weigh you down and be a nuisance on your trip.  Be smart and be simple.  Test yourself this way... if you were told you were leaving for another country in 30 minutes and you had five minutes to pack what would your essentials be? Chances are that's probably all you need.    

What do you think should be on this list?  I know there are a lot of other things that can stay at home like a brick, three cans of baked beans, your socket wrench set...  I want to hear from you!  

Life lessons in backpacking: 4 things I've learned from the trail

I've come a long long way in my "trail smarts" from the first bushwhacking, backpacking trip (if you can call it that) my brother and I took to the Land Between the Lakes in southwestern Kentucky.  Sitting on the banks of Kentucky Lake with our campfire two feet from my brother's Walmart tent, we thought it didn't get much better than that.  We were hikers, no better than that, we were backpackers.  Along the way I've learned just how clueless I was then and I've picked up some valuable life lessons and morsels of advice since.  Here are four things I've learned from the trail.    

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My brother preps to start a hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 2007.  We hiked the Big Creek Loop in the western portion of the park.  Some of the steep trail has since been abandoned due to erosion and mud slides from heavy rainfall. 

1. Take it one step at a time: It might sound cliche' and predictable but it's one of the most important things I've learned from the trail.  In our lives often times we make a habit of looking way up the road, squinting, even straining to see what's around the bend when really what we should be focusing on is that root right in front of us that we're about to trip over.  I've been on several trips where you get so exhausted you can't do anything but think about putting one foot in front of the other.  Twenty one miles, in one day, on the Buffalo River Trail in Northern Arkansas was excruciating but I had to take it just one step at a time, because each step got me closer to camp that night.    

2. Say hello to every hiker you come in contact with: You never know when you might call upon that fellow hiker to save your butt way out in the backcountry.  I can remember doing a 22 mile loop in the western part of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  My brother and I, still green horns in the backpacking scene, each one of us carrying about 50 pounds of gear on that overnight trek... to a shelter.  Almost none of the gear essential and we had the grand idea that we were going to boil our water over an open camp fire... it had rained hard the night before and everything was doused.  If it hadn't been for the kindness of a small group of hikers we had met earlier that day we would have been very thirsty or sick.  Instead they let us filter water with their pump and even offered us some amazing dinner they cooked up that night at camp.  Hiking and backpacking is a community and we're all at different stages of the journey.  I only hope I can return the favor to some newbie one day.

3.  Get up to watch the sunrise: It's a must do for me on every trip.  It doesn't matter if I'm in the densely wooded mountains or the wide open desert I want to be up to greet the sun and enjoy the awe inspiring view.  Too often in our lives we don't stop to take in the little things, the formalities that occur around us everyday.  We're too plugged in, too unaware to realize that we're just a small cog in this big blue spaceship orbiting the sun.  

4. Don't shower while on the trail: There are few better pleasures in life than that first shower after five days and four nights hiking in the hot desert.  Endure the smell, disregard the stickiness and dirt caked in your hair until you hit the hotel room and it's all worth the wait.  In addition, few things taste better than that first big, greasy burger once getting off the trail.  It's the small things... 

What are some things you've learned from your backpacking and hiking experiences?   

Take off... in the off season.

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Bundle up and brave the cold for empty trails and excellent vistas!

Here we are... it’s cold... it’s dark... it’s January.  Most hikers wouldn’t think this is the ideal time to get out and hit the trail.  Temperatures are barely reaching into the 30’s during the day here in Kentucky and they dip down into the low 20’s at night.  So most sane people run for the warmth of indoors.  That’s when you should take to the trail!

Cabin fever has set in and I’m dying to get out and test out the new Christmas gear!  So why not go now?  What I’ve found from my experience is the best time to get out on the trail is the few weeks before or after the shoulder seasons (late March to early May & late September to early November).  Head out a couple weeks before the wild flowers are fully bloomed or maybe before all the leaves have changed and avoid the crowds of day hikers sporting Canon Rebels and stopping at every trail side flower for a shot.  Also, head out RIGHT NOW to be completely on your own.  Want to hike in some of the most popular spots in the country... Grand Canyon sound nice?  Smokey Mountains anyone?  Take advantage of ghost town resorts and empty roadside pull offs as no one cares to dare the snow and chill.