How to Make a Magic Travel Video from Snowy Eastern Europe

Do you want to travel to Europe in the dead of winter and be accused of insanity? Even the most seasoned travelers won't tell you this, but traveling through Eastern Europe in the winter allows you to get up and personal with the beating hearts of the countries and towns you visit. People are free to return to their daily routines with fewer tourists around, queues are nearly non-existent, and housing is quite affordable.

Sure, there will be snow, rain, and wind to contend with, but as the saying goes, bad weather is simply lousy gear! So pick up your winter coats and camera gear, and let’s go!

These tips will help you to make fascinating videos when travelling around Eastern Europe in winter:

- Increase Exposure Compensation

When shooting bright and sunny winter scenes, particularly when trying to capture the pure whiteness of fresh snow, increase your exposure compensation by 0.3 or 0.7. Since the camera doesn't sense color like humans, you must let it know that you are shooting something bright and adjust your exposure accordingly. In the absence of white snow, your landscape would appear drab. 

- Use Manual or Aperture Priority Mode

Manual mode gives you the entire control over your settings, which is especially handy. You may get the most out of your video if you modify everything to your satisfaction.

Aperture priority mode is an alternative. A lot of freedom is still there, but you can focus more on getting the depth of field you want. After you set the aperture value, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and ISO settings. 

- Use the Right Software

There is nothing more important than postproduction, and video editing software plays a huge role here. You can choose from a variety of free mp4 editors that allow you to add the magic to your video to engage your audience even more. You can always add effects while you edit videos on platforms like Videosoftdev or Lumen5.

- Use Your Histogram as a Guide

You won't be able to see the true colors and fine details on your LCD screen, which is small and makes it difficult to see the details. That’s why it is imperative for you to understand how to read histograms. 

With snow, it's especially important to keep an eye out for problems with your camera's screen brightness. A histogram is a useful tool for assessing the range of tones. That way, you won't have to worry about over or underexposing.

- Limit Reflections by Using a Lens Hood and a Polarizing Filter

Your lenses come with a lens hood, which you can use to shield them from the sun. Even though you may not utilize it, this is a crucial part of your gear. For snow shots, of course, you should consider this option. It prevents lens flares from reaching your camera's sensor. In addition, it protects your camera's lens from falling snow and other physical injuries, making it more durable.

Additionally, you can use a polarizing filter in an effort to reduce flares on your videos. Like the lens hood, it protects your lens's front element. However, this isn't the greatest of what it can do. It removes unwanted reflections to help darken bright surfaces.

- Shoot the Snowfall

One of the most beautiful things to capture is snowfall. For the best quality, look into a telephoto lens with a 70mm or greater focal length. Use a 200mm or longer lens and a modest aperture (f/4.5-6.3) for optimal results. Snowflakes near the lens and behind the focal point will appear larger because of the shallow depth of field. A magical effect can be achieved by placing large, blurry snowflakes in front of and behind your subject.

- Change Locations

Eastern Europe has a lot to offer. From beautiful cities and ancient castles to magnifying nature with its frozen lakes and even mountains, you have a variety of locations to shoot. That’s why you should always plan your itinerary and try to visit as many locations as possible to show the beauty of this part of the world.

- Don’t Copy Others

Every country has its own stereotypes that are hardly interesting for the audience. After all, everyone has already seen Russian bears in the snow. That’s why you should try to be original and show your own perspective of nature in Eastern Europe. 

It’ll help if you do your research before you travel. Read about popular spots that attract not only foreigners but locals. Dive into history to come up with an interesting narrative. Check local YouTube channels to find inspiration.

Shall You Travel In the Times of the Pandemic?

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a serious epidemiological threat that bothers the EU countries. According to WHO, vaccination is a working solution; however, it’s not a guarantee of safe traveling. If you are still willing to take the risk, ensure you fulfill the precautionary measures: regularly use sanitizers, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask.

Conclusion

Shooting the beauty of snowy Eastern Europe isn’t an easy task. We hope that the provided tips will help you to curb the power of nature and show its magnificence to your audience. If you are earning a living as a travel blogger, which is one of the best online business ideas, a trip to Eastern Europe will become a good practice for you since you will learn how to shoot in harsh weather conditions.