How I Shoot: My Photo & Video Guide
Over the years, I’ve realised that you really don’t need a huge amount of equipment to create great travel content. I like to keep my kit fairly simple, travel light and use equipment that I know I can rely on. A lot of what gives my photos and videos their final look actually happens in post production.
My Camera Kit
Sony A7 III + 25–70mm lens
This is my main camera and the one I use for the majority of my photography. The 25–70mm is basically my universal lens and, honestly, the only lens I shoot with these days. It gives me enough flexibility to capture landscapes, people, food, cities and those smaller details without constantly changing lenses.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P
This is my go to for filming on the move, particularly when I’m travelling and shooting for YouTube. It’s tiny, easy to carry and means I can capture high quality footage without having to pull out my Sony every five minutes.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Never underestimate the camera you already have in your pocket. I use my iPhone constantly, particularly for spontaneous moments, Instagram Stories and quick clips when getting my camera out just isn’t practical. I’m hoping to upgrade to the new one soon!
My Settings
I don’t have one magic camera setting that I use for everything. I change my settings depending on what I’m shooting, the light and the situation in front of me.
For me, getting the shot is more important than obsessing over having absolutely perfect settings every time. I experiment, adapt and work with what feels right in the moment.
A lot of the final look comes together afterwards in post production.
How I Edit
Lightroom
My main tool for editing photos. This is where I adjust things like exposure, colour, contrast, cropping and the overall feel of an image.
CapCut on iPhone
I use CapCut for quick video edits, particularly Reels, Stories and other short form content. It’s quick, easy and surprisingly powerful.
Final Cut
For my longer videos and YouTube documentaries, I edit on desktop using Final Cut. This gives me much more control when I’m working with a lot of footage and building a longer story.
A Few Things I’ve Learned
Good lighting makes an enormous difference, so whenever possible I try to shoot in beautiful natural light. Always clean your lens before you start shooting because it sounds ridiculously simple, but it can completely change the quality of your footage.
Keep your batteries charged, shoot more footage than you think you’ll need and don’t be afraid to move around and try different angles. I also always look for the little details. Sometimes the smallest moments end up being my favourite shots.
Most importantly, don’t get so caught up in creating the perfect image that you forget to actually experience the place you’re photographing.
Travel light. Shoot often. Stay curious.
Oriana
Inspired by travel, made for you.