Buds, Videos & the Gimbal

White Lilac Tree Budding 2024

The trees and shrubs are often neglected for photographs when they are budding. This year I set out deliberately with my old Samsung phone to take pictures of the bits of green showing.  

I was disappointed in the many pictures I took. The photo above is heavily edited. I use the Samsung cell phone camera because it is so easy to upload the images to my computer; and, it takes much better pictures than my iphone 13, way better. Unfortunately, the cell phone LCD screen doesn't display well enough for me to take quick pictures that will turn out well. 

At present, I'm still heavy into daily watching YouTube wild camping videos. There are about a half dozen campers that I regularly watch with 3 of them being the most watched. It takes talent to put together a good video. The 3 that I watch a lot are excellent video creators.

Are there homemade videos that you regularly watch?

What do you look for in a video the most (that makes for good viewing)?

Crocus 2024

Smoothness. The the camera's stability as it moves is tops for me. Most of the campers hike as they record. Without using a gimbal, a device you put the camera on to balance the movement, (think gyroscope,) the video jumps too much to make for comfortable viewing when the video maker is walking on rough terrain. Long arm selfie sticks or GoPro like extension arms to mount camera are what some hiking video makers use.

Music. If the music is too loud, overly dramatic, or just does not fit the atmosphere of what the films is about, the entire video can become not so great to watch. 

Talking. If there is too much talking going on, then it interferes with my enjoyment of the scenery. 

Sadly, there's a wonderful YouTube channel of travelers who hike, that just about describes every detail of what is being filmed. As in writing, don't hog the audience experience. Show, don't tell thing.

Cell Phone Finger

Cell Phone Finger

Really? Is there such a thing?

Yes. You probably do have one if you hold your cell phone in your hand a lot.

I notice on my left pointing finger, on the outer side, a roughish dry area. I am right handed. 

I didn't realize until today the patch is callous from holding my cell phone! The device rests from the middle finger joint up to the side of the fingernail. 

Searching the Internet, I read there can be a callous area on the pinky finger as well. Think sliding pinky under for stability. 

There are finger guards online for sale. Gamers use them. Sewers use them. Office workers use them.

I think I will make and bead a few to wear as jewelry.