Self-filming has become a staple in the skateboarding world, especially with the rise of social media. Whether you’re documenting your progress, trying out new tricks, or simply enjoying a solo skate, capturing your session effectively requires more than just pointing your phone. This guide will take you through essential tips and tricks to elevate your self-filmed skate content.
Many skaters have felt the frustration of a “one more try” scenario, often leading to minor injuries or near misses. When you’re filming yourself, that pressure is removed. You are your own filmer, your own critic, and your own cheerleader. This article will give you the know-how needed to go from “just another clip” to producing quality footage that is sure to impress.
A skater setting up their phone to self-film, highlighting the growing trend of solo skateboarding content.
Optimize Your Phone for Filming
Before you even step on your board, take the time to prepare your phone. Storage space is crucial. Nothing is worse than nailing a trick and realizing your phone stopped recording mid-attempt due to lack of memory. Free up storage by deleting old photos, videos, and unnecessary apps. Think of it this way: you won’t need that dating app or the sports scores while you’re shredding. Having ample storage ensures that your phone can record consistently for the duration of your session. Checking your recording status after every try is not only tedious but also breaks the flow of your session.
Location, Location, Location
When skating solo, you might not be pushing the boundaries of what’s physically possible on a skateboard, and that’s perfectly okay. Self-filming becomes an opportunity to showcase unique locations and unexpected obstacles. Adam Abada, for example, used self-filming to highlight unusual neighborhood spots, which might not be suitable for a full-fledged session with a filmer. Instead of focusing solely on difficult tricks, consider emphasizing the unusual street features you encounter. Embrace the spirit of exploration, much like Bobby Puleo, and discover the hidden potential in your everyday surroundings.
A skater navigating an urban environment, exemplifying the concept of finding skateable spots in unexpected places.
Get Your Camera Off the Ground
Avoid the temptation to film with your camera at ground level. This perspective often results in flat, uninspired footage dominated by too much foreground (like the ground) or excessive background (like the sky). Placing the camera on the ground can also visually diminish the height of your tricks. Instead, experiment with different angles.
Adam Abada suggests thinking of your clips as photographs, considering the static frame and which angle best shows off the spot or the trick you are trying. In other words, you rarely see photographers on the ground when trying to capture a great shot. Elevating your camera will improve your footy and add a level of professionalism to your self-filmed content.
Double the Angles, Double the Fun
To make your self-filmed clips more dynamic, try filming from multiple angles. Getting the same trick from two or more perspectives adds depth and interest to your videos. This approach also encourages you to become more skilled at the trick by forcing you to land it multiple times. If you are forced to film from a low angle, a second, higher angle can compensate for the lack of visual appeal. Always try to capture the entire environment. Adam Abada recommends aiming for wide shots, even from across the street, to showcase your surroundings.
A skater performing a trick while self-filming, showcasing the value of varied camera angles for dynamic footage.
Go High for a Better View
When searching for a place to position your phone, look upwards. Whether perched in a tree, balanced on a structure, or placed on a pole, shooting from a higher angle lets you capture more of your location. Instead of trying to imitate a follow-cam, approach the task like legendary skate filmer Bill Strobeck. In other words, get your camera far from the action, while avoiding spastic zooms. Opt for a steady, long shot. This technique enhances the visual appeal and provides context to your skating.
Improvise Your Camera Stand
Creativity is crucial when it comes to setting up your phone for filming. Look for unconventional ways to hold your phone. Use fences, cinder blocks, clothing, and even bird feeders. Your imagination is the limit. Utilize the environment to your advantage. Before you start filming, take a test shot to ensure that the frame is correct and that your phone is stable. Small adjustments can go a long way to ensure you get the shot without your phone tipping over.
A skater setting up a phone on an improvised camera stand, demonstrating the resourceful approach to self-filming.
Enjoy the Process
The most important part of self-filming is to have fun. Skating by yourself can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you have other stressors in your life. Whether you are hoping to stay in touch with your friends through social media or if you are just looking to stay focused, filming your solo skate sessions should be a source of enjoyment. Finally, remember that just because you are alone doesn’t mean you can blast your headphones. Keep those earbuds in your pocket.
Self-filming can be a powerful tool for progression, creativity, and documentation. By following these tips, you can create engaging and visually stunning content that captures the essence of your solo skate sessions. So get out there, explore, and most importantly, have fun!
A skater successfully self-filming a trick with a creative phone placement, highlighting the benefits of these tips.
Words by: Zach Harris
Clips by: Adam Abada, Victor Cascarigny, Kevin Horn, and @Wtairmd
