UWOL 63 - Hiking in Hardanger, Norway by Trond Saetre

[Trond Saetre]

Early in the plannijg of my entry, I desided that I wanted to use my phone for almost all the filming. My camera gear and drone was only used for about 7-10% of the shots. Even the VO was re orded with the phone. No color correction or other image enhancements at all. It is all raw, just as it was shot.

The purpose was to show (especially any potential new participants of the challenge), that it is perfectly fine to participate without investing in expensive fancy camera equipment.

The filming was done during 3 different hiking trips, and the goal with my entry was to show the wild nature in my part of the world.

Hope you enjoy, and feel free to comment or tear it apart as you wish.

UWOL63 "Hiking in Hardanger, Norway" by Trond Saetre on Vimeo

[Phil Murray]

That was absolutely breathtaking! I don't know what phone you use, but your intention of showing what can be done with simple cell phone worked as this was beautiful.

I loved all the waterfalls -- especially the really big one. We have a few tall ones near here, but none that come close to that.

The steps up the mountainside at 0:48 made me want to climb there! It reminded me a lot of some of the paths in the mountains here. The views from up high were so stunning.

The only thing that was uncomfortably noticeable to me was the understandable shakiness of the video. I just bought a DJI OM 5 two days ago to try to do more phone video. I got it to do vertical video for YouTube shorts, but after watching your film, I'm now inspired to use it for "normal" longer format work. I hope I can come close to your beautiful film.

[Trond Saetre]

Thank you, Phil!
I totally agree with the shaky footage, and I expected this to be commented.
To achieve steady shots was the real challenge of filming with my phone. I intentionally left it raw, without doing any stabilizing in post for two reasons. 1. To show that even shaky footage can be used, even though it is far from optimal. And 2, to try to share the feeling of walking on a rough trail.

[Roger Van Duyn]

Trond,

Great video! You certainly achieved your purpose of showing what can be achieved with your phone. I felt almost like I was there, even felt a twinge of vertigo when you pointed down from the heights!

You must have really practiced with your phone to get such good results. The few times I've gone out hiking with just my phone I haven't even kept any of the footage. Maybe I can blame it on the phone's camera, but probably I need to practice with it.

[Trond Saetre]

Thank you for the comments, Roger!
It is all about taking advantage of whatever can help you while filming. Support the camera/phone on a rock, or anything else available. Steady your elbows against your chest, never holding the phone on "straight arms" as I see many do. Basically doing the same things as you would with a real camera.

[Geir Inge]

Hi Trond.
You have made a nice video.
Where in Hardanger is this?
Is it the "Folgefonna" glacier we can see in the distance?
Right choice of music and your VO is nice.
Thanks for sharing your mountain hikes.

[Trond Saetre]

Geir Inge, thank you for the comments.
Locations:
Rosendal (mountains Melderskin 1426 meters and Malmangernuten 899 meters)
Sunndal - lake Bondhus.

Yes, it is the Folgefonnen glacier you see.

[Bob Safay]

Trond, what a great video and what a great idea about videoing and doing VO on a smart phone. Someone once said that the best camera in the world is the one in your hand when you see that moment. You did an outstanding job showing that people really don't need expensive equipment to enjoy photography and filming. Thanks for the wakeup call. Bob

[Trond Saetre]

Bob, thank you for the comments.
Always fun to try out new ideas and techniques.