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Step outside videos™
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Mindful Filming Tips
When filming, it is important that you focus on your physical and mental state while looking at the scene you are filming, not on the technical act of filming. The more present you are with what—not how -- you are filming, the more the viewer will respond in kind.
If you pan, move slowly and steadily. Pay attention to your breathing and your senses. Let your eyes focus softly on what you are filming, keep your breath calm, listen gently to the sounds. In a relaxed state, let all your senses be aware as you let the video capture your moment.
Research tells us that a state of “soft fascination” leads to brain-resting. Rachel Kaplan of the University of Michigan describes soft fascination as what happens when you watch a sunset, or the rain. The most restorative scenes you can video will be the ones that strike the balance between interesting but not too interesting. They should draw your attention but not demand it. Aim at filming a scene that is pleasing to your eye and offers a bit of mystery or novelty which will keep the viewers’ attention engaged.
Guidelines
The videos must be real, unedited views of your natural surroundings. Stepping Outside looks different to every individual. For some Stepping Outside will be in a more urban environment with signs of civilization nearby while for others Stepping Outside will be in a rural or wilderness setting. So long as you are under open sky, you are good. We don’t want to discourage anyone from filming the details of natural beauty around them.
We love our pets, but this site is for nature in its pure and wild form. No pets, only wild animals, insects, etc. No focus on humans. No music. We want to preserve the authenticity of the nature experience for both videographer and viewer. Having said that, the point is for you to Step Outside and get lost in some aspect of the natural world and to share it with us. We realize that we can’t always control for some background noise (a dog bark, vehicles, or people). If that is the true sound of you Stepping Outside and your video remains focused on your natural surroundings, then please never hesitate to film and share.
The length of your video is up to you! We have found that on average 1-2 minute videos sustain attention and provide the neurological impact associated with creating new pathways and influencing cognition. However, shorter videos can provide a quick and pleasant fix while longer ones a deeper and more sustained experience. It is up to you! Videos will be screened for suitability before becoming part of the Step Outside Video™ collection.
Thank you for taking these simples steps to upload your video and contribute to the SOV global map!
Upload your video by clicking HERE and then copy your URL code (ex. https://streamable.com/abc123)