I’ve said this before this woman is brilliant and needs to be given an award for her photography and videos.

prioritizing shooting thumbnails was a great reminder!

Wow!! Coffee with Christian. What a great way to start my day. Christian, I'm an old guy and I will never use what I just learned from you to produce my own videos. Did it cross my mind to just skip this video since that is the case. Hell no. I enjoyed the whole thing. You getting a chance to share how you do your videos was wonderful. Love you very much. Stay safe.

Ahhhh Christian, you're photography is second to none, the reason (I imagine) most of us watch. Don't stress it. Great to see your face light up though when talking about lenses...passions really showed through. Also another reminder why I don't do video lmao.

Ms. Schaffer, you have really come alive in your last series of videos. Thank you for being so passionate to let us peek behind the curtains of your life. Keep up the great work.

Wow. My mind is officially blown. Great video, and mad appreciation for all of the time you invest to share your story with us. Thank you.

Alright! Woke up, made a coffee, turned on the computer and a new video of Christian sharing. I think it must be going to be a good day!

I feel like there are great things in your future Christian. You have a magical combination of talent, imagination, emotion, and raw skills that are so rare. Your work gives me great joy, a sense of wonder and I shift between feelings of immenseness, and of being moved so deeply I shed a tear in the best possible way. Thank you for doing what you do. I hope you're having a blast and making unforgettable memories in-between.

More than agree with the general sentiment here that your photography/videography is outstanding. For a long time, I came around for your visuals and the stories you weave with them. Lately, I feel like you are putting more of “you” into your content and that is just fabulous. This was an honest, authentic behind the scenes look that was actually riveting. Not because of the process, the gear, or the content but because it was authentically you. Loved it. Thank you. Keep up the authentic work! I don’t often comment on creator’s vids. This one compelled comment!

As someone who started making and editing videos about a year ago, and is looking to take it to the next level, this video is exactly what I needed. It’s pointed me in the right direction, and now I know what I need to be looking for on KZfaq to facilitate the learning process. I can’t thank you enough!

Wow! Christian, you’re gear list is like a traveling production studio. Story is indeed king, but having the tools to make that story come alive surely helps. Your honesty about constructing a video is my favorite revelation. The imagery may be scattered captures over days or weeks, but it reveals an aspect, that even you may be overlooking, which is your ability to conceive and build an amazing, thoughtful story on the fly. That’s what sets you apart. Great stuff! ✌🏼

Not sure why this came up in the suggested videos but I watched the whole thing anyway... Interesting perspective, people don't realize the mountain of work this whole thing is, I have a friend doing his vanlife thing, he doesn't have your capturing skills but is an extremely good at public talking and mastering the story telling so he is landing sales rep missions left and right. He also has no time left for his friend or family because he is always busy creating content and that's MORE than a full time job when you are on your own. (I also think there's a reason why the really inspiring Vanlife guru who are super good at creating content are all single. It's a commitment people often overlook, you guys are all running a business!) It's very challenging coming around Vanlife. Creating quality footage and content for free (KZfaq), working all the affiliates stuff and building, establishing and keeping a social media presence alive with all the comments engagement. Not to mention your bread and butter is supposed to come from establishing yourself as an actual photographer/film maker. I have a load of footages and spent as much money as you did on all the gears, my mom was teaching photography at the university and also worked at the largest photography museum in Europe so as a kid, I've spent years sitting out there and running around the hallways of the museum after school. Now if you think post editing sucks today, let me tell you what the film folks had to go through to "post edit" 😂 Here is the ONE thing where I have never found my balance or "enjoyment" is the "sharing experience" that is endlessly growing and expected by content creators on social media. I wish people spent less time on social media dreaming about doing stuff instead of just DOING IT at best, seeking inspiration or tips. I've switched industry from big tech to the outdoor world and when it comes to working with various brands and manufacturers, they couldn't care less because as I have no social media presence and no audience. I sure know how valuable and important it is, I acknowledged it and decided to walked away. As a friend who made a living off photography told me, "portfolio means nothing these days, there's 5 cousins or friends of your potential client who have no business licenses and will take their iPhone for 1/4th of the price you would charge. Unless you have a stack of followers and social media presence, you won't land any paying gigs" So here is where I find my balance, when I am out there doing my outdoor thing, I AM DOING IT and living the moment without having to walk back and forth and rush for the perfect shot and re-take the scene 5 times because one of the gadgets I just spend 300$ on has failed or thinking I need to spend 3 hours on youtube to review all the latest wireless camera control app out there to see if I can optimize my time and not miss the shot (goes back to your recommendation to take an actual course). After trying to put feelings and experiences through the lenses and show it to people, I just found that it wasn't my thing. I love to live the moment as it is without all the gadgets. IF anything, the hoarding of gears and setup for the perfect shot + post editing is really what has killed it all for me. I found myself happier just going out with what's needed and fully enjoy my time out there. Then I look at the scenery and tell myself " that'd be such a great shot and I imagine the composition and settings and all that fun stuff which is about "capturing" the moment, to me that's the most magical moment. Then I remind myself that I am in the middle of a river and soaked to the belly so the time it would take me to get setup and hauling all the gears is just not worth it to myself as I would have to do "just that" instead of living the moment while I am fishing. If I know I am heading out somewhere really nice, I'll ask a friend with passion to capture and edit, that's what he'll enjoy doing. Props to you for all the dedication and hustling it and finding your balance in all of this.

Christian, I've complemented you previously many times for your excellent photography, storytelling, and human/poetic touch to everything you do, but this is truly generous. If I were a 20/30-something van lifer looking to make living on the road this would be THE video to watch and learn from. And by the way, as a now "retired" professional storyteller (30+ years writer/illustrator/speaker) I can tell you that nothing comes together until that last sentence, brushstroke, turn-of-phrase is laid down. My whole career I felt like I was reaching into a hat for a rabbit that I wasn't entirely sure was there ...but somehow always was. Human creativity is the REAL magic in this crazy world, so trust it. Here's to you reaching into the hat for a long time to come. Again, BRAVO.

Thank you for us nerds we needed this. For us film makers we can never get enough of your movies.

Another great video. Nice mix between the creative aspects and then contrasting to the technical gear that enables the creative.

Thank you for sharing your video craft and talent with us. You reminded me video can and will be a messy process, embrace it. I am re energized.

I love your cinematography. If you ever post a video of just quiet music and nature scenes, I’d watch it on repeat.

You're taking us on a journey. We have no idea where we're going, but maybe that's a cool part of it. :)

*jaw dropped* that's an amazing amount of work, no wonder your videos are always absolute masterpieces! Really appreciate the transparency and major kudos to you. Wow. You're a BOSS

This is a great video! You covered a ton of information about your tech, but also on your creative process! Good job on the editing and presenting the information in a no nonsense way.

Ive always wondered what it would be like to create videos. I love watching your journey, you are gifted with what views you pick. always beautiful scenery.

I love watching your videos because some people just have the gift of storytelling - whether via the spoken word, pen & paper or visually, they can make even mundane things interesting. Combine that with a lifestyle that I absolutely dream of (despite the challenges/pitfalls), yours immediately became one of my favourite channels. You have a knack of making things immersive - it’s like when I watch Adam Savage build a doohickey in his shop - I generally don’t have an interest in the final product, it’s the journey that inspires, that of watching a master at work. Don’t even doubt yourself :) Oh, and I have the same mouse and iPad as you! And just a heads up, Apple are working on a 16” iPad for release in the near future - that will be AMAzing :)

So great to hear more about your process, equipment and experience. I find it fascinating to see how you create the stunning video and stills you share with us. This video gave me a real appreciation for the synergy required between your creative process, your surroundings, lighting, weather, what equipment to use and of course the edit. I don't usually enjoy vlog content but you are so good a keeping a mix and bringing a perspective to your work that I really look forward to all of your videos. I feel like I've travelled to so many places and seen the inner beaty there...or the beauty that takes time to see thanks to you. I appreciate you having me tag along.

You are looking great christian, nice to see your lovely smile!

1. Film with purpose 2. Prioritize a thumbnail 3. Create a shotlist before filming 4. Film with intention with a rough outline 5. Sprinkle in secret sauce 6. Three shots to use: establishing, environmental & immersive 7. Story is king. Consider: beginning, middle, end. Locations, character and events? Is there a challenge you are trying to overcome? 8. Film at sunrise and sunset to make scenes feel magical. 9. Prioritize good audio.

Awesome video! Now it all makes sense why your content is so professional, you have learned through experience, trial & error. With the top-notch quality in image capture and editing I would have bet (and lost money) that you had years of professional training. Keep doing what you are doing.😊

Thank you Christian for the video, fun to see the preparation process behind all the amazing videos from the past!

Notwithstanding your doubts, you are a powerful person. Your conscious drive to see and be creative, and to share, that is inspiring, to lift up others and ourselves. Your doubts are a good part of that. Thank you.

Christian, thank you so much taking the time to make this video. You have an incredible amount of gear and I stopped adding up their worth when it past $10K. You started speaking greek when you were describing the lens' but clearly understood the accessories, computers, phones and other tech gear -- I am a techy, but am all thumbs with photography and video editing. Peace and safe travels!

This video was so helpful Christian. I summited 74 mountains last year and filmed them which most of those had never been filmed before yet only recently I realized I wasn't creating a feeling with my stories which is why I don't think people watch them. I thought having world class one of a kind footage would make my channel worth watching but it really is all about story and how a video makes you FEEL which you are the best at for sure. Every one of your videos you are able to either transport that viewer to another place or to another time, feelings and memories all rushing back... its magical.

Thank you so much for all this information. I will be watching this over and over again. This has been so encouraging in so many ways. What a lot of work, for just this one video, to put it all together. It is greatly appreciated.

Christian, Thank you for explaining the work that you do to share your experiences on the road! I now have so much more information to research and learn about because of the detailed sharing of what you do. I too love Canon products and have a similar film camera on my shelf that I used to take pictures of my kids when they were small. What a lovey gift you were given. Stay safe...

After a dose of Christian, my week is complete.❤😊

Hearing of all of this work and time you're spending in this videos I'm even more grateful for it. Thank you very very much 🥰🥰🥰

The nature you show us has a bit of melancholy in it, that's why we feel so good among nature, which allows us to calm down and feel part of it, which can be seen on your relaxed and calm face. I think your films give others the same joy as me and the dream that someday they would like to be in your place and feel this freedom freely.

Thank you so much for sharing your behind-the-scenes equipment you use to make the magic you create happen! I'm a big fan of yours and enjoy your outdoors excursions and your talents. Take good care, Christian!

As always Christian you have brought us with you and beautiful scenery! Thank you!

amazing amount of knowledge you just unloaded on us! as always, artistically presented with your incredible signature style. thank you for taking the time to share your vast experience and knowledge. i’m so glad i found your channel while looking for van life inspiration. you’ve given me a whole new perspective on the lifestyle through your artistic presentations. i’m so proud of you! keep rockin’ your dream. ❤❤❤

Thank you for the comprehensive look of the behind the scenes. The quality of your work speaks for itself. I look forward to seeing every new video.

EXCITED! New video, yay, thank you

Fantastic Christian...just a mass amount of information that is amazingly useful and helpful to anyone interested in becoming a "KZfaq Story Teller" or just a story teller through video and audio in general as a hobby. Well done, thank you for sharing. I am always here to support your channel and your stories, one of my favorite channels. You are a gift and a wonderful soul. Thank you.

Just found your channel. As a couple that’s been making KZfaq videos for about five year’s we couldn’t agree more with everything you share in this video. Well done.

I already had respect for the fit and finish on these videos but after this video kept rolling and rolling I have a different level of appreciation.

Wow you make it look easy. Thanks for that behind the scenes look into what goes into your videos. Although I can and do spend many hours outside looking at scenery, I never seem to see what you see. I admire your Christian-vision. And the narrative is masterful. Keep it coming!

thank you so much for this video for people out there who want to create and love your creative eye ❤

Fascinating!

My goodness. How things have changed over the years. You have an enormous investment in gear, which is why your videos are so good. About 100 years ago I got an Canon AE-1 and all the lenses and then graduated to a Canon A-1 (all my lenses still fit the A-1). I had all that gear (lots of lenses) for many years, but once the I-phones developed such good cameras I got rid of all my camera gear. Can't even remember what I did with all that gear. Now, I'm very happy with my 13 mini which fits in most of my shirt pockets. Obviously, I'm just a rank amateur. Keep up with your work. You are a real artist and bring a lot of the natural world to the public!

you are the very first person on KZfaq to acknowledge ergonomics! Since I had to deal with the results of bad ergonomics (never again) I am a real stickler for that. THANK YOU for bringing it up. 💙

@ChristianSchaffer You are so brilliant and thank you for sharing your gifts via these videos to the world.

Every look in your eyes, every smile in your face, every word you say shows the enthusiasm you have for your work and your living style. Great, awesome. You’re unique and addictive!! Thank you so much!! ❤❤

This is such a great video and it amazes me as to how much technical knowledge you’ve accumulated over all these years. You sound like a pro and you’ve really put together sooo much information for your followers! Great job Christian. I’m so proud of all you have accomplished 🙌

Yes!!! I've been waiting for this. Thank you!!!!!!

Thank you so much for this video. I love learning about your creative process. I also love gear video, Lam such a nerd. You’re the best. 🙏🏽💙

Thanks :-) nice to get a full overview Christina, I appreciate all the info. Always enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work!

Omg, Christian! Thanks for the shout out for the 35mm! Didn’t see that coming! You’re so welcome. That just made my day seeing that camera. Great work as always, sister!

Your videos are the most charming, creative and beautiful I’ve seen. Never doubt yourself. You have an amazing gift.

Thank you so much for this video!This has been really helpful information especially when putting together videos and the storytelling process! Thanks again!!

Christian thank you very much for this valuable information.

Amazing. Thanks for sharing all this info.

Yes, editing is an asskicking. And you do a really great job. You are a natural storyteller... and make it look easy. Congrats to you. Much Respect! 👏💪

Thoroughly enjoy a glimpse inside of the day to day of someone whose work I admire. Thanks, as always, for sharing, Christian...

I recently began watching your videos and I must say, your videography skills are exceptional!

You are such a wealth of knowledge! I can only learn from you!

I love your photographs

LOVE LOVE LOVE this video ! Was glued from start to finish !

Amazing Video! Love the detail of how you use tech and technique to create your videos. I will definitely Be subscribing.

youre amazing, so grateful for your contribution to the experience

I’m new to your videos and I’m so impressed by how articulate you are.

What a great content in this piece. Thanks for sharing

Great job making the video, I found it very informative.

Awesome work (again!) thanks

Love your content. Also, Love the design of your van!

O M Goodness! Thank You! Thank You! Thank you, Christian!

Great video so thank you - Ur a stunner!

So informative in one video! Loved this one!!

Excellent honest video, thank you. Will be back for more.

What generosity! Thank you for sharing and for the inspiration and transparency. Wow!

Congrats on 250k SUBS.. Well deserved and that made my day..Cheers from London 🥂🇦🇮

Excellent!! I enjoyed it.

I purchased my r5 back in February. There's a lot to love but the feature I love the most is the 1.6 crop which turns my 100-500 to 160 to 800. My first Canon was an AT-1 back in '74. Since then I've only used Canon camera, lens, printer and scanner.

One of the longest, but time flew by. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything.

You are my #1 favorite artist on all the mediums including tv, cable, KZfaq, etc., etc.....you are my favorite👍 Thank you Christian🎶🌻✨️

Thank you!!! Thank you for sharing what you have learned, how you have created what you do, and the plans or guides needed. Thank you for the tech guides. I learned a lot from this and will rewatch again to keep understanding and remembering. Thank you for creating such beautiful shots of nature and living. It is inspiring and really calming and healing. Very healing!:-)

Excellent share, great narrative and info. Thank you.

Well, my first reason to watch your videos is you. You always produce artistic and quality videos, now we know the technical side of how it's done. I think the more important part is how you view things and your creativity. Another thing I like, is how open and honest you are, even if you think you are making mistakes, actually those things make it more personal and relatable to us mortals. I always look forward to your next videos, stay safe out there.

Wow! You continue to amaze🎉🎉. I just love your videos, and now to see how you put them together...so wonderful.

Thank you so much! Answered a lot of questions I've had about your work.

Simply Amazing! Thank you for sharing your artistry and tips and tools of the trade. You are an inspiration to all.

Very creative. Very inspiring. Keep up the good work

Extremely helpful. Not extremely tech, but enough to stimulate lots of aha's. This was very motivating to get back out there and start shooting again. Creatives often struggle with isolation, but that's all part of the process of our journey. Thank you for this video. Please keep up the great work. Love your work.

You're an amazing videographer. You definitely have an eye for capturing the emotion you feel when looking through your lens. Thank you, I really enjoy your content.

Thanks for another great video Christian !

Every video you put out creates a story we can appreciate from a sofa or favourite chair which we are comfy with and no matter the length of time its taken you Christian , to us its a life's perspective we can sit back and adore, as it shows your proven ability to enhance even the most dull of places into raging beauty.

While I'm not a creative, I very much appreciate your sharing the list of all your gear. I've often wondered about some of the lens sizes you have and now I have a good idea of what I might find useful. I don't often know how or where I'm going to take a picture, but then, out of the blue, the picture just presents itself to me and I can compose a great shot. The technical abilities of recent camera gear really help too, especially image stabilization and low light capabilities. My gear is 9 years old now and I'm toying with an upgrade, but so far I can't justify it to myself. I used to do a lot of presentations for work and often struggled with how to start one, to set the right tone for what was to come. Sometimes inspiration hit me as I walked to the podium, sometimes much earlier, but it always hit me, so I learned not to stress too much over what I was going to say to start off. I think that same philosophy can help with what you do...the special shot will present itself if you just have a little patience and are open to it. Keep up the great work! I love your channel and the mood you set, no matter if it is an episode like this one, or one of your regular nature videos, if you're in a happy, stable place, or not sure which end is up. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you!

Such a contrast from my photographic days in the early 70s , shooting with a 1890 Kodsk View #2. 5x7 camera. Setting up the shot pre dawn ,waiting for the perfect light ,thenaking several exposures ,Then developing the film with my own formulation for that particular film and exposure ,to create the perfect negative... Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, among all the pioneers of photography im sure would salute you , Christian 👍♥️

Thank You for this!

I'm just getting started, and this informative video was very helpful. Thanks

These videos are clearly well thought out and interesting. They are thought provoking and allow the imagination to lift off. I dig em. These stellar landscapes really sell it like a cool Sci fi movie.

I'm living vicariously through adventures and skill set. As a newbie this video is inspiring.

You definitely have multiple gifts storytelling, photography, videography and putting all those together. Thank You!