How I Shot the Aspen Walkaround Video on My iPhone
Mindful smartphone photography has been a core part of my creative process, helping me stay present, manage anxiety, and find beauty in the everyday. But lately, I’ve been exploring something new—call it mindful smartphone videography. Capturing movement, atmosphere, and spontaneous moments in real-time brings a different kind of focus and presence, blending the best of street photography with a more immersive experience.
In my recent Aspen walkaround video, I took this concept even further, commenting on my journey through town on a snowy evening. Shooting the original video wasn’t just about recording what I saw—it was about being fully present in the environment, letting moments unfold naturally, and using my smartphone to create cinematic, mindful storytelling.
Here’s a breakdown of how I shot the Aspen walkaround video on my iPhone, the techniques I used, and how this approach ties into mindfulness and emotional well-being.
Establishing the Scene: Setting the Tone
Every good video needs an entry point, a way to ground the viewer in the moment. I started my Aspen walkaround with an establishing shot at Wagner Park—the rugby field, snow-covered slopes, dogs running, people moving in the distance. This simple opener signals where we are and what’s happening before we dive deeper.
From there, I spotted my first interesting moment—a man helping his wife zip up her jacket. I held my camera steady and slightly pointed towards them, focused my eyes forward, kept my movement smooth, and let the scene unfold naturally. Mindful videography isn’t about chasing moments—it’s about being patient enough to let them come to you.
Technique takeaway: Use an establishing shot to set the mood. Let natural moments happen instead of forcing them.
Capturing People Without Disrupting the Flow
One of the biggest challenges in walkaround videography is capturing real human interactions without being intrusive. The key? Positioning.
For example, at one point in the video, I noticed a family walking toward me. Instead of suddenly pivoting my camera to follow them, I waited, held my position, and let them naturally cross my frame before wrapping around behind them. This allows me to capture more of the subject while still being stealthy.
Later, as I passed Belly Up, Aspen’s well-known music club, I paused just long enough to capture the marquee sign—a small but effective way to anchor the video in time and place.
Technique takeaway: Be patient. Let people enter and exit your frame naturally. Use landmarks as transitions to guide the viewer.
Gear & Shooting Techniques: Keeping It Simple
This entire video was shot on my iPhone 16 Pro Max, using a DJI gimbal in follow mode to keep the movement smooth and the horizon level. The gimbal helped me capture fluid camera movements without the distracting shake you often get from handheld shooting.
That said, you don’t need a gimbal to create beautiful walkaround videos. iPhones have incredible built-in stabilization, especially if you switch to action mode. The trick is moving intentionally—walk smoothly, avoid sudden turns, and think of your camera as an extension of your vision.
I also shot this video in Apple ProRes, which produced stunning low-light quality but came at a cost—150+ gigabytes for just 30 minutes of footage. If you’re tight on storage, shooting in 4K without ProRes is still a fantastic option.
Technique takeaway: Use a gimbal for ultra-smooth shots, but don’t let gear be a barrier—your smartphone’s built-in stabilization is powerful.
Finding Moments in the Snow: Letting the Scene Breathe
One of my favorite shots in the video happened purely by being present and waiting. I followed a couple walking down the street, the warm glow of storefront lights reflecting off the snow, framing them perfectly in the center.
At another moment, I noticed a man working on a store window. Instead of rushing in, I slowed down, framed the shot from a distance, and let the scene play out. When I reviewed the footage later, I noticed little details I hadn’t even seen in real-time—the man’s breath in the cold air, the way the snow gathered on his shoulders.
Technique takeaway: Slowing down allows you to capture not just a scene, but a feeling.
Wraparound Shots: A Cinematic Approach to Movement
One of my favorite techniques in this video was the wraparound shot—a way to stay in motion while naturally framing subjects.
A perfect example? The kiss. I spotted a couple ahead of me and had a gut feeling that something meaningful was about to happen. Instead of stopping, I positioned curving behind them, kept the camera steady, and let the moment play out naturally. Sure enough, they shared a quiet, subtle kiss—one of those beautiful, unscripted moments that make mindful videography so rewarding.
I used the same technique when filming Aspen’s high-end shops, often starting with a window reflection, then wrapping around to reveal the street scene. This adds a sense of movement and discovery without feeling rushed.
Technique takeaway: Anticipate moments before they happen. Position yourself where the action will unfold.
Entering Spaces with Confidence
Near the end of the walk, I decided to enter the Hotel Jerome, a historic Aspen landmark. The key when filming in public spaces? Walk in with confidence. When you act like you belong somewhere, people don’t question it.
Inside, I switched to the iPhone’s 13mm (“.5”) ultra-wide lens to capture the full scope of the scene—the rich textures, warm lighting, and timeless ambiance. Instead of rushing through, I let my shots breathe, moving slowly and deliberately.
Technique takeaway: Use an ultra-wide lens for interior shots. Move with purpose.
Ending on the Right Moment
As I wrapped up the video, I came across a valet ushering guests into the hotel, calling out as people hurried in from the snow. It felt like the perfect final scene—a moment of movement, transition, and warmth in the cold.
That’s something I love about mindful videography—you don’t always know your ending when you start. You have to stay open, pay attention, and let the story find you.
Final Thoughts: Why Mindful Videography Matters
This walkaround video wasn’t just about filming Aspen—it was about being fully present in the moment. It’s easy to get lost in thoughts, worries, or distractions, but when I’m out shooting, I’m engaged, focused, and alive in the process.
That’s why I believe mindful videography belongs alongside mindful photography as a powerful tool for emotional wellness. It’s not about perfection. It’s about the practice—getting out, observing, creating, and letting yourself be fully immersed in the moment.
If you’ve never tried filming a mindful walkaround, I highly recommend it. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, pay attention, and see where it takes you.
You might be surprised at what you find.
Now, get out there and shine your light.
If you found this post helpful, you'll love my book, The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiring stories. Ready to dive deeper? I also offer one-on-one mindful photography training to help you master skills that lead to inner peace. Reach out to me via my contact form and let’s connect.
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