Walking Through Creativity: The Story Behind My Walk-Around Videos
A year ago, while visiting my son and his wife, I noticed their big screen TV playing what they called “ambient videos.” In one scene, the camera wandered through rain-soaked Kyoto streets at night, the sound of footsteps mingling with distant murmurs and the patter of water on stone. When that video ended, the scene transitioned to a walk-around through a gorgeous alpine village in Switzerland. There, cobblestone streets and lush greenery transported me to what felt like a living model train set.
The simplicity captivated me: no commentary, no music—just a camera lens capturing the world in its unadorned beauty. Watching these scenes was a form of creative mindfulness. My eyes explored every detail—the play of light, the texture of the pavement, the gentle movement of life around the camera. The idea of creating something similar lingered in my mind, but following through on it created a bunch of complexities. I avoided taking action, and now I see this is exactly what author Steven Pressfield describes as resistance.
From Resistance to Action
Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, calls resistance the force that tries to stop us from doing creative, meaningful work. It often hides behind perfectionism, whispering, “You’re not ready. You’ll mess it up. It’s not worth the effort.” For months, I let that voice win.
I even tried to start, buying a DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a sleek little camera with a built-in gimbal. But the controls felt awkward, the screen was too small, and I didn’t want to spend hours learning a tool that wasn’t part of my everyday life. The camera sat gathering dust while I overthought every detail, paralyzed by the idea that I had to have everything figured out before starting.
Eventually, I realized the only way forward was to act opposite to my emotions. Just as all of my camera work—professional and personal—is shifting toward smartphone photography, this was no different. I set the frustrating DJI Osmo aside, grabbed my iPhone 16 Pro Max, mounted it on a DJI gimbal, and simply started walking. And that’s when everything began to change.
The Tools and Techniques Behind the Videos
These walk-around videos have been a steep learning curve, filled with both challenges and triumphs. Here’s a closer look at the tools, techniques, and lessons that have shaped the process so far.
Gear and Settings
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has become my go-to tool, paired with a DJI gimbal for stability. The simplicity of the setup has been a game-changer—I haven’t even needed the gimbal’s advanced app features yet. When shooting video, the iPhone allows you to choose different frame rates, such as 24fps, 60fps, or 120fps, by tapping the settings in the top-right corner of the screen.
Shooting at 24fps gives the videos a natural, cinematic flow, but I’ve learned through trial and error that it’s not always the best choice. For example, my Aspen video was shot in 24fps, and the serene snow-covered landscape looked stunning. But when I filmed a snowstorm in Glenwood Springs at the same frame rate, the falling snow appeared choppy, more like a flicker than the soft, fluid motion of real life. In hindsight, 60fps would have been the better choice for capturing the snow’s natural movement.
Mistakes like this used to fill me with self-criticism, tempting me to reshoot or obsess over what I should have done differently. But I’ve learned to embrace imperfection, viewing each project as a stepping stone to the next. The process of creating is where the magic happens, not in obsessing over the end result.
Editing: Finding the Balance Between Spontaneity and Editing Out Distractions
Editing these videos has taught me the importance of balance. It’s tempting to clip out every little stumble or distraction, but over-editing strips away authenticity. These imperfections—the crunch of my boots breaking through ice, or the moment Frankie barrels into a snowdrift—are what make the videos feel real.
At the same time, I’ve learned to cut moments that detract from the viewer’s experience, like accidental mic pops or overly shaky footage. It’s not about striving for perfection but about creating something that feels genuine and engaging.
The Walk-Around Videos: A Virtual Journey
Each of my three videos has its own unique flavor, taking viewers on a journey through the landscapes I call home.
Video 1: Aspen—From Sanctuary in Nature to the Hilarity of Local Fashion
The Aspen walk begins at the John Denver Sanctuary, where snow muffles the world into a serene, postcard-perfect stillness. The sanctuary leads to the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River, its icy surface sparkling in the winter sun. From there, I wander through Rio Grande Park before heading into the heart of Aspen.
The historic Hotel Jerome offers a glimpse of old-world luxury, while the promenade of upscale shops feels like stepping into another world. The walk ends at the base of Aspen Mountain’s gondola, where vibrant ski outfits—tights, feathers, and flamboyant accessories—add a splash of humor. The scene reminded me of the Lamborghini sequence in Dumb and Dumber, where everything feels absurdly over-the-top yet undeniably entertaining.
Video 2: Glenwood Springs—Nature’s Beauty and Classic Western History
In Glenwood Springs, I started at Veltus Park, where ice formations along the Roaring Fork River created a breathtaking winter landscape. The walk crossed the Eighth Street Bridge, continued downstream to the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, and passed through downtown Glenwood.
Notable stops included Bethel Plaza, the Amtrak station, and the historic Hotel Colorado. The hotel’s Christmas lights and Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia added a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the snowy scene. The tour concluded with views of the world’s largest hot springs pool, its steam rising into the frosty air like something out of a dream.
Video 1: Frankie’s Snowy Walk—Personal and Playful
This video feels the most personal, starting in my RV park next to Three Mile Creek. Frankie, my doodle, brings a sense of humor and playfulness as we walk through the neighborhood and down to the Roaring Fork River. He dives into snowdrifts, rolls around, and leaps out to surprise me, his face dusted with snow.
The video captures not just the natural beauty of the snowy creek and red rock canyon but also the simple joy of sharing these moments with a four-legged friend.
Mindfulness Walking Through the Lens
What makes these videos special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the way they invite mindfulness. The process of creating them requires intense focus. As I walk, I’m fully present, navigating the terrain, adjusting the gimbal, and framing each shot. It’s a practice of being here, now.
Watching the finished videos has its own meditative quality. They draw viewers into the moment, free from distractions like commentary or background music. The lack of judgment or narrative lets the mind wander and explore, finding beauty in the small details—a glint of sunlight, the rhythm of footsteps, the crunch of snow underfoot.
Facing Resistance and Moving Forward
Without being melodramatic, this truly can be a life-or-death thing. When we cut ourselves off from creating, we slowly die inside. Everything around us is designed to convince us to consume rather than create. It takes incredible passion and discipline to turn the tables on that and step into the role of a creator. Creativity breathes life into our souls, renewing us in ways nothing else can.
An Invitation to Create
If you’ve been sitting on a creative idea, wondering if you’re ready or good enough, let me encourage you: start. Grab your phone, take a walk, and see what unfolds. Whether you’re creating for yourself or sharing with others, the act of making something can be deeply fulfilling.
As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God has plans to give us hope and a future. And as Ephesians 2:10 says, we are His handiwork, created in His image to do good works. Creativity isn’t just about art—it’s a reflection of our Creator and a key to mental, spiritual, physical, and relational health.
I invite you to watch my walk-around videos on YouTube, let them inspire you, and maybe even try creating your own. Let’s walk through this creative journey together.
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.
