Cinematic travel content creation with the Z6III

Cinematic travel content

What makes cinematic travel content so captivating is its polished, silky-smooth immersion, evocative atmosphere and narrative-driven approach. Felix explains that by using techniques such as fluid motion, dramatic perspectives, rich colour grading, natural lighting and seamless transitions, the duo can transport viewers into the heart of a destination with their content. “We use a combination of thoughtful composition, lighting, music and storytelling. In the past, we did more general travel content, but cinematic content captures not just the place but also the feeling of being there. For example, the scenery is filmed in a more intimate way using POV content to really show the place from the viewer’s perspective.”

Impressing followers with beautiful imagery is one thing but keeping them enthralled is another. Thankfully, the team has its ways. “If you feature a person in the first part of the video, it becomes personal,” says Felix. “People like to watch people, so they stop scrolling. They want to watch the person, because it’s engaging. So I often film the whole of Céline in the environment but will also do some close-ups where we can just see the head and the shoulders. We also use a drone (DJI Mini) to give a better overview and another perspective of the place.”

Make the camera work for you

While French-born Céline takes care of the photography, and German-born Felix the videography, the couple both rely on the Nikon Z6III to produce the quality of imagery their followers expect. “The Nikon Z6III has elevated the quality of our content in ways we didn’t anticipate,” says Felix, who typically prefers to partner the camera with the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8. “One of the standout features is the in-body stabilisation, which has been a game-changer for handheld recording, especially when we’re capturing dynamic images while on the move. We always film in 4K 60fps, which is perfect for smoother videos, and then with a shutter speed of 1/120 sec to achieve natural motion blur that looks more like how the human eye sees the world. The Z6III’s 4K to 6K video recording capabilities have drastically improved the clarity and sharpness of our footage, allowing us to capture intricate details and produce high-resolution content that stands out on platforms like Instagram.”

By making the cameras their own, Felix explains how customising the Z6III can make capturing content even simpler. “We adjusted some settings on the Nikon Z6III based on our own experiences; assigning shortcuts to frequently used settings like ISO adjustments and focus modes, particularly prioritising continuous focus when capturing moving subjects such as wildlife or action pictures,” he says. “I use 4K at 60fps for smoother motion, especially for action or fast-moving scenes, and I enable N-Log for video to capture a wide dynamic range, which is essential for colour grading in post-production to achieve a cinematic look. Also, for image stabilisation, first, ensure you switch it on and, second, use Sport Mode. We always use Sport over Normal, as it’s said to be better when there is a lot of movement. On that subject, while the Z6III’s in-body stabilisation is impressive, a gimbal takes it to the next level, providing incredibly steady and stabilised pictures that are crucial for high-quality cinematic travel videos. Smooth movements help create that immersive, professional look that truly draws viewers in. Especially while travelling, a gimbal allows us to record while walking, moving through crowds, panning, capturing tracking images or dynamic scenes without any unwanted shake, which give the footage a more professional, polished look.”

Auto vs Manual

“The improved fast autofocus of the Z6III has been crucial for capturing dynamic photos, plus the light weight of the camera is perfect for travel,” she explains. “Also I’ve found the Auto mode to be truly advanced, which is why we rely on it so much. The Pre Release Capture is especially helpful, as it captures images up to a second before you fully press the shutter, perfect for those unexpected, fleeting moments. It’s also a great tool for beginners who are practising to become professionals but still don’t want to miss any important images.

As much as Céline is a fan of Auto, she admits there are times when switching to Manual mode is essential, particularly for low-light or nighttime photography, when she craves greater control over exposure and focus. “Manual mode is especially useful for capturing city lights, and the camera’s autofocus remains reliable even in very dark conditions. The Z6III handles low-light situations exceptionally well, and adjusting settings manually helps us make the most of its capabilities.”

Felix adds: “For videography, especially while traveling, we sometimes use Auto mode to quickly capture spontaneous moments. However, when we have the time to set up and aim for a truly cinematic result, we definitely switch to Manual mode. It provides full creative control over settings such as exposure, frame rate and focus, ensuring professional-quality footage. This is something we’re continuously working on improving with every project.”

Thanks to its weight, flexibility and range, the couple’s go-to lens is the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR.

Making money from content

“Monetising is one of the hardest parts of being a content creator. It takes a lot of work, aside from content creation,” reveals Felix, who explains that the first step should be collaborations. “In the beginning, we would receive free products and stays in exchange for the work we’d do.” Offering advice for aspiring content creators, the couple suggest building a portfolio of your best work to share with potential clients and collabs. “We use a Canva page because it’s easy to update and share. You should highlight your strongest photos, videos and completed projects, and make it personal by including an ‘About You’ section that shares your story, niche and passion, as brands want to work with creators who have a unique voice and clear identity.” The pair also suggest listing your equipment and technical skills, such as drone piloting and advanced editing, to help brands realise your full capabilities, while showcasing past collabs with testimonials or results adds credibility, proving your experience in delivering quality work and maintaining professional relationships.

“Reach out to the brands directly by crafting personalised pitches tailored to their identity, values and goals,” urges Céline, who says being proactive is crucial in this competitive industry. “Mention how your content aligns with their audience and explain the value you can provide, whether that’s exposure, high-quality visuals or creative storytelling.” Adding his perspective Felix proposes: “Instead of focusing only on what the brand can offer you, be it free stays, stuff or payment, explain what you can offer them in return. This could be a set number of deliverables (posts, stories or reels), professional photos for their own marketing, or exposure to a specific niche audience that aligns with their target demographic. Also make it clear that you’re flexible when it comes to collaboration formats, as being open to different types of partnerships, such as product exchanges, affiliate marketing deals or reduced rates in exchange for extended exposure, can help you land more opportunities.”