Introduction
You know that feeling when you look back at a video and it brings you right back to the moment? That’s why I love using my pocket camcorder—it makes me feel like I’m living in the memories all over again! There’s something just so authentic and unfiltered about a camcorder that just doesn’t compare to a phone. It’s perfect for capturing all the hilarious, random, and sometimes downright ridiculous adventures I have with my friends. Since I moved from Utah to South Carolina, I’m obsessed with making sure I don’t miss a second. So, if you’re looking to document your own adventures in a way that feels totally unique, here's my favorite ways to use a camcorder to make those memories last forever.
1. The “Before and After” Challenge
Start your adventure by recording a quick clip where you’re all excited, fresh-faced, and ready to take on the day. Then, grab another clip at the end when you’re exhausted, laughing, or covered in beach sand! I swear, there’s no better way to capture the journey and see how much fun you had along the way.
2. Highlight Inside Jokes in Real-Time
Inside jokes are what make friendships fun and unique. And while not all of them will necessarily be appropriate to show your little sister or your 88-year-old Yamyam, that doesn't mean that they don't deserve to be caught on tape(🥳😇🤞). When someone brings up one of our running jokes, I’ll quickly start recording. These clips turn into mini-memories on their own, and years later, they’ll still bring back all the laughs.
3. Scenic B-Roll for the Vibe
I like to capture short clips of scenery whenever we’re out and about, whether it’s the glowing lights on a night drive, the way the sun hits Bryce Canyon, or even just walking down an old historical street. It’s great for setting the scene when you watch everything back, and it helps your video feel more complete and cinematic!
4. Record the Group’s Reactions (Not Just the Moment)
Instead of recording what’s happening, turn the camera around and capture everyone’s reactions. Trust me, it’s priceless to see the way your friends’ faces light up or laugh together—especially if you’re surprising someone or doing something spontaneous (I'm looking at YOU, pet-owners😂).
5. Commercial-break Dancing
Ever just start dancing out of nowhere? We do all the time, and my camcorder’s always there to catch it! When the vibe’s right, hit record and have a mini dance party wherever you are. These are some of my favorite clips to look back on because they’re filled with so much joy and energy. For your convenience though, here is a list of places in Utah we danced at that didn't take too kindly to our moves (they loved us):
- Scion Cider
- Water Witch
- X Wife's
- Pie Pizzeria
- Pretty Bird
- Quarters Arcade
6. Document the Details
Capture the little details that mean something to you. Maybe it’s the design of the coffee cup from your favorite café, the group’s matching bracelets, or the way your best friend does her hair before a night out. These small moments can end up being some of the most meaningful in your collection.
7. Pretend You’re Making a Home Movie
Sometimes, I pretend we’re filming a home movie, just like the ones my mom used to make when I was a kid. I’ll record little “interviews” with my friends, ask them about their favorite memories, or even have them do silly intros. It’s a fun way to add personality and make the video feel like a full story. For advanced users, add in authentic handheld shakiness.
8. Get the ~Golden Hour~ Clips
Sorry, 'golden hour' is film-talk for sunrise and sunset (I made my boyfriend watch 2001: A Space Odyssey not once, but twice). They also refer to it as 'magic hour'—and believe me when I say that it is The perfect time for quite literally any video! I've made it a habit to always grab my camcorder when the sun’s setting and we’re outside. It doesn’t matter where we are; the lighting just adds an extra '"WHOA" to every moment.
9. Show Off the Food (It’s Part of the Experience!)
If we’re out for food, especially if it’s a late-night snack run, I’ll record us digging in. There’s something about those late-night milkshakes or the massive pizza we all share that feels like the essence of college life, so I always make sure to include it! P.S. if anyone eats their pizza with pineapple, hit me up. Because we're probably one of only like 47 people on the planet who do Lol.
10. Capture the Messy, the Real, and the Unplanned
My favorite clips are always the ones we didn’t make plans for—the goofy faces, the moments when we’re all singing (horrendously) in the car, or someone falling into the lake because they weren’t watching their step coming off the boat. It’s the unscripted, real-life moments that make the best of what life offers us.
Final Thoughts
Using a pocket camcorder lets me keep things real and unfiltered, and I get to hold onto memories that feel as authentic as they were in the moment. If you’re like me and want to remember every laugh, every ridiculous (sometimes PG13-rated) inside joke, and every magic hour sunset with your friends, then grab a camcorder, and start filming!
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Do you have a story to tell? For information on how to publish your 1990\retro journey on our website, reach out to us at: submissions@1990retro.com.
