A Quick Note Before You Begin

This guide isn't about creating perfect content. It's about helping you capture the memories you'll treasure for years to come. If some of those moments also inspire future ChexVanz owners, that's a wonderful bonus. Take what you find helpful, ignore the rest, and most importantly, enjoy the adventure.

creator hub

Everything you need to capture incredible photos and videos from your adventure.

First, thank you.

We appreciate you taking the time to capture moments from your adventure. The photos and videos you take help future travelers imagine what's possible with a ChexVanz.

Don't worry about creating "perfect" content. In fact, we'd much rather see authentic moments than highly polished videos. The best content feels real because it is.

This guide will show you how to get the best results using only your iPhone. Most of these settings only need to be configured once before your trip.

  • If you only read one section, make it this one.

    1. Wipe your camera lens before taking any photos or videos.

    2. Shoot all videos vertically.

    3. Shoot all photos horizontally (landscape).

    4. Record videos for at least 10–20 seconds before stopping.

    5. Never use digital zoom. Walk closer instead.

    6. Include yourselves in the story whenever possible.

    7. Capture the beginning, middle, and end of each experience.

    8. Hold your phone as steady as possible.

    9. Take far more photos than you think you'll need.

    10. Don't interrupt your adventure just to create content. Enjoy the experience first

  • Every customer experiences van life differently.

    Some head into the mountains.

    Some explore the coast.

    Some work remotely from beautiful places.

    Some travel with kids or pets.

    Sharing your adventure helps future customers see what life with a ChexVanz can really look like. Your photos and videos may inspire someone else's dream trip.

  • Not at all.

    Modern iPhones take amazing photos and videos.

    The goal isn't perfection.

    The goal is authenticity.

    Follow the tips below, and you'll create content we're excited to share.

  • More than you think.

    Photos take very little storage space, and you never know which image or video will become your favorite.

    As a general rule:

    • Take 10–20 photos whenever you stop somewhere beautiful.

    • Record several video clips of the same moment from different angles.

    • If something feels memorable, capture it.

    It's always easier to delete extra content than wish you had taken more.

  • These settings only need to be completed once.

    Set your video quality

    1. Open Settings.

    2. Scroll down and tap Camera.

    3. Tap Record Video.

    4. Select 4K at 30 fps.

    Why?

    This provides outstanding image quality while keeping file sizes manageable.

    Turn on Grid and Level

    1. Open Settings.

    2. Tap Camera.

    3. Scroll to Composition.

    4. Turn Grid ON.

    5. Turn Level ON.

    Why?

    These guides help keep your horizon straight and improve composition.

    Turn HDR Video ON

    1. Open Settings.

    2. Tap Camera.

    3. Turn HDR Video ON.

    Why?

    HDR helps preserve details in bright skies and dark shadows, especially during sunrise and sunset.

    Turn Lens Correction ON

    1. Open Settings.

    2. Tap Camera.

    3. Turn Lens Correction ON.

    Why?

    This helps reduce distortion near the edges of your photos.

    Turn Macro Control ON (if available)

    1. Open Settings.

    2. Tap Camera.

    3. Turn Macro Control ON.

    Why?

    This gives you better control when photographing close-up subjects.

    Turn Live Photos OFF

    1. Open the Camera app.

    2. Look for the Live Photo icon at the top of the screen (three concentric circles).

    3. Tap the icon until Live Photos are turned off.

    4. If your iPhone keeps turning Live Photos back on, go to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings and enable Live Photo so your preference is remembered.

    Why?

    We only need still photos. Turning Live Photos off saves storage and keeps things simple.

  • Always shoot videos vertically.

    Vertical video works best for:

    • Instagram Reels

    • Instagram Stories

    • Facebook Reels

    • Pinterest

    • YouTube Shorts

    Turn your phone upright before recording.

  • Always take photos horizontally (landscape).

    Landscape photos are much more versatile for:

    • Our website

    • Blog articles

    • Social media

    • Email marketing

    • Print materials

    Turn your phone sideways before taking photos.

  • Yes, but only for close-up subjects.

    Portrait Mode creates a soft, blurred background that helps your subject stand out.

    Great uses include:

    • Coffee

    • Campfires

    • Food

    • Pets

    • Steering wheel details

    • Someone relaxing outside the van

    Avoid Portrait Mode for:

    • Landscapes

    • Mountains

    • Forests

    • Driving footage

    • The exterior of the van

    • Campsites

    For those scenes, use standard Photo mode.

  • Clean your lens.

    Seriously.

    Most blurry or hazy photos happen because of fingerprints on the camera lens.

    Use a microfiber cloth or a clean shirt to gently wipe the lens before you start shooting.

    This one habit makes one of the biggest differences in image quality.

  • Before taking a photo or recording a video:

    1. Open the Camera app.

    2. Tap the subject you want in focus.

    3. Wait until the yellow focus box appears.

    Your iPhone now knows what should be sharp.

  • After tapping to focus:

    1. Look for the small sun icon next to the focus box.

    2. Slide your finger downward slightly.

    A slightly darker image often produces richer colors and a more cinematic look.

    Don't overdo it. Small adjustments usually work best.

  • Yes, especially for videos.

    AE/AF Lock stands for Auto Exposure / Auto Focus Lock.

    It prevents your phone from constantly changing brightness or focus while recording.

    To use it:

    1. Open the Camera app.

    2. Press and hold your finger on your subject.

    3. Wait until you see AE/AF LOCK appear.

    4. Start recording.

    This creates much smoother, more professional-looking videos.

  • Longer than you think.

    Record each clip for at least 10–20 seconds.

    Even after the action ends, keep recording for another few seconds before stopping.

    Longer clips give us much more flexibility during editing.

  • No.

    Avoid digital zoom whenever possible.

    Instead, physically move closer to your subject.

    Walking a few steps produces much sharper footage than pinching to zoom.

  • Hold the phone with both hands.

    Keep your elbows close to your body.

    Walk slowly.

    Move slowly.

    Turn slowly.

    If you're thinking, "I'm moving slowly enough," try moving even slower.

    Smooth movement almost always looks more professional.

  • Think about telling the complete story instead of capturing a single moment.

    For example:

    Drive into camp.

    Park the van.

    Open the doors.

    Set up chairs.

    Make coffee.

    Cook dinner.

    Relax.

    Watch the sunset.

    Build a campfire.

    Wake up.

    Pack up.

    Drive away.

    Those small moments are what make people feel like they were there with you.

  • Driving

    • Scenic highways

    • Mountain roads

    • Forest roads

    • Desert landscapes

    • Ocean drives

    • Rain

    • Snow

    • Sunrise

    • Sunset

    Camp Life

    • Morning coffee

    • Cooking

    • Reading

    • Campfires

    • Dogs

    • Kids

    • Relaxing outside

    • Setting up camp

    • Packing up

    Adventure

    • Hiking

    • Fishing

    • Mountain biking

    • Kayaking

    • Paddle boarding

    • Wildlife

    • National Parks

    • Trailheads

    Van Features

    • Opening the sliding door

    • Kitchen

    • Shower

    • Storage

    • Bed setup

    • Exterior beauty shots

    • Night lighting

    • Interior details

  • Absolutely.

    Beautiful scenery gets attention.

    People enjoying beautiful scenery creates emotion.

    Don't be afraid to include yourselves.

    Laugh.

    Cook.

    Explore.

    Relax.

    Those are usually our favorite moments.

    • Forgetting to clean the lens

    • Recording only two or three seconds

    • Using digital zoom

    • Moving too quickly

    • Forgetting to tap to focus

    • Crooked horizons

    • Only filming scenery

    • Not capturing enough content

  • Have fun.

    Don't let the camera become the adventure.

    Capture the moments that naturally happen, then put the phone away and enjoy the experience.

    The most authentic content comes from people who are genuinely having a great time.

    Thank you again for helping us tell the ChexVanz story. Safe travels, and we can't wait to see where your adventure takes you.

Advanced Photography & Video Tips

These tips aren't required, but they'll help you capture more cinematic photos and videos using only your iPhone.

  • The biggest difference between amateur and professional footage isn't the camera.

    It's how fast the camera moves.

    Whenever you're recording video:

    • Walk slowly.
    • Pan slowly.
    • Turn slowly.
    • Pause before moving.
    • Pause again before stopping.

    A simple rule:

    If you think you're moving slowly enough...

    Move about half that speed.

  • One of the most common mistakes is stopping the recording too soon.

    Instead:

    1. Press Record.

    2. Wait 2–3 seconds.

    3. Capture the action.

    4. Continue recording another 2–3 seconds before stopping.

    Those extra seconds make editing much easier and produce smoother transitions.

  • Every memorable location should include four different perspectives.

    Wide Shot

    Show the entire scene.

    Examples:

    • Your van at a scenic overlook
    • A mountain range
    • A campsite

    The goal is to establish where you are.

    Medium Shot

    Move closer.

    Show the people and the activity.

    Examples:

    • Cooking dinner
    • Setting up camp
    • Walking toward the van

    Close-Up

    Highlight emotion or interaction.

    Examples:

    • Pouring coffee
    • Hands opening the van door
    • Dog paws
    • Campfire flames
    • Smiling faces

    Detail Shot

    Capture the small things most people overlook.

    Examples:

    • Water droplets
    • Tire tracks
    • A coffee mug
    • Maps
    • Hiking boots
    • Camp chairs
    • The ChexVanz logo

    These details bring a story to life.

  • Instead of following someone with your camera...

    Hold your phone still.

    Let the person naturally walk into the frame.

    Walk across.

    Walk out.

    The result feels calmer and more cinematic.

  • Before taking a photo...

    Look around the edges of your screen.

    Ask yourself:

    Is there anything distracting?

    Tree branches.

    Trash cans.

    Parked cars.

    Other people.

    Sometimes moving just a few feet completely changes the image.

  • Professional photographers rarely shoot straight at a subject.

    Instead, place something closer to the camera.

    Examples:

    • Tree branches
    • Wildflowers
    • The edge of the van door
    • A campfire
    • A picnic table
    • Another person

    This creates depth and makes the viewer feel like they're part of the moment.

  • Instead of recording one long clip...

    Capture the beginning, middle, and end.

    Example:

    Arrive at camp.

    Open the sliding door.

    Unload your chairs.

    Make coffee.

    Relax.

    Enjoy the sunset.

    Build a campfire.

    Watch the stars.

    Every small clip becomes another chapter in the story.

  • Whenever possible...

    Don't talk over every video.

    Natural sounds create atmosphere.

    Examples:

    • Birds
    • Rain
    • Wind
    • Ocean waves
    • Campfires
    • Rivers
    • Gravel under your boots
    • Coffee brewing

    These sounds often become some of the most powerful parts of a video.

  • The most beautiful light happens:

    • About one hour after sunrise
    • About one hour before sunset

    Golden Hour creates:

    • Softer light
    • Warmer colors
    • Better skin tones
    • Longer shadows
    • More dramatic landscapes

    If you're parked somewhere beautiful, it's worth stepping outside with your phone during these times.

  • Yes, sunny weather is beautiful.

    But some of the most memorable content happens when conditions aren't perfect.

    Capture:

    • Rain on the windshield
    • Snow falling around camp
    • Fog in the mountains
    • Wind moving through trees
    • Storm clouds rolling in

    These moments create atmosphere and tell a richer story.

  • Most people photograph everything while standing.

    Instead, try:

    • Kneeling down
    • Sitting in a camp chair
    • Shooting from inside the van
    • Holding the phone just above the ground
    • Reaching overhead

    A different perspective often creates a much more interesting image.

  • Look for lines that naturally guide the viewer's eye.

    Examples:

    • Roads
    • Trails
    • Rivers
    • Boardwalks
    • Fences
    • Shorelines

    Place these lines so they lead toward your subject.

  • Look for reflections in:

    • Lakes
    • Rivers
    • Puddles
    • Windows
    • Side mirrors
    • The van itself

    Reflections add interest with almost no extra effort.

  • Don't feel like you have to record everything.

    Capture a few meaningful moments.

    Then put your phone away.

    Enjoy the adventure.

    The best content usually comes from people who are fully present in the experience.

  • Remember...

    You're not creating content for ChexVanz.

    You're documenting memories for yourselves.

    If those memories inspire someone else to begin their own adventure someday, that's something pretty special.

Shot Ideas by Location

One of the easiest ways to capture great content is to think about where you are rather than what you should film.

You don't need to capture everything. Simply look through the ideas below whenever you arrive somewhere new and record a few moments that naturally happen.

Remember, the best content tells the story of your adventure, not just the destination.

  • These moments often become surprisingly memorable.

    Capture:

    • Pulling up to the pump
    • Filling the tank
    • Cleaning the windshield
    • Grabbing snacks or coffee
    • Stretching your legs
    • Walking back to the van
    • The van parked with interesting scenery behind it
    • Your route on Apple Maps or Google Maps (avoid showing personal addresses)

  • Slow travel creates some of the best stories.

    Capture:

    • The van parked outside
    • Carrying coffee back to the van
    • Working from inside
    • Local bakeries
    • Main Street shops
    • Farmers markets
    • Murals
    • Historic buildings
    • Friendly locals (always ask permission before filming people)

  • Real van life includes everyday moments.

    Capture:

    • Shopping for fresh ingredients
    • Loading groceries
    • Organizing the fridge
    • Preparing dinner
    • Local produce
    • Farmers markets
    • Favorite road trip snacks

  • This is one of the most important parts of the story.

    Capture:

    • Driving into the campsite
    • Parking the van
    • Opening the sliding door
    • Opening the rear doors
    • Setting up chairs
    • Rolling out an outdoor rug
    • Connecting power (if applicable)
    • Looking around your campsite
    • Pets exploring
    • Kids running around

  • These are often everyone's favorite moments.

    Capture:

    • Brewing coffee
    • Cooking breakfast
    • Preparing dinner
    • Campfire flames
    • Reading a book
    • Playing cards
    • Relaxing in camp chairs
    • String lights after dark
    • S'mores
    • Washing dishes
    • Rain on the roof
    • Laughing together

    Don't forget to record the natural sounds around camp.

  • Golden Hour creates beautiful light.

    Capture:

    • Opening the van doors
    • Coffee with the sunrise
    • Light coming through the windows
    • Long shadows
    • Silhouettes
    • The van against the colorful sky
    • Time spent simply enjoying the view

  • Capture the journey, not just the destination.

    Capture:

    • Putting on hiking boots
    • Filling water bottles
    • Trailhead signs
    • Walking down the trail
    • Wildlife (from a safe distance)
    • Scenic overlooks
    • Crossing bridges
    • Returning to the van after the hike

  • Whether you're biking, paddling or climbing, capture both the activity and the moments around it.

    Capture:

    • Unloading equipment
    • Loading bikes
    • Inflating paddleboards
    • Launching kayaks
    • Fishing
    • Relaxing afterward
    • Celebrating the adventure

  • Some of the most beautiful content happens when the weather changes.

    Capture:

    • Rain hitting the windshield
    • Water running down the windows
    • Drinking coffee inside the van
    • Reading
    • Playing games
    • Cooking indoors
    • Fog outside
    • Cozy blankets
    • The sound of rain

    Bad weather often creates the best atmosphere.

  • Winter adventures tell a completely different story.

    Capture:

    • Snow falling around camp
    • Footprints
    • Frost on the windows
    • Steam from hot drinks
    • Snow-covered forests
    • Winter campfires
    • Warm lighting inside the van

  • Water always adds movement and beauty.

    Capture:

    • Walking along the shoreline
    • Reflections
    • Skipping rocks
    • Paddleboarding
    • Kayaking
    • Camp chairs facing the water
    • Sunset reflections
    • Bare feet in the sand

  • Let your passenger record while you focus on driving.

    Capture:

    • Winding roads
    • Mountain passes
    • Desert highways
    • Forest tunnels
    • Coastal roads
    • Passing through small towns
    • Scenic pull-offs
    • Wildlife crossings

    Never film while driving if it distracts the driver.

  • The adventure doesn't stop after dark.

    Capture:

    • Campfire conversations
    • String lights
    • Interior lighting
    • Cooking dinner
    • Reflections in the windows
    • The van under the stars
    • Moonlight
    • Early morning before sunrise

  • Pets are natural storytellers.

    Capture:

    • Looking out the window
    • Riding in the passenger seat
    • Exploring camp
    • Playing fetch
    • Hiking
    • Curled up on the bed
    • Waiting patiently for breakfast
    • Meeting new friends

  • Some of the best moments are the smallest ones.

    Capture:

    • Playing games
    • Cooking together
    • Reading bedtime stories
    • Kids exploring nature
    • Family meals
    • Laughing around the campfire
    • Helping pack up camp
    • Looking out the windows together

  • We also love seeing how you're using your van.

    Capture:

    • Opening cabinets
    • Making the bed
    • Cooking in the kitchen
    • Using the shower
    • Organizing storage
    • Charging devices
    • Working remotely
    • Relaxing after a long day
    • Exterior beauty shots
    • Your favorite feature and why you love it

  • Some of the best content isn't planned at all.

    A surprise snowfall.

    A flat tire.

    A herd of elk crossing the road.

    Meeting another traveler.

    Watching your dog discover a lake for the first time.

    Laughing because dinner didn't go as planned.

    These unscripted moments are often the most meaningful.

    If something makes you smile, laugh, stop and stare, or simply appreciate the journey, it's probably worth capturing.

Can ChexVanz share my content?

By sharing your photos and videos with us, you're permitting ChexVanz to feature them across our website, social media channels, email newsletters, advertising, and other marketing materials. Whenever possible, we'd love to tag you and share your adventure with our community.