By Bob Humphrey

Video cameras are all the rage nowadays. And thanks to modern technology they're smaller, cheaper and better than ever. And they provide a great way to record memories from the field so you can re-live and share them again and again. Here are a few tips on how to make better videos of your outdoor adventures.

1) Hunt/Fish/Ride With a Partner
You can't be in front of and behind the camera at the same time. Having at least one other person present adds life to the production. Besides, it's more fun having someone else along to share the adventure with.

Communication between cameraman and subject is critical. Figure out ways to communicate ahead of time, whether it be hand signals, whispers or sounds, especially when hunting, where noise or movement could mess you up.

2) Shoot Plenty of Footage
This includes before and after any actual event. When fishing, get plenty of casting and reeling, not just a subject pulling in a fish. When hunting, try to get footage of a strutting tom or approaching deer. When riding, get conversations while gearing up or when stopping for a break. All that stuff will make for a better production later.

3) Shoot Steady
You'll get your best footage with a steady base like a tripod or treepod, preferably with a fluid head. Shaky, hand-held video can be hard to watch. You may want to shoot some secondary "hands-on" action footage with a small personal camera like a GoPro attached to the subject. If your camera has a zoom function, don't over use it as this too makes for unpleasant viewing.

4) Fill the Screen
Try to take up as much of the screen as possible with the subject. Again, if you have a zoom, you can zoom out briefly to catch wide angles of scenery or action. It's even better if you can frame both the subject and the fish or game together. This adds realism and sets the scene.

For additional tips on how to better document your outdoor adventures with video, please visit - http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/events/dynamicevent/2/1639/yamaha_outdoors_tips_-_preserving_memories_from_afield.aspx.