How To Ninja Walk For Better Gimbal Footage

by | Stabilization

The “ninja gimbal walk” is a technique that has become increasingly popular among videographers and filmmakers who use gimbals to stabilize their footage.

This technique allows the camera operator to move smoothly and stealthily, without causing any unwanted jolts or shakes in the footage.

The result is a cinematic and professional-looking shot that is highly desirable in the film industry.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what the ninja gimbal walk is, why it’s important, and how to do it effectively.

We will also provide some tips and tricks to help you master this technique and use it to create stunning footage.

So whether you are a professional filmmaker or just getting started with a gimbal, read on to discover how you can take your footage to the next level with the ninja gimbal walk.

What Is The Ninja Walk?

So you wanna learn about the ninja walk, huh? Well, it’s a walking technique used by videographers and photographers to get that smooth, stable footage we all love to see. It involves walking with a slight bend in your knees, rolling your foot from heel to toe with each step, and keeping your upper body steady like a ninja.

The ninja walk is awesome for shooting video footage while walking. It helps minimize the shaky, bumpy footage that can happen when you walk like a regular human being. It gets its name from how ninjas in movies and TV shows walk so stealthily and silently.

But wait, there’s more! The ninja walk isn’t just for videographers and photographers. It’s also super useful for anyone who wants to minimize motion and shaking when using a handheld device. Whether you’re hiking or travelling, the ninja walk can help you capture stable footage of your adventures.

Now, I’m not gonna lie, the ninja walk takes some practice to perfect. But the results are totally worth it. So next time you’re out there capturing some epic footage, channel your inner ninja and try out the ninja walk. Your viewers will thank you for it!

Is The Ninja Walk Just For Gimbals?

Is the ninja walk just for gimbals? The answer is no. While the ninja walk is a popular technique for getting smooth, stable footage with gimbals, it can also be used with other handheld devices to minimize motion and shaking in your footage.

For example, if you’re taking a selfie video with your smartphone, the ninja walk can help you keep the camera steady and prevent the footage from looking shaky.

In fact, the ninja walk is a great technique to use whenever you’re shooting handheld footage, regardless of the device you’re using. Whether you’re capturing video of your kids playing in the park or filming a travel vlog, the ninja walk can help you get smoother footage and improve the overall quality of your work.

So, don’t limit the ninja walk to just gimbal use. Give it a try the next time you’re capturing footage with any handheld device, and see how it can help you get better results.

How To Ninja Walk With A Gimbal

Now that we know what the ninja gimbal walk is and why it’s important, let’s dive into the steps to actually do it.

Step 1: Walk Like a Ninja

To kick off the ninja gimbal walk, you gotta walk like a ninja! This means keeping your knees bent and your muscles tense, but still flexible, and using them as your suspension. Roll your foot gently from heel to ball, compensating for any small height differences with your legs. This may feel weird at first, but it’s crucial for getting that silky smooth shot. Bear in mind that there are loads of variations to this technique, including forward, backward, sideways, and over obstacles, so don’t worry if it takes time to master them all.

Step 2: Hold Your Gimbal with Two Hands

Make sure to always use both hands to hold your gimbal, as this will help keep fatigue at bay and result in more stable shots. This step is a total game-changer if you want your footage to look super pro.

Step 3: Take Short Steps

When walking with a gimbal, aim to take short steps and avoid moving it up and down too much. It may feel awkward at first, but it’s key to keeping your shots steady. If you’re shooting a selfie video for your vlog, take your time and show off your surroundings by walking slowly, stopping every now and then, and turning around (rotating).

Step 4: Tilt the Handle Forward

Tilting the handle forward can help to smooth out some of the up-and-down movements of walking. It takes a little practice to run like a ninja while holding the gimbal with two hands, so experiment with the angle to find the best one for your setup.

Step 5: Keep Your Gimbal Close to Your Chest

Keeping your gimbal as close to your chest as possible will reduce any up and down bobbing. Holding it with both hands locked in close to your chest using the ninja walk technique is the way to go.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Keep an eye on your surroundings: Ninja walking can make you feel like you’re in your own world, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Look out for potential obstacles or hazards that could trip you up, and be mindful of other people who may be in the area.
  2. Take breaks: Ninja walking can be physically demanding, especially if you’re carrying a heavy gimbal. Take breaks as needed to rest your muscles and prevent fatigue.
  3. Experiment with different camera settings: Depending on the lighting conditions and environment you’re shooting in, you may need to adjust your camera settings to get the best results. Play around with the exposure, shutter speed, and other settings to find the optimal configuration for your shot.
  4. Practice makes perfect: The more you ninja walk with a gimbal, the more comfortable and natural it will feel. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques to find what works best for you.
  5. Have a plan: Before you start ninja walking with your gimbal, have a clear plan in mind for what shots you want to capture and how you want to capture them. This can help you stay focused and ensure that you’re getting the footage you need.

Final Thoughts

The ninja walk is a powerful technique that can help you achieve smooth, stable shots when using a gimbal.

It takes practice to master, but the results are worth it.

By keeping your knees bent, taking short steps, and using two hands to hold the gimbal, you can reduce the vertical motion that often plagues walking shots.

But remember, the ninja walk isn’t just about the gimbal.

You can apply the same principles to handheld shots.

By keeping your muscles tense yet moveable, taking short steps, and using your legs to compensate for small differences in height, you can walk like a ninja and achieve a smoother, more stable gait.

Happy shooting!

New To Gimbals?

With so much to learn, mastering your new gimbal can be hard. Get started with our in-depth beginner guide to gimbal filmmaking.