Todd thrives on movement. As a filmmaker and longtime 360 photographer, he’s drawn to fleeting moments packed with emotion. His latest favorite tool? Insta360 X3.
Race day at the Myrtle Beach Marathon was the perfect stage for that. Todd was the official videographer, tasked with a shot list that spanned miles of the course. To keep up, he had his signature combo: X3 mounted to a rig and a Segway beneath his feet. Mobility? Check. Versatility? Check. Slightly terrifying balance act? Definitely.
Myrtle Beach Marathon
The morning started with a hiccup. A police officer refused to believe Todd was crew and blocked him from the designated parking area. Precious minutes slipped away. Todd hustled, got into position, and started filming. Weaving through runners and volunteers, he captured wide-angle shots, immersive B-roll, and the kind of chaos only a 360 camera can really handle.
The Finish Line
Then it happened. Near the finish line, Todd spotted a woman struggling. A cramp had brought her to a halt just feet from the end. Without hesitation, Todd reached out. One hand steadying her, the other keeping the camera rolling. Together, they crossed the line—him balancing the Segway, the rig, and a human moment of triumph.
Watching the footage later, Todd couldn’t believe it. Every cheer, every drop of sweat, every flicker of determination was captured. X3 didn’t just document the moment; it pulled him back into it.
More Than Just Filming
This wasn’t a normal day at work. A few years ago, Todd endured back-to-back losses—his mother and oldest son. Grief had silenced his creative voice. He stepped away from filmmaking. From clients. From himself.
Discovering X3 changed that. Slowly, one event at a time, he returned to filming. Marathons became a kind of therapy. Watching people push past fatigue reminded him he could, too. Helping that woman finish her race felt symbolic. He was finishing something himself, too.
Filming on the Fly
Todd loves cinematic visuals, but 360 cameras gave him something new: freedom. He could stay present while still capturing everything. Let moments unfold naturally. Reframe on the fly.
That day also tested him technically. The X3 lens still had soap suds from a family race. The Segway battery nearly died. His cinema rig failed. Yet, with some quick thinking and a little improvisation, X3 and an iPhone turned chaos into unforgettable footage.
Why It Matters
The finish line scene became the heart of Todd’s YouTube series, iTodd360. It’s messy, unscripted, and completely real—just like the moments he’s chasing.
Every time he watches it, he’s reminded why he films. Not for paychecks. Not for perfect shots. But for raw, human moments that prove we’re alive, connected, and still in the race.
"Thanks to Insta360, I captured a moment I’ll never forget. And hopefully, by sharing it, someone else remembers why they keep going too. Because sometimes, the story you’re filming is filming you right back."
This article was submitted to Insta360 Community Stories by @toddbangz. Got a story to share? Email yours to communitystories@insta360.com and win up to US$50! Learn more here.
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