Using Recording Deviceswhile interviewing

Prepared by Oleksa StasevychDesign by Halynka Bunio

2015

What is recording?Capturing data or translating information to a recording format stored on some storage medium.

Variety of modern digital recording/capturing devices

Interview from the tech point of view

● shooting video● recording audio● making photos

● making notes to fix emotions● transcribing audio/video

SmartphonesYou can use your smartphone to:● Record your family stories● Add spoken word to your slideshows● Capture a moment in sound● Edit, share and publish video

Like it or not, when you whip out your smartphone and start shooting, you’ve also accepted the responsibility to help your subjects look their best.

Checking● Power Up! The battery is fully charged● Your phone has enough space to record

video, audio, photos● Find a quiet place for interviews (kitchen,

room, car, office; NOT park, square, café)● Check, download all necessary recording

apps, practice to use it!

Preparing to interview● Turn your phone to Airplane Mode so your

audio won’t be interrupted by calls or texts.● Locate your phone’s microphone.● Get a better sound by adding a microphone to

your smartphone. ● Check your levels.

Recording -> 1● Place phone about 10 cm from person’s mouth.● Keep smartphone horizontal when shooting.● Pay attention to what’s behind your subject.● If you’re outdoors, and it’s a sunny day, position your

subject towards the light.● Smartphones need strong light that’s diffused.● Keep your hand steady.● Compress or NOT to compress audio?

Recording -> 2● Have source say name, age, hometown, occupation.

Have them spell their name.● Be silent when source is speaking.● Do the dance - do NOT use digital zoom.● Record multiple files or use add markers.● Record one minute

of room tone.● Record natural

sound effects from location.

● Walk closer to your audio source.

● When you are finished, make sure you have a saved audio file.

Post-production● Transfer audio files from your phone to your

computer.● Edit your audio, video and photos.● Keep and share photos (Google Photos).● Keep and share audio (Soundcloud).● Keep and share video (Youtube).● Collaborate in a team (Google Drive).● Publish your content (Wordpress).

Sources1. 12 Tips to Shooting Smartphone Videos Like a Pro by Barrett. At home with

tech2. Recording audio with a smartphone (ABC Open)3. Audio recording tips. Pacific transcription4. 3 Tips for Recording Research Interviews. Academic transcription services5. DIY Resource: How To Record High-Quality Sound With Your Phone. Youth

radio6. 5 Great Tips For Recording Audio With Any Smartphone Or Tablet. Makeuseof7. The Ultimate Freelance Writers’ Guide to Recording Interviews. The Renegade

writer8. The Ultimate Guide to Creating Video With Your Smartphone or Tablet.

Mediacore9. Step-by-Step Audio: From Digital Recorder, Editing in GarageBand, Posting on

WordPress.com. One journalism 110. Host your Podcasts on Google Drive for Free. Digital inspiration11. Make Great Videos With Your Phone. About tech12. Eight tips for recording better video with your smartphone. Pocket-lint

Thank you!