Video Portraits ~ PROFESSIONAL / DIY ~ Cynthia Tickell

·       Why Hire a Professional Videographer/Interviewer?

A professional videographer will use equipment and techniques to capture the best visual and auditory recording possible. For an event, leave it to the videographer to capture the precious moments while you are hands-free to participate in the activities. For a Video Portrait, a skilled interviewer can usually solicit more stories from your loved one than a family member who has "heard it all before".

 

·       Can’t Afford a Videographer? Do it yourself!

Please review the whole site and download the forms from the Tools page.

Here are some basic tips to ensure you can make an impressive video portrait:

EQUIPMENT: 

-Use the best video camera you can afford (or borrow!) If you can't record directly to a hard drive, at least try to borrow digital equipment to prevent visual drop-out for which analog equipment is notorious. 

-Be sure to use a tripod to keep the shot steady.

-Use the best microphone you can afford (or borrow!). If you have to use the microphone attached to the video camera, position the camera closer to the "subject" (your interviewee) to reduce distracting noise.

-If you can't use natural lighting from a window, read more about what types of lights to use ensure the most realistic skin tones with the least interference with the recording equipment.

PREPARATION:

-Learn what you can about your subject (interviewee) from his or her family and friends. Review the family's responses to the Interview Prompts form and highlight topics they want covered. Schedule the taping appointment for when the subject is most alert and refreshed.

-Confirm the recording appointment and encourage the subject to look through their photo albums and scrapbooks to think about milestones in their life. Invite them to have special items to share when they are telling their story. (Photos, News clippings, Certificates, Crafts, Collections, Artwork, Musical instruments, Tools, Sporting equipment, Jewelry, Mementos, etc.) Provide them with an Interview Preparation form.

-Ensure your equipment's batteries are charged and that you have backup batteries, extension cords and power strips. Label your storage devices (tapes, disks, flash drives, etc.) with date and subject's name. Number them to keep the in order, such as: "1 of 3", "2 of 3", "3 of 3".

-Review the Setup Reminders list and learn what you can about the taping location.

PRE-RECORDING:

-Ensure phones are turned off, noises are minimized, and interruptions are prevented.

-Hang a "RECORDING -Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. 

-Set up your shot to maximize natural lighting and minimize visual distractions. For subjects with a dark complexion, ensure they wear dark clothes and that they are up against a dark background so that the camera's aperture stays open to pick up facial details. For subjects with light complexion, ensure they wear lighter clothing and that they are in front of a light-colored background so they don't wash out in the picture. Frame the upper body shot to include extra room above the subject's head at the top and to above the waist at the bottom - to catch some of the subject's hand movements.

-Make subject comfortable - preferably in a stable chair so they won't lean or rock outside of the frame. Provide water, a chap stick and tissues within reach, but out of the frame. Inform the subject that he/she is the "Director" who is in charge of the interview. Coach him/her to waive his/her hand to move on to another subject, or hold to hold it straight out to stop the recording to take a break. Assure the subject that if he/she wants something taken out of the recording before it is shared, you will edit out recordings he/she doesn't want shared. Put the subject at ease before starting. Ensure any prop photos or objects are within reach.

-Record 30 seconds of "black" (lens on) before starting the interview. Set a timer to give you a 5-minute warning before the first hour is over so that you can wrap up that response before giving the subject a break and changing out the storage media if needed.

-Coach subjects to answer the questions in an essay format - either by repeating the question before answering or using words from the question in their answers. (Such as responding to the prompt, "Tell me about where and when you were born", with: "Where was I born? In Dallas, Texas in 1927." Or, "I was born in 1927 in Dallas, Texas." This will help minimize hearing your, the interviewer's, voice on the recording.

RECORDING:

-Take your time and don't rush the subject. Ask the questions slowly and make sure they have plenty of time to answer. Do not interrupt. Use hand movements and facial expressions to show that you are listening and to solicit more information or clarification (The viewers want to hear the subject, not you.)

-Frequently check the recording meters to ensure you have a good picture and audio signal.

-Provide prompts when needed to guide the interview in a somewhat chronological order. If the subject bounces around, clarify the timeframe and location if it will help make the story clear. Check the list of prompts and ensure you cover the topics the family/friends have requested.

-Watch the timer to ensure that you give the subject a break and look for a good stopping point.

-Encourage the subject to share messages with future generations, especially to sing their favorite songs or hymns, recite cherished poetry, and tell their funniest stories or jokes.