DIY Social History Recording
There’s so many great resources for oral history recording from traditional techniques to the latest web and mobile methods. Here, I have made a simple yet certain list of the most important points to take when recording a story from your family or community.
I encourage everyone to take the step of picking up a camera or microphone and recording stories. Your family and community hold great treasures that may someday be lost. It’s our heritage and it’s in our hands to document it now. And it’s never been so possible as it is today using even the most simplest of domestic equipment.
It’s also a great way to bring the generations together. Young and not so young can share knowledge with each other, and the recordings as a result can be shared with the wider community. The elders may have most of the great yarns, but the kids have got the technical skills. If you can get those working together, then you have embedded social history recording crews across the world, telling and documenting stories where they matter most – from the community from where they come.
Getting prepared:
So, where do you start? Well, if you havent done this before, keep it simple. Ask yourself the following questions.
- Have you got access to any digital recording equipment? These can be any of the following; a camera, a video camera, a tripod, a microphone, headphones, a scanner or a computer. Any or all of these items are useful. Together they combine to be a complete documentary film making kit. However, if you only have access to the video camera and a tripod then you can start immediately. Oral historians have been doing a fine job for years using an audio recorder.
- Have you got permission to record your story from the storyteller? Some storytellers are willing to share, some have good reasons not to share. It’s a good idea to have a good chat first and let the storyteller know what you will be doing with your recording.
- Are you going to edit the recording or will it be for the archive. Archives are great, they can be accessed in future for other projects. If you want to produce a short film or whats often called a Digital Story, then you will need a computer and software.
- Who is the audience for your recording? If you are using an audio recorder, then you can transcribe the words into text for print or the web. The audio may also be used for radio, tv or film. If you are creating a documentary masterpiece then enter a film festival or upload it to the internet. You should also consider submitting any copies of raw recordings and final edited versions to local, state and national archives and libraries. Most importantly you should provide copies to the family or community who provided the story.
Equipment:
Once you have ironed out a few of the previous details, its time to think technical. If you like cameras and microphones, then this can be straight forward. If you havent any interest in that side of it or if you just don’t feel confident then look around for any extra info or even better, a young person with camera and computer skills.
- If you are using a video camera, then try to find one that has a microphone input. Basically, the microphone on a domestic video camera is very limited. If you can plug-in an external microphone you will get a much better sound recording. Most domestic video cameras don’t have this feature, so in those cases always try to get the camera close to the subject. Record in a quiet location, preferably indoors away from wind. If you are outside, then try to put some foam across the microphone. Wind noise is your #1 issue when recording outside. For a small amount of money you can buy a Rode Video Mic (made in Australia) that is a perfect beginners mic. But like I said, your camera may not have an input for it. If you are looking for the lowest budget video camera option, try a Flip, JVC, Kodak or Bell & Howell for under $200.
- If you are using an audio recorder then many of the same principles apply. You really need to get in close to the subject. The closer, the better. Use a foam or fluffy cover to minimise wind noise, and always try to place the microphone on a stand or table near the storyteller. There’s nothing worse that hearing the interviewers papers rustling, or hands fidgeting on the body of the microphone. Whenever using any recording equipment, always keep your headphones on to check the sound levels and any unwanted background noise.
- For photography or video, always consider the light source on your subjects. Storytellers need to be made comfortable. Sit them or stand them in a cool place so they retain their energy for the recording. Try to not have a bright background at all. Bright backgrounds always end up making the subject a silhouette. Again, try to get close to your storyteller. Don’t frame your shot to make the storyteller look short or tall. Try to have their head near the top of the frame and cut the bottom of the shot off at the chest or ribs. Always set the tripod up at eye level – that is the same level as the storyteller.
Questions?:
It’s very important to make the storyteller relax and feel comfortable to share their story with you. This is why DIY stories are great, as often a family member gets better story content than a TV crew.
- Begin with asking the storytellers name, age, where they are from and ask why they are telling you this story.
- Ask open questions, always use “tell me..” or a similar open phrase to start a question. Never use closed questions like “Did you feel proud” or you’ll get a yes or no answer.
- Always listen well. Two ears one mouth. When you hear a story opening up, don’t steamroll on to your next question. Ask a ‘tell me more” question to get them talking.
- Learn to sit still and quiet when the storyteller is talking. No, “ahh, yes” or “oh,really” or chatting as you will be recording your voice too and that makes editing messy later on. The best approach is to look interested, keep eye contact and nod when appropriate to keep the storyteller focused.
Editing:
Editing your digital recordings pose a range of considerations. Again, the best way when starting out is to use simple free video editing software on a domestic computer. Most computers come with free video editing software. Apple offers iTunes, Windows offers Movie Maker. Both are guided by user-friendly on-screen instructions as you progress. However, editing can be a time-consuming process even for the pro’s – so don’t go into it light-heartedly. You’ll need time and patience!
Post a reply if you have any questions or comments.
