Audiovisual recording

Oral tradition is of paramount importance when it comes to documenting our culture and history. The following are suggested tools that could be useful for preserving elements of traditions and knowledge that, unfortunately, are likely to disappear with the departure of our elders.

Whether the recording is an interaction, an event or even an interview, these images can eventually be used and shared; it is therefore important to know how to handle the camera, to capture optimal images and to obtain ideal sound quality that can eventually be used in a professional production. This section offers advice or suggestions to consider when recording.

Video footage

In the past, audiovisual production required countless equipment and tools that were rather cumbersome. Technological advances have brought about what is called “the democratization of technology”; meaning that what was reserved for professionals is now accessible to everyone, at low cost.

With smartphones, it is now possible to film high quality images without necessarily needing additional equipment.

Technology reduction poster

Four main principles to consider for good footage:

    • Framing and camera angles

When filming someone, it is important to portray them in a favourable light. This can be achieved by paying special attention to the following elements:

      1. The subject should be positioned in the center and the camera lens should be focused on him/her;
      2. Particular attention should be devoted to the camera angle, using a low camera angle should be avoided (an angle where the camera is lower than the subject and points upwards);
      3. To capture the most aesthetically pleasing footage, careful attention should be paid to details which may negatively affect the image (such as cans in the foreground, a toilet visible in the background, etc.);
      4. If a smartphone is used to capture the footage, it is strongly recommended to shoot horizontally.
    • Stability

Stable footage is much more aesthetic and pleasing to the eye. Certain tools, such as a stabilizer or a tripod, can produce such footage. Some of these tools are available at low cost and are suitable for cellular devices.

If you are on a budget or shooting on the fly and don't have time to set up, it is recommended that the camera or cell phone rest on something for support, as this will reduce shaky footage.

Trépied

Tripod



Stabilisateur

Stabilizer

 

    • Lighting

Lighting is particularly important. The more lighting, the better the footage, especially if it is natural light. However, the direction of the light source has a definite effect on the image quality. Avoid placing the subject against the light (in front of a window).

L'éclairage

Light panel

 

    • Sound

As far as sound is concerned, not all smartphones have the same recording quality. It is strongly recommended to use a microphone connected to the device. The ideal situation is to test the sound quality with the subject beforehand.

It is also important to pay attention to extraneous sounds, sounds that are not welcome in the recording and that could diminish its quality. For instance, it might be appropriate to unplug the refrigerator, to turn off the television or to stop the dryer.

Micros pour différents appareils

Clip-on microphone


Suggested equipment to bring in the field:

 
carte_mentale
 

 

Downloadable Tools
Technical checklist not to be forgotten during a shoot:
Downloadable PDF
File “Audiovisual recording”
Downloadable PDF
Scale for film shot
Image of the shots

 

Audio frames

Types of devices

There are several types of devices for audio recording, some of which are much more affordable than others. If the budget allows it, the purchase of a voice recorder is strongly recommended, since this device obtains better audio quality and provides a wide range of recording. There are also applications for cell phones that can do the same thing. However, it is strongly suggested to perform quality tests, since the microphones of these devices are not necessarily adapted to audio recording. They can be very sensitive to surrounding noise.

As for voice recorders, it is important to take the time to check their different functions and become familiar with how they work. For instance, one may wonder whether the audio files can be transferred to a computer.

It is also important, during the preparation stage, to make sure that the batteries are new so that no unpleasant surprises will occur in the middle of a meeting. Some devices can work while plugged into an electrical outlet, which is very practical. An extension cord should be included in the filming kit.

Positioning the recording device

If only one device is used, then it should be placed at the heart of the action as much as possible, at an equal distance between the participants. When recording a group discussion, it may be useful to have more than one device, as some people have lower voices that will not be picked up by the device if it is placed farther away. Placing one device in the center of the discussion and scattering the others closer to participants is therefore recommended. There should be no hesitation in performing verifications before starting the official discussion with the participants.



Audio recording device


Suggested equipment to bring in the field:

 
carte_mentale
 

 

Downloadable tool
File "Audio frames"
Downloadable pdf

 
 
3.2 Documenting tangible culture