- Position your conversation partner as best as possible facing the light. This could be a window or the light from our toolbox, which you've taken home. order can.
- Ensure the light doesn't cast harsh shadows on the face.
- Warning: The light can be very bright at midday in the summer. It's better to watch films in the morning or afternoon.
- The mobile phone camera should be positioned at eye level.
- The person can sit in the centre or slightly to one side of the image.
- For the shot, choose the medium shot: from chest height upwards.
- You are sitting next to the camera. The person is not facing the camera, but you. They look at you during the conversation.
- Ensure the framing is flattering and that the person likes how they appear within it. Show them a test shot if necessary.
- Close windows and doors. Please people in the same flat to be quiet.
- Bring the mobile phone/microphone as close as possible to the person.
- Make a test recording where your conversation partner speaks at a normal volume.
- The audio is too quiet or distorted (too loud)? Adjust the microphone distance.
Do you want to get even more out of your recording? Borrow technology for free From our side.
Do you live near Cologne? Save yourself the set-up and come to us into the studio.
Next steps
Checklist
☐ Find a dateTake two hours so you have enough buffer.
☐ Set a meeting placeIdentifies a place that is quiet and as bright as possible.
☐ Prepare conversation: Have you thought of any questions? Have a look at our FAQs.
☐ Prepare equipment: Do you have enough storage space on your phone, a tripod? Has our tech box arrived? Familiarise yourself with everything you need.
☐ Choose clothing: Bright colours and patterns can be distracting on camera. Please ask your conversation partner to wear something neutral that they feel comfortable in.
☐ Print documents Hold both Consent forms Get ready, put together your list of questions, and it's best to bring both in printed form.
☐ Prepare room: Choose a neutral background if possible, or remove any distracting objects. Let people in the vicinity know that you're taking a photograph and need quiet.
☐ Consent form Have you explained everything on this? Does your conversation partner have any questions? Do you want to put the signatures before or after the conversation?
Ensure good lighting Position the person in front of a soft light source (e.g. a window or lamp) and ensure the face is evenly lit.
☐ Set up your camera: Use a tripod, position the camera at eye level, film in landscape format, and select the highest available video quality (HD or 4K).
☐ Select the image crop: Film in a medium shot, meaning from chest height upwards. Your conversation partner should look just past the camera at you to create a natural impression.
Set the tone: Position the phone or microphone as close to the person as possible. Ask your conversation partner to speak quietly and loudly, and make a test recording.
Check the progress, if the camera and sound are still running.
☐ Secure your files: Photograph the consent form and carefully save all files (video, audio, form).
☐ Take a joint selfie: For you, but also for us 🙂
☐ Send us the signed consent form first Specifically here. We will then send you the upload link for the video.
Have you borrowed our toolbox? Then pack everything up and send it back to us with the returns label.
Home checklist
Would you prefer a printable version? Download the checklist above as a PDF and keep Everything in view.
Any more questions?
Here, we've summarized the most important information in a clear and concise manner.