Best Recording Practices for Oral Historians and Digital Storytellers – Part One

This two-part, hands-on workshop offers oral historians and digital storytellers a practical introduction to audiovisual recording and editing. Participants will learn to use recording devices like cameras and microphones while exploring the foundational principles of audiovisual practice. The workshop emphasizes how technical choices in production — shaped by audiovisual theory — can enhance storytelling and research. Participants will gain the skills to effectively capture and edit high-quality material, preparing it for dissemination or archiving.

Part 1: Recording – Practical and Creative Foundations

In Part 1, participants will become familiar with cameras, microphones, and other recording devices available at the COHDS Center. You will learn the fundamentals of operating these tools, as well as best practices for capturing clear and compelling audio-visual media. Through practical exercises, you will gain confidence in your ability to record high-quality material; while also considering the aesthetic and linguistic choices you make during the process. This session will set the stage for creating work that is not only technically sound but also consequent with your practice and visually engaging.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is ideal for Oral Historians, Digital Storytellers, Scholars, and anyone involved in creative or research projects who wishes to enhance their skills in audiovisual production, from recording to editing. No prior experience is necessary, but an interest in exploring both the technical and conceptual aspects of media creation is encouraged.

Equipment:

All equipment, including cameras, microphones, and editing software, will be available for current COHDS affiliates, ensuring an immersive and practical learning experience.

About the speaker

Andrés F. Torres is a filmmaker and screenwriter with extensive experience in fiction and non-fiction, digital storytelling, audiovisual archives, and oral history. He holds an MFA in Film and Media from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently engaged in various projects across his native Colombia, the United States, and Canada. Andrés joins COHDS as the Technical Coordinator after serving for five years as the Head Videographer and Digital Archivist at the Voces Oral History Center in Austin.

Find out more about Part 2 of this workshop.