Steps to Record Your Interview

How to Record from Tablet or Mobile Device:

  1. Open the camera app on your device
  2. Select the video setting
  3. If you are recording this yourself, select your front-facing camera (“selfie-mode”). Position your phone horizontally (propped on a stack of books on the table or on a shelf, on a tripod, etc.) so that at least your entire head is in the frame, ideally your upper body will be visible, as well. You may also hold your phone at or near eye-level and far enough away that your entire head is in the frame. We recommend holding/positioning your phone sideways so the video records horizontally. The quality of your final video will be better. If someone is holding your phone or tablet for you, you may use your normal, rear-facing camera. Just be sure they can hold it still.
  4. When you are ready to record (see guidelines for recording your oral history), select the record button. The timer on your screen will start. Select that button again to finish recording.
  5. To upload, visit the upload web page via the web browser on your phone or tablet, complete the form, select “file upload” and when prompted, select the video you recorded.
  6. Stay on the web page until you receive the confirmation.

How to Record from a Laptop:

  1. Most current/relatively new laptops have a camera app. Search for and open the camera app.
  2. There will be options to take still photos or to record a video. Select the option to record a video.
  3. When you are ready to record (see guidelines for recording your oral history), select the record button. The timer on your screen will start. Select that button again to finish recording
  4. The file will likely save to a folder called “camera roll” or something similar within your laptop’s built in picture files. There should also be thumbnail image of your video somewhere on the camera app screen. If you click that, it will open the video file. There should be options to open the file location (if you have Microsoft 10, you’ll find it if you click the three little dots in the top left).
  5. Rename your file, “Last Name, First Name”
  6. To upload, visit the web page via your browser, complete the form and select, “file upload.” A Window will open. Navigate to your file (if you have Windows 10 or similar it will be in Pictures, and then Camera Roll). Select the file, click submit.
  7. Stay on page until you get the confirmation.

How to Record From a Video Camera:

  1. Set your camera up so it is stable and positioned to capture your head and upper body (on a tripod, table, etc.).
  2. Make sure video setting is selected.
  3. When you are ready to record (see guidelines for recording your oral history), select record, and begin your interview. Select record a second time to stop recording when you are finished.
  4. Using the cord that came with your camera (likely micro-USB to standard-USB) and follow the necessary steps to retrieve the interview file from your device. This will be different for every device. See your user manual for further detail.
  5. Save your file onto your computer and rename, “Last Name, First Name.”
  6. To upload, visit the upload web page from your web browser, complete the form, select “file upload” and when prompted, navigate to where you saved the video, select it and hit submit.
  7. Stay on page until you get the confirmation.