How can you prepare for mobile journalism?

1 Choose your device

The first step is to choose the device that suits your needs and budget. You don't need the latest or most expensive model, but you do need a device that has enough storage, battery, and performance to handle your tasks. You also need a device that is compatible with the apps and accessories that you will use for mobile journalism. Some of the most popular apps for mobile journalists are Filmic Pro, LumaFusion, iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, and Anchor. You can also use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal to communicate securely with your sources and editors.

2 Get the right gear

The next step is to get the gear that will enhance your mobile journalism experience. You will need a tripod or a stabilizer to keep your shots steady, a microphone to capture clear audio, and a light source to improve your lighting conditions. You can also invest in lenses, filters, or cases that can improve your camera quality or protect your device. You don't have to carry a lot of gear, but you should have the essentials that can make a difference in your production.

3 Plan your story

The third step is to plan your story and do your research before you go out to report. You should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, who you want to interview, what you want to show, and how you want to structure your story. You should also check the facts, the background, and the context of your story, and verify your sources and information. You should also prepare your questions, your script, and your shots in advance, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

4 Shoot and edit

The fourth step is to shoot and edit your story using your mobile device. You should follow the basic principles of visual storytelling, such as using different angles, perspectives, and movements, and capturing the emotions, actions, and reactions of your subjects. You should also use the rule of thirds, the 180-degree rule, and the shot-reverse-shot technique to create a coherent and dynamic narrative. You should also edit your story using the apps that you have installed on your device, and apply transitions, effects, music, and graphics to enhance your story.

5 Publish and share

The final step is to publish and share your story with your audience. You should choose the platform that best fits your story format, style, and purpose, such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. You should also optimize your story for the platform, such as using captions, hashtags, tags, or descriptions to increase your visibility and engagement. You should also monitor your feedback, analytics, and metrics to measure your impact and improve your performance.

Mobile journalism can be a rewarding and exciting way to tell stories that matter. By following these tips, you can prepare for mobile journalism and become a more versatile and effective journalist.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?