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Backpack Journalism or Video Journalism: What’s the Difference?

WASHINGTON, DC, 21 October 2010 — Following is part of a brief discussion I had this week on Facebook with Brandon Tompkins, a friend who asked me about the difference between Backpack Journalism and Video Journalism. Tompkins lives in Dallas, Texas, and is a student at Tarrant County College, majoring in Radio/TV Broadcasting. See http://brandontompkins.com. […]

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October 2010 Backpack Journalism Workshop: It’s Over

WASHINGTON, DC, 19 October 2010 — Am finally getting around to posting the closing group shot of our four-day Backpack Journalism Workshop, which ended late Sunday evening. From left to right (standing) are Skye Wheeler, Simon Nicholson, Teaching Assistant Esther Gentile, Rebecca Byerly, Teaching Assistant Ted Roach, Theresa Bucci, and Teaching Assistant Kelly Donnellan. Kneeling […]

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Day 4: Backpack Journalism Workshop Nears End

WASHINGTON, DC, 17 October 2010 — Participants at the four-day Backpack Journalism Workshop in Washington, DC, work to finish their mini documentaries as the evening deadline approaches. (Photos by Bill Gentile) Below, assistant Kelly Donnellan works with American University professor Simon Nicholson on his project. Below, Theresa Bucci (left) and Rebecca Byerly work on their […]

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Backpack Journalists Hit the Ground Running

Participants of the latest Backpack Journalism Workshop With Bill Gentile review work they produced on the first day of the four-day event.

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Essential QuickTip #5: Shoot the Journey

WASHINGTON, DC, 30 September 2010 — Learn to document your story as it moves from one scene to another. Always shoot the journey, be it by foot, car, plane or train. Shoot your character’s feet hitting the pavement, hands on the steering wheel, face in the rear view mirror. Shoot through the windshield for the […]

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Essential QuickTip #4: Open Your Eyes

WASHINGTON, DC, 27 September 2010 — Get accustomed to using the eyepiece instead of the display screen. You’ll be better able to tell when your subject is in focus, especially when there’s a backlight, which is a big issue with many of these hand-held cameras. Keep both eyes open. Otherwise you lose peripheral vision on […]

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