Top Three Things I Learned Covering For Dimelo
During my fall semester at USC I had the honor to work for the school’s only Latinx platform, Dimelo. A Mitu inspired outlet made by latinx students, for latinx students. My sacred brown corner of comfort in an otherwise white campus. Every Monday at 2P I had a break from harsh criticism and a peek into what it’s really like to do what you love. From meeting one of my favorite anchors Lynette Romero to familiar names I read online like editors from LA TACO; this class opened my eyes to the possibilities of how you can tell a story with a phone. Here are some of the top three things I learned during my social media storytelling for Latinx audiences class.
Slow Down and Look Around
My first assignment for the class was to cover the Sylmar Taco Festival. My lazy pitch to try and get my feet wet despite having covered for other platforms. I didn’t understand the level of quality I could bring my stories to and covered the event like a guest instead of a journalist. I missed crucial interviews, forgot to take important shots, and moved the camera around way too fast. I had to slow down and look around. I look back now and wish I would have gotten close-ups of people eating tacos. I regret not speaking with councilwomen Monica Rodriguez and building a relationship with her as a reporter. However, after this experience, I gained a new confidence for what I need to do in the future and how I can get creative with it.
The Wind is Noisy
One of my favorite stories this semester was about two female photographers from Las Fotos Project. A non-profit organization dedicated to teaching young women photography. Although I am proud of the way my piece came out, I regret not having good audio for one of my interviews. The wind was so strong and since I’d never been in a situation that would completely ruin my audio I didn’t even think about it. It taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of audio. Looking back now, I wish I would have moved her 3 feet behind me where the wind wasn’t so strong.
The Wind is Noisy
One of my favorite stories this semester was about two female photographers from Las Fotos Project. A non-profit organization dedicated to teaching young women photography. Although I am proud of the way my piece came out, I regret not having good audio for one of my interviews. The wind was so strong and since I’d never been in a situation that would completely ruin my audio I didn’t even think about it. It taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of audio. Looking back now, I wish I would have moved her 3 feet behind me where the wind wasn’t so strong.
Be More Prepared
Looking back at these shoots I realized I learned something new every time. My interview with Julissa Prado, CEO of Rizo’s Curls went great. I asked good questions, I wasn’t as awkward as I usually am and I was excited to meet her. But then I noticed my battery was going to die. I filmed what I could on my camera and took the rest of the shots on my phone. I felt embarrassed, ran out of her office, and when I got back home to edit the video I didn’t have enough. I had to go back to her office and film more cover footage to complete the story. It was one of my greatest learning lessons this semester. I developed a better sense of what shots help move the story forward and built my confidence in visual storytelling.
