ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author stresses the need to consider the visual aspects of our research and how they translate to video, remembering that not all research easily does. It suggests several keys to getting our video to work for people, includes keeping our camera stable, composes our shots, ensures good-quality audio and lighting, and practices regularly with our camera before shooting when it really matters. By using video-based research methods, teachers were able to show exactly how much time students were given during different segments of the instruction, thus allowing for a more fine-grained understanding of this particular learning event. With video people can watch a storyteller’s face, see how expressions change, and watch body gestures. This opens up a whole new array of analytical spaces for conducting and representing ethnographic research. Video, unlike a still photograph, has that added component of motion that people can use to our advantage while framing our shot.
