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Texas Center for Community Journalism hosts smartphone training

cheyenneandaustin

Dozens of journalists gathered at Texas Christian University for smart-phone journalism workshops conducted July 31 to Aug. 1 and Aug. 14-15.
The former session was geared toward iPhones, while the latter was tailored for Androids. Each attendee was provided with a smartphone tripod, a useful tool in capturing stable footage.
Andrew Chavez, former associate director/digital initiatives with TCU's Texas Center for Community Journalism, presented instruction on applications that make reporting easier, such as FiLMiC and Camera+ that capture better videos and photos than preloaded applications that come with smartphones.
Attendees received pointers on gathering video content and editing video clips to create compelling story packages.
"From learning how to take better pictures to edit videos, the class taught me skills that I can use every day to provide complete coverage of Gillespie County," said Austin Eck, reporter/photographer for the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post.
Cheyenne Bereuter, editor of The Stamford Star, said, "The small class size was perfect for interacting with other journalists, and the apps, camera tips, and the video capture and editing will help me bring new, exciting elements to our web presence."
"It was exciting to see how quickly the reporters and editors learned to put together their news packages," said Tommy Thomason, TCCJ director. "The training went beyond just the technology, too — that technology comes with a mindset — that newspapers are no longer just newsPAPERS. Instead, they are news sources for their community."
To view completed video packages, visit TCCJ's Facebook page.