Gear we used to shoot our videos
We've started to make some short videos about our work, and some of our interviewees have asked about how we do it using an iPhone. So without further ado:
Essential gear:
- Tripod (you want one that can come up to eye height)
- Studio Neat Glif to attach the iPhone to the tripod.
- Lapel microphone (any powered lapel mic will work fine)
- iPhone 1/8 inch microphone adapter - 3.5mm 4 conductor TRRS Male to 3.5mm Microphone Input Jack (This is required to connect a powered microphone to an iPhone)
- FiLMiC Pro $4.99 app lets you lock the focus and exposure and gives you a sound level meter.
- iMovie '11 to edit.
Helpful gear:
- Lights: light kit and larger bulb and a hardware store scoop light that we put the extra smaller bulb in.
Optional gear:
- Backdrop stand
- Gray seamless paper (cheaper at your local photography supply store)
Essential learning:
- How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck: blog and book
- Wistia Learning Center especially the DYI office studio and Down & Dirty Lighting Kit
Our wish list for further improvements:
- A boom microphone and stand
Last update: July 03, 2024
Recommended Reading:
50 state incarceration profiles
All of our recent reports about prison/jail growth, racial disparities, and more, re-organized by state.
The rapid & unregulated growth of e-messaging in prisons
It can strengthen connections, but instead has been used to sap money from incarcerated people.
Incarceration and supervision by states
Probation and parole are the leading forms of mass punishment in America.
Prison Gerrymandering Project
We are leading the movement to protect our democracy from the Census Bureau's prison miscount.
Events
- October 27, 2026:
On October 27, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. EST, join the Prison Policy Initiative for a webinar focused on making public records requests. We’ll cover the basics of making a request and provide tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of sending requests to jails, prisons, and other agencies that can make your requests more effective.
Register here
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