Smartphone Anthropology

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Visual Anthropology

University of Fribourg
Social Anthropology

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A practical seminar

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Description

Visual Anthropology deals with visual «representations» of cultural and social conditions in a reflective manner, both practically and theoretically. Historically, it has developed from the illustration of written travelogues into an independent research and knowledge tool.

Initially still analog, it has increasingly shifted to digital space, both in terms of production and «evaluation» (multimedia websites, blogs, YouTube, etc.). Today, Visual Anthropology goes far beyond mere representation and observation and is increasingly oriented towards participatory approaches (see an input lecture by Dr. Darcy Alexandra followed by a discussion).

The practical seminar «Smartphone Anthropology» is aimed at bachelor and master students who are interested in Visual Anthropology and would like to work visually as part of their studies. Debates will also be addressed and critically discussed, reflecting central questions within visual anthropology.

In this mainly practical seminar we will still read some theoretical texts, analyze documentary films and produce our own film contributions in group work. Through practical exercises, students will acquire rudimentary skills in using the smartphone as a research tool. Especially as a widespread everyday object, smartphones allow low-threshold access to the field and the “protagonists” involved.

Lecturer

Dr. Luc Schaedler: Studied ethnology at the University of Zurich. Graduated with two documentary films: Made in Hong Kong (Master, 1997) and Angry Monk (Ph.D., 2005). Independent filmmaker and producer since 2001.
→ Video On Demand

Smartphone Anthropology - Luc Schaedler - Visual Anthropology

Anka Schmid working on a documentary with her smartphone, 2020

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Below is a LINK to what gadgets we will need in the upcoming practical seminar «Smartphone Anthropology». To be able to film “professionally” with the smartphone a small investment will be necessary (appr. CHF 100).

To Smartphone Equipment and Filmic Pro → click here

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Sep 17, 2008 | visual anthropology | Comments Off on Smartphone Anthropology

Smartphone Equipment

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Visual Anthropology

Filming with a smartphone

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FILMIC Pro
for iPhone & Android

Following «smartphone equipment» is neccesary to be able to film «professionally». The pre-installed photo and video apps are not good enough. You need a specialized video app that allows you to flexibly adjust different settings. This concerns both the image (format, quality, stabilization, colors, sharpness, aperture) and the sound (quality, codec).

On App Store or Google Play

→ FILMIC Pro (CHF 14)

Filmic Pro offers everything that is necessary for filming. The user maual of FILMIC Pro can be downloaded as pdf document.

Alternatively, you can download a summarized manual for FILMIC Pro with a description of the most important settings, including screenshots (German only).

Screenshot of «settings-menu»

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Filming Kit
Equipment for a smartphone

For the appropriate handling of the smartphone while filming, and the best possible quality of the sound, good equipment, like a Filming Kit is required. This consists of a mini-tripod (which can be held in the hand and guide the camera), a smartphone holder (to attach the smartphone to the tripod and also as a holder for the microphone) and an external microphone (for better sound quality and to suppress hand noise on the smartphone).

Filming kit for smartphones (iPhone & Android)