Explore new ways to tell your family's story.
You don’t need expensive equipment to create impactful digital stories—sometimes, the tools you already have are enough. In this session, we’ll explore strategies to produce engaging content for social media, websites, and other platforms. You’ll learn practical tips for creating high-quality videos using your phone’s camera, enhancing audio and visuals with budget-friendly accessories, and using free or low-cost apps. Throughout the presentation, you’ll learn tips and tricks for better composition, lighting, and strategies to improve the clarity of spoken dialogue. Finally, we’ll discuss key questions to ask throughout the project to define and sharpen your video's focus. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to create dynamic video content that delivers the impact you want—without breaking the bank.
David Needham is the Founder of Story Tech Media, where he uses a creative mashup of videography, technology, and education to help people capture and preserve their most important memories. With an authentic, narrative-driven approach, his work ranges from high-fidelity digital preservation and legacy interviews to technical data consulting. Active in his local community, David serves on the board of the Champaign County History Museum, volunteers in the Champaign Unit 4 School District mentor program, and creates and leads tech workshops at the Champaign Public Library. When he’s not bringing history to life for others, you’ll find him crafting new adventures with his family over a deep board game or tabletop RPG.
This program is co-sponsored by the Champaign County Genealogical Society.
Conveniently located at the corner of Race and Green in downtown Urbana.
