1. Bonus NarrativeMedia and Technology Skills [adapted from Writing and Grammar: Communication in Action, Prentice-Hall, Publishers, 2001]

2. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip A video camera can help you capture the most exciting sights and sounds from any trip whether you are traveling to a local amusement park, a state fair, or a relatives office. Your video journal will help you remember your trip and share your experience with an audience.

3. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip (2) Think about It: Choose a specific trip you would like to record with a video camera. Focus on one event from a longer journey. For example, rather than trying to capture an entire trip to New York City, you might create a video journal of your visit to the Statue of Liberty.

4. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip (2) Set It Up One key to an effective video journal is to set up imaginative and revealing shots. Dont rely on point-and-shoot views to create an interesting video. Take a few moments to find an unusual angle or an especially powerful view.

5. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip (3) Set up and shoot a variety of different shots. You might use: Long shots to show scenery Close-ups to show details Panning shots to show motion or a vast scene Interviews to share peoples reactions Remember that a video camera captures sounds, so background noisesuch as birds, traffic, or even windcan add to the atmosphere of your video.

6. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip (4) Some things to include: People: Look for opportunities to film friends, relatives, and people you meet while traveling. Signs and plaques can help to identify settings. Some things to avoid: Long, static shots of scenery are boring. Close-ups that are too close may prevent your audience from knowing what its looking at. Shaky camera work may made your audience dizzy. Try using a tripod to get an extra-steady image.

7. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip (5) Enrich It Your video camera may offer a variety of special effects such as Titles Unusual fades Color tints Or black-and-white options. Read the manual, and experiment to find new ways to enrich your journal.

8. Creating a Video Journal about a Trip (6) Edit it After shooting your video, edit it to create a concise and engaging video journal. Use your cameras editing function, or use a double-deck videocassette recorder. Keep your audience in mind as you edit. Try to create a tape that will make your viewers feel as if they are actually along for the ride.