Scouting as an essential step when field recording sound effects, especially ambiences. I scout every location before I shoot. It may seem like a waste of time to visit an area first to scout and then return to shoot. I find that it in fact saves an immense amount of time.
What is Scouting?
Scouting, also known as a ‘walkthrough’, means the field recordist patrols the location before actually committing to recording sound effects.
The purpose is to find how to best record the target sound effect. Since locations are often out of a field recordist’s control, knowledge of the environment and challenges will make the job easier. This means the recordist will capture better sound effects without interference.
Usually the field recordist walks through the location unencumbered. It's best not to bring equipment at all so you can travel quickly and unobtrusively.
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