Recording a podcast outdoors offers a refreshing change from a traditional studio setup. It provides natural lighting, unique backgrounds, and a lively atmosphere. Recently, my colleagues Frank and Agnes went to the heart of Amsterdam to shoot a podcast. Here’s a breakdown of their simple and effective setup.

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Setting up for success

1. Choose your location: Find a spot with good natural light and minimal background noise. Amsterdam’s Dam Square provided the perfect backdrop for their recording.

2. Gather your equipment:

   • Chairs: They used foldable chairs, which are both affordable and portable, costing around $20-$25 each.

   • Tripods: Two compact and adjustable tripods were employed to hold their phones. These are available online for about $30.

   • Phones: Two iPhones, one for each speaker, were essential for recording.

   
   

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3. Set up the gear:

   • Tripods and phones: The phones were attached to the tripods and positioned to capture both speakers. They ensured the phones were securely mounted and framed correctly.

   • Microphones: External microphones were used to minimize background noise and improve audio quality. These mics connected wirelessly to the iPhones, enhancing sound clarity and reducing ambient noise.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Position the chairs: The chairs were tilted slightly towards each other to create a natural conversational feel, making the setup look more engaging and professional.

5. Start recording:

   • Connect and test: They ensured both iPhones were connected via a direct network for seamless data transfer and tested the setup to confirm both phones were recording properly.

   • Begin the podcast: With everything in place, they started their recording session. The outdoor setting added a unique touch to their content creation.

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Tips for a successful outdoor podcast

• Lighting: Utilize natural light as much as possible. If necessary, adjust the setup to ensure faces are well-lit.

• Sound quality: Use external microphones to ensure clear audio. Check for wind and environmental noise to prevent disruptions.

• Engagement: Position the chairs to foster a conversational atmosphere. This setup helps viewers feel like they’re part of the discussion.

Recording a podcast outside can be a fun and effective way to create engaging content. With the right setup and a bit of preparation, you can achieve high-quality results in a short amount of time.

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