How to Record Your Grandparents' Stories on Video
You don't need a film crew. A phone, a quiet spot and a few good questions are enough to capture stories your family will want to hear for generations. Here's how to do it well, step by step.
1. Pick the questions first
Choose 3–5 questions for a session rather than a long list. Start easy ("Where did you grow up?") and save the bigger ones ("What do you want us to remember?") for later, once everyone's relaxed. Need ideas? See our 100 questions to ask your grandparents.
2. Choose a comfortable spot
- Somewhere they feel at home: a favorite chair, the kitchen counter, the porch.
- A simple background without clutter or a bright window behind them.
- Turn off the TV, radio and anything that hums.
3. Get the light right
- Face them toward a window, so soft daylight falls on their face.
- Avoid overhead light alone; it casts shadows under the eyes. Add a lamp to the side if needed.
- Do a 10-second test clip and check it before you start.
4. Get clear sound
Sound matters more than picture. People forgive a slightly soft image, not muffled audio. - Sit the phone close: about an arm's length away. - Pick a room with rugs, curtains or furniture, which soften echo. - A small clip-on mic for your phone is an inexpensive upgrade if you want one.
5. Set up the phone
- Use a stand, a tripod or a stack of books so it doesn't wobble.
- Put the lens at eye level.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb and check the battery and storage.
- Use the back camera if you're filming; the front camera is fine if they're recording themselves.
6. Make it a conversation, not an interview
- Sit beside the camera so they look near the lens, toward you.
- Let silences breathe. The best detail often comes after a pause.
- Follow up: "What happened next?" "Who else was there?" "How did that feel?"
- Keep sessions short. 15–30 minutes is plenty; you can always come back.
7. Bring photos and objects
Old photos, a wedding ring, a recipe card or a uniform can spark stories nobody thought to ask about. Film the object for a few seconds too.
8. Let them record on their own time
Not every grandparent loves a camera pointed at them. Some open up more when they can answer a question alone, at their own pace, and try again if they want. Long-distance family can send questions too, so the grandkids across the country get to ask their own.
9. Keep the videos safe and together
Videos scattered across phones, texts and old laptops are easy to lose. Whatever you use: - Keep the original files at full quality. - Store them in one place the whole family can reach. - Keep a backup, and make sure you can export them. - Label each video with who's speaking, the date and the question.
10. Start now, small
The most common regret is waiting. One question this week is better than a perfect project someday.
Recording with Talesake
Talesake is a family video story app built for exactly this. Family members ask questions; storytellers answer on video from their phone, when they're ready. Every story lands in one private family library with unlimited viewers, protected with standard encryption. Originals are kept at full quality, and you can export your stories anytime.
It's peace of mind that the stories won't slip away.
Setup and your first chapter are free. Then choose Regular at $99/yr (2 storytellers) or Premium at $149/yr (unlimited storytellers).