Documentaries have existed since the early 1900s, and over the years, they've become powerful tools for sharing inspiring stories. At their core, documentaries aim to raise social awareness and educate people about important issues. They are designed to pull viewers in by examining life from a broad perspective and then help them see how they can make a difference in their own lives.

The essence of storytelling is what often draws filmmakers to documentaries, as they learn how to uncover a compelling narrative from almost anyone or anything. So, the question arises: Can you film a documentary using an iPhone? The answer is yes, and this guide will show you how.

Choosing the story you want to tell is the best part of creating a documentary. You can film a documentary about anything important to you, whether it's a social cause, someone's personal journey, or even a quirky endurance marathon the possibilities are endless.

What story do you believe needs to be heard?

After you've decided on your story, you can begin pre-production. This involves crafting a story outline, creating a storyboard, conducting research, scouting film locations, and planning interviews.

When filming a documentary, you'll use a variety of well-known techniques, and interviews are a crucial element of the genre. A key part of interviewing is ensuring high-quality audio, which means investing in good microphones and minimizing background noise that could distract from the subject. It's also helpful to scout quiet locations and do quick sound checks before filming begins.

In addition to capturing great footage and sound, editing plays a vital role in the final product. This includes adding finishing touches such as titles for locations and names for people being interviewed. Inserting b-roll footage, supportive visuals shown while someone is speaking can add context and keep the viewer engaged. You’ll also need to cue voiceovers for certain scenes and carefully arrange clips to build a cohesive and engaging story. Color correction, music selection, and pacing are also important to establish tone and mood.

We recommend the Blackmagic Camera app and DaVinci Resolve for recording and editing.

For interviews, the Telephoto 2x Lens delivers a clean 2x optical zoom, and the tripod ensures stable, shake-free shots. When you're capturing motion, the Film Rig offers fluid movement perfect for on-the-go filming.

Filming a documentary on an iPhone is not only possible, it’s powerful! With the right planning, storytelling approach, and gear, you can create a compelling, high-quality film. Whether you’re capturing an inspiring personal journey, or fight for a social cause, your iPhone can be the tool that brings your story to life. So grab your gear, follow your curiosity, and start filming the story that needs to be told.