Audio Life Portraits

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Are the interviews confidential?

A. Yes. We will not disclose the contents of the interview to any third party without your permission. Where the person commissioning the interview is different from the subject, it is made clear to the subject that a copy of the interview will be made available to the client – being the person paying for the work.

Q. What if I say something in the interview that I do not want recorded?

A. There is no obligation to retain all information recorded in the final product. Its usual for people to sometimes want to re-express a thought or an account. Under these circumstances, it is a simple matter to note what you would like modified or excluded and be will ensure that this is done in the editing process.

Q. Do you interview couples?

A. Our flagship product is a portrait of a unique individual person. We are open to changes in this standard format. Our experience is that we are able to obtain a higher level of openness when individuals are interviewed. The other challenge with couples is that often there is a dominant partner and it can sometimes be difficult to get equal representation. There is also the issue of being interrupted or distracted by the other person. Having said all that, interviewing couples can be quite fun but we would recommend having a ‘both sides of the story’ interview after having been interviewed individually first.

Q. Why don’t you use video?

We stick with an audio format for a number of reasons. One is cost. The level of equipment and expertise required to produce a professional audio-visual product would result in a significantly higher end price. Also, the presence of cameras can often be quite distracting and sometimes intimidating. People often focus on how they look when in front of a camera – this is a natural response. I want people to focus on the questions and on the stories, their recollections. There is no shortage of people qualified to take photographs professionally. We have intentionally decided to concentrate on the audio as it fills a void in the marketplace and it provides for another level on which to remember people. Think of it like a novel. The words allow the reader to create a picture in their mind. Similarly, when people listen to an Audio Life Portrait, the words allow the listener to create a picture in their mind of the person being interviewed. The beauty of an audio CD is that you can listen to it when driving the car, or, if you have a portable CD player (or MP3 player) you can listen when you are out and about.

Q. What if we want extra copies?

A. Extra copies can be ordered for a small cost per double CD set. We store the recordings on our file system so that if your Audio Life Portrait gets lost or damaged, it can be replaced.

Q. What if I forget stuff during the interview?

A. It is common for people to express after an interview that there is so much more that they could have said. It is important to understand that the purpose of the interview is not to capture all of the events that have occured during a person’s life. The purpose is to cover the key events! Those events that can be described as “defining moments”. It is more about trying to understand and capture the essence of you as a person. Your thought processes. Your experiences and how you were feeling at the time. The things that you are passionate about. What success means to you. Your key relationships. Circumstances that where you have felt joy – or where you have felt anger. Your philosophy on life. What unfulfilled goals and dreams that you have. What lessons you have learnt in life and what things you may have done differently. The sort of things that don’t get captured on photos! My role as an interviewer is to ensure that I ask the right questions to bring these things to the surface.

Q. What if I cry during the interview?

A. That’s fine. I might even cry too! Our emotions are a part of who we are. Sometimes we may have tears of joy – other times tears of sorrow. Shedding a tear or three is a very human response. If either one of us cry, we just keep going. Reflecting back on life can often mean looking back on some painful memories. The death of a partner. The death of a child. Regrets about words spoken. Or words not spoken. Sometimes the process may reveal an area of your life that may require addressing – maybe a relationship that could to with some tending. So be open to the possibility of a few tears. My experience is that the laughs far outnumber the tears!

Q. I’d like to get an Audio Life Portrait for my mother/father/special friend etc, but I think they would be reluctant to go ahead with one. What should I do?

A. Sometimes people may believe that their own story is not very interesting. Other people may be very private and be a bit reticent to be open about themselves. It is important for me as an interviewer to have a subject who is willing to participate in the process. I suggest that most people are open to the idea once they realise that there is someone who cares enough to want to hear their story. Often a conversation expressing how much you care will assist that person to become a willing participant. And as far as not being interesting goes – I have yet to find a person who does not have a fascinating story to tell. Its just a matter of asking the right questions!

Q. Can I purchase an Audio Life Portrait as a present for someone?

A. Yes. We supply gift vouchers. We are also happy to take payment from a third party.

Q. What are the payment options?

A. Cash, cheque, and direct (electronic) payment.

Q. Do you interview people in other locations around Australia or overseas?

A. YES! We travel and are happy to quote on wherever you or your interview subject is located! Call us on 02 6493 6861 to discuss!