As I worked on my digital story, I quickly realized it came with a new set of challenges I hadn't faced with my podcast. Specifically, since cameras and recording devices aren’t typically allowed in debate, it was challenging to find visuals that matched the emotion and energy of my debate rounds. I spent hours looking for non-copyrighted images and videos that could effectively support my audio.
My aha moment, though, came when I discovered Pexels, which offered various types of videos under a Creative Commons (CC) license. After I found the right footage, I focused on syncing the visuals with my podcast audio. I paid particular attention to overlaying clips and, after receiving constructive feedback, cutting to black more intentionally to match the tone and pacing of my story. While it took a lot of trial and error, it was incredibly rewarding to see how I was able to craft a compelling narrative and bring my story to life.