As a digital media professional, if I wanted to interview a senator as she stands on the steps of the Capitol building, I would select a directional or shotgun microphone.
A directional or shotgun microphone is a type of microphone that is designed to pick up sound primarily from one direction and reject sounds from other directions. This makes it ideal for outdoor interviews where there may be ambient noise, such as wind or traffic.
By using a directional or shotgun microphone, I can ensure that the senator's voice is captured clearly and with minimal background noise. This is important for the quality of the interview and for the audience's ability to hear and understand the senator's responses.
Additionally, a directional or shotgun microphone can be mounted on a boom pole, making it easy to position the microphone close to the senator's mouth without it being visible in the shot.
Overall, a directional or shotgun microphone would be the best choice for conducting an outdoor interview with a senator on the steps of the Capitol building due to its directional sensitivity, ability to reject ambient noise, and ease of positioning.