Complete Videography Workshop Guide Workshop Overview

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Complete Videography Workshop Guide

Workshop Overview

Duration: 8 Hours (Can be split into 2-day format)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Participants: 8-15 people
Equipment Needed: Cameras, tripods, lighting equipment, audio gear, editing software access

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand fundamental videography principles and techniques
  • Operate camera equipment confidently and safely
  • Plan and execute video shoots with proper composition and lighting
  • Capture high-quality audio for video projects
  • Apply basic video editing techniques
  • Develop a personal videography style and workflow

Workshop Schedule

Session 1: Foundations of Videography (90 minutes)

Introduction and Equipment Overview (30 minutes)

  • Welcome and introductions
  • Workshop objectives and expectations
  • Safety briefing for equipment handling
  • Overview of camera types: DSLR, mirrorless, camcorders, smartphones
  • Essential accessories: tripods, stabilizers, filters, memory cards

Camera Fundamentals (45 minutes)

The Exposure Triangle:

  • Aperture (f-stop): Controls depth of field and light intake
  • Shutter Speed: Motion blur control and exposure time
  • ISO: Sensor sensitivity and noise management

Frame Rates and Resolution:

  • 24fps for cinematic look
  • 30fps for standard video
  • 60fps for smooth motion and slow-motion potential
  • 4K vs HD considerations

White Balance and Color Temperature:

  • Understanding Kelvin scale (2700K-6500K)
  • Auto vs manual white balance
  • Color correction in post-production

Hands-On Practice (15 minutes)

  • Camera setup and basic settings
  • Practice adjusting exposure triangle
  • Test different frame rates

Session 2: Composition and Visual Storytelling (90 minutes)

Composition Techniques (45 minutes)

Rule of Thirds:

  • Grid placement for subjects
  • Creating visual balance
  • When to break the rule

Shot Types and Framing:

  • Extreme wide shot (EWS)
  • Wide shot (WS)
  • Medium shot (MS)
  • Close-up (CU)
  • Extreme close-up (ECU)

Camera Movements:

  • Static shots and their power
  • Pan and tilt movements
  • Dolly and tracking shots
  • Handheld vs stabilized footage

Visual Storytelling Elements (30 minutes)

  • Leading lines and depth creation
  • Symmetry and patterns
  • Color psychology in video
  • Using negative space effectively

Practical Exercise (15 minutes)

  • Shoot 5 different shot types of the same subject
  • Practice basic camera movements
  • Experiment with composition rules

Break (15 minutes)

Session 3: Lighting for Video (75 minutes)

Understanding Light (30 minutes)

Types of Light:

  • Natural light: golden hour, blue hour, overcast
  • Artificial light: tungsten, LED, fluorescent
  • Hard vs soft light characteristics

Direction of Light:

  • Key light (main illumination)
  • Fill light (shadow reduction)
  • Back light (subject separation)
  • Three-point lighting setup

Lighting Equipment and Techniques (30 minutes)

Basic Lighting Kit:

  • LED panels and their controls
  • Reflectors and diffusers
  • Light stands and mounting options
  • Color temperature matching

Common Lighting Scenarios:

  • Indoor interviews
  • Outdoor shooting challenges
  • Low-light situations
  • Creative lighting for mood

Hands-On Lighting Practice (15 minutes)

  • Set up three-point lighting
  • Practice with reflectors
  • Adjust for different moods

Session 4: Audio for Video (60 minutes)

Audio Fundamentals (25 minutes)

Why Audio Matters:

  • 50% of video impact comes from audio
  • Common audio problems and solutions
  • Audio levels and monitoring

Types of Microphones:

  • Built-in camera mics (limitations)
  • Lavalier/lapel mics
  • Shotgun mics
  • Handheld interview mics

Recording Techniques (20 minutes)

  • Microphone placement strategies
  • Avoiding common audio issues: wind, echo, background noise
  • Recording separate audio vs in-camera
  • Backup audio recording methods

Practical Audio Exercise (15 minutes)

  • Test different microphone types
  • Practice proper mic placement
  • Record sample audio and review levels

Lunch Break (60 minutes)

Session 5: Planning and Pre-Production (45 minutes)

Project Planning (25 minutes)

Pre-Production Steps:

  • Concept development and goals
  • Target audience identification
  • Storyboarding and shot lists
  • Location scouting considerations
  • Equipment checklist creation

Script and Structure:

  • Basic script formatting
  • B-roll planning
  • Interview question preparation
  • Timeline and schedule creation

Practical Planning Exercise (20 minutes)

  • Create a simple shot list for a 2-minute video
  • Develop equipment checklist
  • Plan shooting schedule

Session 6: Hands-On Shooting Practice (120 minutes)

Group Project Setup (15 minutes)

  • Divide into teams of 3-4 people
  • Assign roles: director, camera operator, audio, assistant
  • Choose from provided scenarios or create original concept

Production Phase (90 minutes)

Scenarios to choose from:

  1. Product demonstration video
  2. Interview-style testimonial
  3. Event documentation
  4. Creative narrative piece
  5. Educational how-to video

Focus Areas During Shooting:

  • Proper camera settings for scenario
  • Effective composition and framing
  • Quality audio capture
  • Variety of shots and angles
  • Continuity and coverage

Footage Review and Discussion (15 minutes)

  • Quick review of captured footage
  • Identify successes and areas for improvement
  • Discuss challenges encountered

Break (15 minutes)

Session 7: Post-Production and Editing (90 minutes)

Editing Software Overview (20 minutes)

Popular Editing Platforms:

  • Beginner: iMovie, Windows Movie Maker
  • Intermediate: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro
  • Advanced: DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer

Basic Editing Workflow:

  • Project setup and organization
  • Importing and organizing footage
  • Assembly edit vs fine cut
  • Export settings for different platforms

Essential Editing Techniques (45 minutes)

Cutting and Timing:

  • J-cuts and L-cuts for natural dialogue
  • Pacing and rhythm
  • Match cuts and continuity
  • B-roll integration

Color Correction and Grading:

  • Basic exposure and contrast adjustments
  • Color temperature correction
  • Creating consistent look across clips
  • Simple color grading for mood

Audio Post-Production:

  • Syncing separate audio
  • Audio level adjustment and mixing
  • Background music integration
  • Sound effects and ambient audio

Hands-On Editing (25 minutes)

  • Edit short sequence from workshop footage
  • Practice basic cuts and transitions
  • Apply simple color correction
  • Add music or sound effects

Session 8: Review, Critique, and Next Steps (60 minutes)

Project Presentations (30 minutes)

  • Each team presents their completed video
  • Constructive feedback from group
  • Discussion of creative choices and technical execution

Technical Q&A and Troubleshooting (15 minutes)

  • Address specific technical questions
  • Common problems and solutions
  • Equipment recommendations for different budgets

Professional Development and Next Steps (15 minutes)

Building Your Videography Skills:

  • Practice projects and challenges
  • Online resources and continued learning
  • Building a portfolio and reel
  • Networking in the video production community
  • Equipment upgrade path

Business Considerations:

  • Pricing your services
  • Client communication and contracts
  • Copyright and music licensing
  • Backup and archival strategies

Required Materials and Equipment

For Instructor:

  • Multiple camera types for demonstration
  • Complete lighting kit (3-point setup)
  • Various microphone types
  • Laptop with editing software
  • External monitor for demonstrations
  • Extension cords and power strips

For Participants:

  • Notebook and pen for planning exercises
  • Camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone)
  • Tripod (if available)
  • Laptop with basic editing software installed
  • Headphones for audio monitoring

Provided by Workshop:

  • Memory cards and card readers
  • Basic lighting equipment
  • Audio recording equipment
  • Extension cords and batteries
  • Sample footage for editing practice

Assessment and Certification

Practical Assessment Criteria:

  • Technical proficiency with camera operation
  • Understanding of composition principles
  • Audio quality in recorded projects
  • Creativity and problem-solving during shoots
  • Collaboration and communication skills

Portfolio Development:

  • Participants complete one final project within 2 weeks
  • Submit 2-3 minute video demonstrating learned techniques
  • Receive feedback and certificate of completion

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading:

  • "Visual Storytelling: The Digital Video Documentary" by Ronald J. Compesi
  • "The Filmmaker's Eye" by Gustavo Mercado
  • "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch

Online Resources:

  • YouTube channels: Film Riot, Peter McKinnon, Matti Haapoja
  • Websites: No Film School, PremiumBeat Blog
  • Software tutorials: Adobe Creative Suite tutorials, Final Cut Pro guides

Equipment Vendors:

  • B&H Photo Video
  • Adorama
  • Local camera shops for hands-on testing

Workshop Evaluation

Participant Feedback Form:

  • Content clarity and usefulness
  • Instructor effectiveness
  • Equipment and facility quality
  • Pace and structure appropriateness
  • Overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend

Follow-Up Support:

  • Email support for 30 days post-workshop
  • Private Facebook group for continued learning
  • Quarterly virtual meetups for skill updates
  • Advanced workshop offerings for graduates

Safety Guidelines

Equipment Safety:

  • Proper lifting techniques for heavy equipment
  • Electrical safety with lighting equipment
  • Secure mounting of cameras and accessories
  • Weather protection for outdoor shoots

Location Safety:

  • Scout locations for hazards before shooting
  • Obtain necessary permits and permissions
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings during filming
  • Emergency contact information readily available

This workshop guide provides a comprehensive foundation in videography while allowing flexibility for different skill levels and interests. The hands-on approach ensures participants gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

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