Classes, Seminars, & Workshops
Citizen Photojournalism
"Citizen Photojournalism" describes individuals using commonly available technology to report stories and share them with others, without necessarily being part of a classic "news organization." Photojournalism has two essential branches: still photography and moving image photography (video or movies). This workshop focuses primarily on video.
The technology of story creation is now as accessible as the technology of story consumption; the door is wide open. Entire production studios are no longer necessary. Everything you need fits into your backpack. Watch this video if you want to see an introduction.
Of course, anyone can pick up a cell phone and start recording video. So what separates journalism from any other random video recording? In this workshop, we work on both content and technology. For content, we explore how to evaluate ideas for stories, consider our target audience, do research, contact sources, select images to record, and put everything together. For technology, we delve into what's available, and how to best use it to record good sound and picture.
This is a hands-on workshop. Participants are invited to experiment with the tools available very early on in the process, with additional information and techniques introduced as we go along, as needed. A hand-out is provided, summarizing the workshop content.
The technology of story creation is now as accessible as the technology of story consumption; the door is wide open. Entire production studios are no longer necessary. Everything you need fits into your backpack. Watch this video if you want to see an introduction.
Of course, anyone can pick up a cell phone and start recording video. So what separates journalism from any other random video recording? In this workshop, we work on both content and technology. For content, we explore how to evaluate ideas for stories, consider our target audience, do research, contact sources, select images to record, and put everything together. For technology, we delve into what's available, and how to best use it to record good sound and picture.
This is a hands-on workshop. Participants are invited to experiment with the tools available very early on in the process, with additional information and techniques introduced as we go along, as needed. A hand-out is provided, summarizing the workshop content.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Where is this workshop held?
A1. Currently, the plan is to offer this workshop in connection with Community Education programs in the Boston Metro West area. However, it can be conducted anywhere where enough people are interested and the cost of travel and expenses can be covered.
Q2. Who can attend?
A2. Anyone, from age 10, on up. Individuals across a wide age range of ages are welcome to attend a single workshop session, provided there is parental permission for those under 18.
Q3. What does it cost?
A3. The cost varies with the number of participants, the venue, the distance from the Boston Metro West area, and how many sessions are desired. Some basics can be covered in a single 2 hour session. Multiple sessions may be scheduled for more practice and in-depth exploration of techniques.
Q4. Are there examples of this in practice?
A4. Yes. My interview with the owner of an electric car, who reports on his family's experience. Also, my interview with a participant at a political rally. There are other links on this web site under the "Videos" menu, as well as on my Energy Stories web site home page.
Q5. How can I find out more?
A5. Please inquire using the Contact Us page on this web site.
A1. Currently, the plan is to offer this workshop in connection with Community Education programs in the Boston Metro West area. However, it can be conducted anywhere where enough people are interested and the cost of travel and expenses can be covered.
Q2. Who can attend?
A2. Anyone, from age 10, on up. Individuals across a wide age range of ages are welcome to attend a single workshop session, provided there is parental permission for those under 18.
Q3. What does it cost?
A3. The cost varies with the number of participants, the venue, the distance from the Boston Metro West area, and how many sessions are desired. Some basics can be covered in a single 2 hour session. Multiple sessions may be scheduled for more practice and in-depth exploration of techniques.
Q4. Are there examples of this in practice?
A4. Yes. My interview with the owner of an electric car, who reports on his family's experience. Also, my interview with a participant at a political rally. There are other links on this web site under the "Videos" menu, as well as on my Energy Stories web site home page.
Q5. How can I find out more?
A5. Please inquire using the Contact Us page on this web site.
Understanding Blame and Shame and how to work through them.
This workshop is described on my Message Rain web site.