This class is for storytellers, designers, and creatives, anyone who whats to share the work and genius of their muses - be it a neighbor, a stranger, an object, a friend, or a place. 

This class will teach you how to capture a story through video or moving pictures - a skill I've honed over the years as an avid explorer and video storyteller. 

Material requirements for this class are mainly two things:

• Any video+audio recording device for shooting your video. It can be a video camcorder or your smart phone or webcam. If you can borrow a better camera from someone - cool. If not, cool. It is more important that you get started, you'll get better the more you do it.
• A computer for editing your video using available video editing software like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. There are free video editing software you can use for basic editing and even online editing software. If you already use or prefer to use professional editing software like Premiere Pro or the like, by all means go.

We'll break this class down into 5 key steps: 

1. Connect 

The first step is making that connection with your Muse (a person, thing, or place that inspires you). You'll also practice collaboration by involving others in this project - perhaps as Muse or as assistants. Step out of your comfort zone by meeting them halfway - tell their story, your way.

2. Find a Motif

Focus on a few topics to discuss or pick a theme for better video-storytelling. Ask yourself: What are the 3 things that inspire you most about your Muse and work your story around it.

3. Shoot

Be prepared with some ideas on composition, lighting, location. You'll save time and money by making use of a 'shot quick-list' so you have enough footage to cover your story.

4. Chop

Next you'll learn the art and discipline of editing. You'll create a workflow and I'll share tips on what shots to keep and what to throw away. Inject life into your story by trusting your emotional response (if its not interesting to you, it won't be for anybody else).

5. Share

The best part of creating video portraits is sharing them. More than anybody else, your Muse especially may find new value to their work. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of being able to celebrate people and what they do! We can even start with our neighbors.

Remember, This Class is Project-Based!

For a final project you'll submit your video portrait that tells a story of someone or someone's work in video. Ideally that someone or something is inspiring to you and the goal of the workshop is to help you translate that Muse into moving pictures or video.

The final project can be in any video format, it can include photographs, animation, live performance, etc. and can be uploaded to youtube or vimeo for review. AND it should NOT be longer than 5 minutes long. It is a video-portrait, therefore short and sweet work just fine.