Midwest Photographic Workshops

Course Descriptions

Midwest Photographic Workshops has divided our courses into two categories: Weekend/Week Long Workshops and Evening Classes. Evening Classes tend to be scheduled from 7 - 10PM on weeknights unless otherwise specified Weekday classes tend to be from 10:30 AM to 1:30 or 2:00PM. Classes generally meet once per week for 4 to 6 weeks.  Weekend workshops tend to be all day on Saturday or Sunday from 10 - 5. Please note that each class category has its own separate link to schedules and descriptions.

Video Workshops

 

Digital Video Production and Computer (Non-Linear) Editing   $395.00
Course # 701
Instructor: Jim Hodel

This six-evening class teaches students how to create a hands-on video project from start to finish. Combining lecture, studio and computer exercises, students will use their digital video camcorders (inexpensive models are fine) and learn how to plan, light and shoot their projects. Then we'll load actual footage into computers and edit it with Adobe Premiere Elements software. Video has a "language", just like photography. Learn how to work with scenes, create fades, wipes and dissolves to produce a finished movie. Discover how to create a sound track and edit for continuity from a working pro. This class is ideal for the still wedding photographer desiring to expand their business to include wedding videos and model comp cards, graduations, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and other events.

Video (Non-Linear) Computer Editing with Adobe Premier Elements  $230.00
Course # 702
Instructor: Jim Hodel
This one-day workshop provides students with an overview of digital camcorder operation including the zoom lens, white balance, exposure and lighting. Learn how to download footage into a computer and use software to edit, insert titles, wipes or other simple effects and output to DVD. Students need not own an expensive camcorder. A simple digital camera in the $350.00 price range is sufficient to perform all the tasks covered in this workshop.

How to Produce, Shoot and Edit the Video Model's Comp Card $230.00
Course # 703
Instructor: Jim Hodel
This one-day workshop is the "Reader's Digest" version of creating a short video that a model can use as a video comp card (demo DVD). Learn how to think and shoot NOT as a still photographer using a video camera, but as a true videographer. You will learn what the video comp card needs and how to plan and execute your project to showcase your client most favorably.

Lighting for Video $230.00
Course # 704
Instructor: Jim Hodel
Still Photographers primarily use flash. Videographers use continuous light sources. Learn how to set up and modify video quality lights to create pleasing and dramatic scenes. Understand color temperature, diffusion and the use of flags, scrims and gobos. Learn how to light a talking head, interview or an entire set in this one day workshop.

Wedding Videography  $340.00

Course #705

Instructor:  Jim Hodel

This two-day weekend workshop is specific to creating a video of a wedding.

The first day, we consider the unique challenges facing wedding videographers and examine strategies and equipment necessary to shoot a church ceremony and reception. Students develop a detailed concept for their final videos and a devise shooting plans to realize these goals.

Next, we move to a local church where models serve as bride and groom and students practice shooting a church ceremony.  Then the class moves to a "reception" where students practice shooting typical scenes.

The second day is spent in MPW's video editing facility. After reviewing the prior day's shoot, students load their footage into the computers, log shots and edit their videos. Creation of a finished DVD, including graphics, packaging, menus and chapters will be discussed. Wedding videography can be extremely lucrative as a primary or secondary career.

Pre-Requisite:  Digital Video Production and Computer (non-linear) editing #701

New for 2008!!!

Green Screen for Video  $230.00

Course #706
Instructor: Jim Hodel

Have you ever wondered how TV weather reporters appear in front of the weather map on the news?
The answer is a process called "chroma keying" or "green screen". The reporter is actually in front of a specially colored studio background. The weather graphics are completely separate images. Using computer software, the reporter is "cut out" from his/her background and pasted on top of the weather map.
In this one day, hands-on workshop, you will learn how to set up, light and shoot green screen footage in the MPW studio. Then you will combine your video with other images/scenes using Adobe Premiere to produce your own chroma key composite.
From Hollywood to YouTube, this powerful technique is used every day. Actors who appears in exotic or dangerous situations are often performing in a comfortable studio interacting with footage shot elsewhere. Learn how to expand your creative options (and save money shooting on location) using green screen!

Sound Recording and Mixing for Video

Course # 707

Revised 3-16-2008