Expedition Details

In this workshop, new in 2012, explore the ever-expanding world of multimedia technology, combining stills, video, and sound to tell your stories. Hone your storytelling ability by learning to use the latest tools for recording motion, collecting audio, and editing. Surrounded by stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and radiant light for inspiration, participants work in small teams to find, shoot, and edit several short multimedia pieces over the course of a week in historic Santa Fe.

This unique workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer with filmmaking experience, as well as a professional instructor. Both will lead daily discussions and demonstrations covering multimedia equipment, story choices and development, audio recording, and basic sequencing and editing. The workshop will also include time in the field, in and around historic Santa Fe, to gather your sounds and images.

This workshop is designed for amateur photographers and filmmakers with a solid understanding of their DSLR camera. A camera (still or video) that shoots HD video is recommended for this workshop.

Itinerary - 7 Days

Day 1 — Santa Fe

Arrive in Santa Fe and settle into the historic, adobe-style La Fonda Hotel, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Gather for a reception and dinner with your instructors and fellow visual storytellers.
La Fonda on the Plaza (D)

Day 2 — Santa Fe

This morning, learn how a National Geographic multimedia piece is conceived, produced, and edited, with a presentation by our expert, who will also discuss multimedia fundamentals. After lunch, learn techniques for shooting DSLR video and various options for recording sound. Then divide into small teams and venture into Santa Fe for your first assignment: an interview. With its Spanish, Native American, and Wild West flavors, Santa Fe offers countless fascinating subjects. Spend the rest of the day recording your video portrait.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L)

Day 3 — Santa Fe

After a morning presentation on editing essentials, edit the interview you recorded yesterday using appropriate software (Soundslides, iMovie, or Final Cut). This afternoon, discuss story development and collaborate with your team to choose a story idea to produce over the next several days. Perhaps you will document a local artist carving traditional santos, a day in the life a retired rodeo clown, or the 20-year history of the fajitas cart on the Plaza. Conceptualize and research your idea, then practice with your equipment for tomorrow’s shoot.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L)

Day 4 — Santa Fe

Today is devoted to shooting your story. Work on location with your team to record interviews, ambient sounds, and narration. Capture additional stills and video around Santa Fe to enrich your narrative. This evening, gather with your instructors to review the day’s footage and make plans for final shooting tomorrow.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L)

Day 5 — Santa Fe

This morning, continue shooting video and recording audio for your story, then return to the classroom in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon reviewing your multimedia content and developing strategies for integrating it into a cohesive narrative. Attend a presentation by your instructors on editing techniques in preparation for the postproduction phase.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L)

Day 6 — Santa Fe

Collaborate with your team on the final editing of sound, stills, and video. Review a rough cut with your instructors and utilize their feedback to craft a succinct, compelling story. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Santa Fe

This morning, gather for an exciting screening of the week’s stories and a final critique and recap with your instructors. The workshop ends at noon.
(B)

Related Trip

• Photography Workshop: Santa Fe

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