Integrating Photography & Micro-documentary Filmmaking
A fine art artist, well-known educator.
Xiaowei Chen
Michael Shi
Award-Winning Photographer and Master Visual Storyteller.
City Life Stages Visual Storytelling Program
3 DAYS
Integrating Photography & Micro-documentary Filmmaking
Course Overview :
The City Life Stages Visual Storytelling Program is a comprehensive visual arts course set within real urban environments. Integrating photography and micro-documentary filmmaking, the program guides students to observe, interpret, and visually narrate the lived experiences of people at different stages of life within the city.
As part of the course, students will conduct on-site photography at a senior care facility. Upon completion, selected photographs will be printed and returned to the facility as a gesture of gratitude and community engagement. Through this process, students learn not only visual storytelling skills, but also the social responsibility and public value of image-making. The creative process itself becomes a meaningful act of social participation.
Time: 9: 30 AM – 3:30 PM
Who This Course Is For :
This course is designed for students ages 11 and above who demonstrate basic comprehension and execution abilities.
No prior professional experience in photography or video production is required. With structured guidance, students will simultaneously develop observational skills, visual awareness, and foundational technical methods throughout the program.
CAmp Information:
Schedule :(4 days per week)optional 3 more days for add documentary
4 DAYS: Integrating Photography
3 DAYS :Micro-documentary Filmmaking
-
June 15 - 18
-
August 24 – 27
-
June 19 - 21
-
June 28 - 30
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Group Size: 6 students
Tuition: $1,980 / Student
Time: 9: 30 AM – 3:30 PM
Group Size: 3 students
Tuition: $2,100 / Student
Age Group: 10 and above
Structure & Duration :
Total Duration: 6 days (4 + 3 days), immersive visual storytelling program
Format: Small-group, phased instruction
Course Goal: Completion of a cohesive, city-themed visual narrative project
Making an Interview Appointment: The three-day interview option may require a new setup date. Students are required to contact us in advance to schedule an interview time with their interviewee.
🎯
Creative Focus
The program centers on the theme “Stages of Life in the City,” with particular attention to:
· Urban life and daily routines of young adults
· Later-life experiences of senior citizens
· Children and adolescents in stages of growth
Students will photograph in authentic environments such as public streets, senior care facilities, and dance studios, learning to document real life with respect, sensitivity, and ethical awareness.
Gallery of 2 days interview
Daily Structure
Phase One | Photography Summer Camp
(Day 1 – Day 4 | 6–8 students per group)
📷 Day 1
🏛 Day 2
Urban Public Spaces & Street Portraits
Documentary Portraits in a Senior Care Facility (Community Engagement Day)
Students observe and document the daily lives of young people in the city, developing skills in street observation, composition, and natural light usage.
Students conduct human-centered documentary photography, capturing the daily moments and emotional states of seniors. Each student will write a short note of appreciation for their subjects. Photographs will be edited, printed, and later returned to the facility as a tangible act of community giving.
🌆 Day 3
A Day in the Life of Dance Students
🎨 Day 4
Editing & Photographic Narrative Integration
Through a combination of dynamic and still imagery, students create a photo series that documents a complete day, exploring rhythm, movement, and the experience of growth.
Students complete image selection, sequencing, and narrative structuring, resulting in a preliminary photo essay and an individual thematic photography project.
Phase Two | Micro-Documentary Project
(Day 5 – Day 7 | 2–4 students per group)
📷 Day 5:Documentary Fundamentals & Street Filming Practice
9:30 – 10:30 | Documentary Fundamentals
12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch Break
-
What is a documentary
-
Basic structure of documentaries
-
Core elements of a Micro Documentary
-
Narrative logic and fundamental theories of documentary filmmaking
10:30 – 12:00 | Equipment & Sound Workshop
1:00 – 3:30 | Street Filming Practice
-
On-site filming in public spaces
-
Familiarization with cameras and audio equipment
-
Observational filming exercises
-
Applying morning lessons to real filming practice
-
Basic camera operation
-
Common camera settings used in documentary filming
-
How to use wireless microphones
-
Fundamental principles of sound recording for documentaries
📷 Day 6 | On-Location Documentary Filming
9:00 – 12:00 | Location Shooting
1:00 – 3:30 | Continued Location Filming
-
Documentary on-location filming workflow
-
Filming locations: South Station or downtown Boston
-
Capturing environments, people, actions, and details
-
Practicing authentic documentary filming methods
-
Building a simple narrative structure
-
Shooting supplementary footage (B-roll)
-
Preparing complete footage for post-production editing
12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch Break
📷 Day 7 | CapCut Editing & Post-Production
9:00 – 12:00 | CapCut Editing Instruction
1:00 – 3:00 | Editing Practice & Finalization
-
Organizing and importing footage
-
CapCut interface and basic operations
-
Fundamental editing workflow
-
Establishing visual rhythm and story structure
-
Students independently edit their own micro documentaries
-
One-on-one guidance
-
Completing a rough cut
-
Film screening and group feedback
12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch Break