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
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.
CAmp Information:
Schedule :
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June 15 - 18 | June 19 - 20
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August 24 – 27 | June 28 - 29
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(4 days per week) optional 2 more days
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Age Group: 10 and above
Group Size: 6 students
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.
Structure & Duration :
· Total Duration: 6 days (4 + 2 days), immersive visual storytelling program
· Format: Small-group, phased instruction
· Course Goal: Completion of a cohesive, city-themed visual narrative project
🎯
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 6 | 2–4 students per group)
📷 Day 5
Documentary Filming & Interview Practice
🏛 Day 6
Editing & Final Production
Students develop topics, learn interview techniques, and conduct on-location filming, building the basic structure of a micro-documentary.
Students complete footage organization, editing, sound, and subtitles, producing a micro-documentary under 2 minutes in length.