Photo and Video Tools

Visual means of communication are becoming increasingly popular, and just as expertise in rhetoric was essential for full immersion in intellectual and political life in earlier times, visual communication skills prove just as essential today and in the future. Students of the 21st century must learn to plan, shoot, and edit effective photo documentation and short videos. Through a lens is a totally new and different way to view the world. Other than the technical skills involved in photography, videography, and video editing, exposing students to photo documentation and as a means of communication gives them the skills to see different sides of the everyday while providing them with the confidence to approach situations in a new way.

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Common Softwares for Photo Editing

Adobe Bridge - Free Trial, from $19.99/mo. as Part of Adobe Creative Suite

• Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability: Organize photos; make adjustments on RAW images from light and color balance to spot treatment
• Platform: Mac/PC

Adobe Lightroom - Free Trial, from $9.99/mo. as Part of Adobe Creative Suite for Photography

• Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability:  
• Platform: Mac/PC

Adobe Photoshop - Free Trial, from $9.99/mo. as Part of Adobe Creative Suite for Photography

• Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability: Make one-of-a-kind edits to your images with the ability to add custom layers and effects
• Platform: Mac/PC

Apple Photos - Free for Apple Devices

• Estimated tutorial time: 1 hour (basic)
• Suggested age range: 10+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability: Make basic lighting and clarity adjustments
• Platform: Mac

Gimp - Free Downloadable Photo Manipulation

• Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
  • Official Gimp Tutorials
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability: A great free alternative to Photoshop, Gimp offers many of the same features
• Platform: Mac

Video Editing

Common Softwares for Video Editing

Adobe Premiere Pro - Free Trial, from $19.99/mo. as Part of Adobe Creative Suite

• Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability:
• Platform: Mac

Apple iMovie - Free for Apple Devices

• Estimated tutorial time: 1-2 hours (basic)
  • Official iMovie Support
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability:
• Platform: Mac

Final Cut Pro - Free Trial, $299 Subscription

• Estimated tutorial time: 2-6 hours (basic)
• Suggested age range: 12+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability:
• Platform: Mac

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+ Documentation tells a story. In making, photos often tell the client (peer, teacher) more about a project than words can convey. "Show me, don't tell me."

+ Documentation gives the maker a realistic sense​of how their work has progressed and what skills still need improvement.

+ Documentation of completed work can inspire others to create, too. There can never be too many makers: the maker community is supportive and collaborative.

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