Dates: January 25 - February 1, 2026
Meetings: Sundays, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $395 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Stephan Hillerbrand
Skill Level: Open to All Levels
This hands-on, two-day workshop introduces photographers to the fundamentals of video making using only a smartphone. Designed for beginner to intermediate photographers, the workshop transforms everyday moments into compelling video narratives ready to share on social media and beyond. Harness the power of your smartphones to create compelling video content without the need for expensive equipment or professional videography experience. Over the span of this workshop, participants will learn the essentials of smartphone videography – learn how to shoot, edit, and share a cinematic 30-second "How to Cook Something" video, gaining practical skills in cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing—all through the lens of mobile storytelling.
Objectives:
Understand key differences between still photography and video, including time, motion, and sequencing
Learn how to shoot stable, well-composed video using an iPhone with or without accessories
Apply basic cinematography techniques such as framing, camera movement, and lighting
Record natural sound and basic Foley using mobile devices
Edit a short video using mobile editing apps like CapCut or iMovie
Create a cohesive 30-second instructional video using real-time visuals and editing
Add titles, transitions, and audio layers to enhance video clarity and impact
Export and post video content optimized for social media platforms
Prerequisites:
The course is suitable for any smartphone user, yet all demonstrations will be done using an iPhone. Students must be able to use a smartphone with video capture capabilities.
Course Prep:
In preparation for the first class, students must upgrade their phone to the latest OS version. In addition, the instructor will provide students with a list of apps that will be used during the course. Students are required to download and install them before coming to class.
Dates: January 25 - February 1, 2026
Meetings: Sundays, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $395 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Stephan Hillerbrand
Skill Level: Open to All Levels
This hands-on, two-day workshop introduces photographers to the fundamentals of video making using only a smartphone. Designed for beginner to intermediate photographers, the workshop transforms everyday moments into compelling video narratives ready to share on social media and beyond. Harness the power of your smartphones to create compelling video content without the need for expensive equipment or professional videography experience. Over the span of this workshop, participants will learn the essentials of smartphone videography – learn how to shoot, edit, and share a cinematic 30-second "How to Cook Something" video, gaining practical skills in cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing—all through the lens of mobile storytelling.
Objectives:
Understand key differences between still photography and video, including time, motion, and sequencing
Learn how to shoot stable, well-composed video using an iPhone with or without accessories
Apply basic cinematography techniques such as framing, camera movement, and lighting
Record natural sound and basic Foley using mobile devices
Edit a short video using mobile editing apps like CapCut or iMovie
Create a cohesive 30-second instructional video using real-time visuals and editing
Add titles, transitions, and audio layers to enhance video clarity and impact
Export and post video content optimized for social media platforms
Prerequisites:
The course is suitable for any smartphone user, yet all demonstrations will be done using an iPhone. Students must be able to use a smartphone with video capture capabilities.
Course Prep:
In preparation for the first class, students must upgrade their phone to the latest OS version. In addition, the instructor will provide students with a list of apps that will be used during the course. Students are required to download and install them before coming to class.
Images: Stephan Hillerbrand and Mary Magsamen
