Course Overview

This is the final course in the Citizen Reporting Certificate Program. Students will learn about the importance of incorporating visuals and art using simple tools like a smartphone. It will cover the basics of photography, video, and podcasting. Topics covered in this course include:

• Create photographs that incorporate a focus on framing, lighting, and representation of people.
• Write strong captions
• Understand the basics of editing photos, videos, and audio clips including the tools for building a studio
• Review available software
• Apply storyboard techniques for various types of stories

Course Structure

Class Dates: 1/22/24 thru 2/4/24

CR108 is a non-credit course 14 days (2 weeks) in length, which has an average time commitment of 3-7 hours per weekly module. The class is offered online in an asynchronous format, meaning you can work on the course any time of day. All instructional materials are included, and will be hosted through Point Park University's LMS, Canvas. Throughout the course you will receive feedback from industry-professional instructors, and a tangible piece of work.

Pre-requisites: All students who wish to enroll must register and complete the "Introduction to Citizen Reporting" class first to ensure you have the foundations needed to succeed.

Instructor

Nate Smallwood
Freelance Photojournalist

Nate Smallwood is a freelance photojournalist and documentary filmmaker based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nate worked as a staff photographer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review for 5 years, and subsequently built a career freelancing for clients such as ProPublica, Apple, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others. 

Contact Information

All questions regarding the program should be sent to the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at SCPS@PointPark.Edu