Workshops

Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts offers workshops in various program areas to encourage students, alumni, and the public to continue their education by keeping up with the latest technologies and trends.

For more information or to register for an upcoming workshop, please complete our online registration form: REGISTER ONLINE or contact us by phone at 800-808-CDIA (2342).

Upcoming Workshops:

(02/11/12) – Intro to Lightroom – Follow up to Intro to Digital SLR
(02/24/12) – Google Analytics for Business : Introduction
(02/25/12) – Introduction to Digital SLR
(02/25/12 – 02/26/12) – Hollywood Film Sounds for Desktop Filmmakers
(03/03/12) – Introduction to Digital Filmmaking with HDSLR
(03/09/12) – Google Analytics for Business : Advanced
(03/10/12) – HDR Photography, Creating Dynamic and Creative Images
(03/19/12 – 03/23/12) – FCP200 Comprehensive Study of Final Cut Pro X
(05/26/12 – 05/27/12) – Drupal Workshop with Dani Nordin

Intro to Lightroom – Follow up to Intro to Digital SLR

When: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Time: 9:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Waltham MA Campus
Instructor: Damian Hickey
Cost:$125

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

We will be putting all the ideas and tools from the “Intro to Digital SLR Workshop into practice”. Today we will be making photographs; there will be a few short shooting assignments. Then we
will deal with the workflow of getting images into the computer so we can enhance the
images and share them.

Brief review of camera functions (f-stop, shutter speed, iso)
Demo shoot – as a class we will talk through the steps of making a photograph
Shooting time – students will head out with assignments and shoot
Processing time – We will reconvene in the computer lab and will discuss using
Adobe Lightroom to organize and process your image, as well as the basic image
workflow Image import –keywords, metadata, renaming
Viewing images – how lightroom organizes things
Developing images using lightroom – color correction, brightening and darkening
Exporting images – for print, email, web etc

For this workshop students should bring their own digital SLR’s and any lenses they may
have. The only prerequisite is owning a digital SLR and the desire to learn more about
the functions of their camera and what creative possibilities they have when using their
camera.

*Prerequisites – Intro to Digital SLR Workshop or a functional understanding of how to use your DSLR Camera

Google Analytics for Business : Introduction

When: Friday, February 24, 2012
Time: 9:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Waltham MA Campus
Instructor: Jay Murphy
Cost:$199 CDIA, BU; $249 Public

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

* Learn how web metrics can drive business success
* Installing Google Analytics
* How to use the built in reports:
o Visitor Reports
o Content Reports
o Referral Sources
* Managing Reports
o The Basics of Custom Reporting
o Setting up Visitor Goals and Funnels
o Landing Pages and Keywords
o Linking to AdWords
* Students will receive a Google Analytics book, all course material electronically and in hardcopy.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of websites and business.

Jay Murphy – Jay has been using Google Analytics since the beta product was released in 2004, he holds a Google Analytics Individual Qualification certificate and has delivered lectures on Google Analyticsto audiences of more than 400 people.

Jay founded his own company, Trionia (www.Trionia.com) in 2001 and began teaching at CDIA BU in 2009. Trionia provides online marketing services – including Google Analytics – for mid-sized to Fortune 100 businesses. Some of Trionia’s projects include the global rollout of the world’s second largest Intranet site, with approximately 340,000 daily users as well as numerous CMS (Joomla!) based websites.

Before Trionia, Jay worked at Sapient where he was responsible for delivering websites to a variety of industries including financial, entertainment, health care and energy services. Jay’s earlier experiences at Draper Laboratory helped him to hone his analytical talent where he analyzed guidance systems and created spacecraft navigation software for the U.S. Navy, U. S. Air Force and NASA.

Introduction to Digital SLR

When: Saturday, February 25th, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Waltham MA Campus
Instructor: Damian Hickey
Cost: $125

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

Would you like to get the most creative control out of your new digital SLR camera? In this hands on workshop, we will cover technical and creative aspects of your camera. Whether you are photographing a family party, sports event or landscape; we will be covering topics that will allow you to choose camera settings that will best suit your shooting situation.

We will be taking an in depth look at your cameras functions and menus; including lens choice and depth of field, ISO choice, auto focus choices for different situations, as well as optimizing your exposures and the choice of shooting RAW files versus JPG files. We will also cover the basics of framing subjects in photographs and techniques for composing a better photograph.

For this workshop students should bring their own digital SLR’s and any lenses they may have. The only prerequisite is owning a digital SLR and the desire to learn more about the functions of their camera and what creative possibilities they have when using their camera.

Hollywood Film Sounds for Desktop Filmmakers

When: Saturday, February 25, 2012 – Sunday, February 26, 2012
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Waltham Campus
Instructor: Claes Nystrom
Cost: $150 CDIA; $200 public

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

This workshop is a concentrated look at how film sound is created in Hollywood. This workshop will demonstrate how flmmakers can gain an advantage by utilizing the same powerful methods in the video post production process. There will be a strong focus on the detail of storytelling using methods and techniques with sound.

Workshop is designed for Film Directors, Picture Editors, Desktop Filmmakers, Post Production Sound Students, Film Producers and Film Composers.

Students will learn Storytelling with sound and powerful yet simplistic sound mixing techniques, in-depth knowledge of all essential sound mixing terminology and methodology.

The following topics will be covered:
• The storytelling function of sound in a film
• Introduction to film sound groups and stems
• Mixing to calibrated levels, why and how
• Capturing audio the right way
• Track layout, why and how
• Proper dialogue editing techniques
• Introduction to sound mixing tools like EQ, compressor and reverb
• How to choose the right background sound from a library
• Sound effects editing techniques
• How to choose the right temp music and why it matters so much
• Music editing techniques
• Proper placement of Academy Leader, Marks/Pops, Bars/Tones
• Mixing with distance perspective
• Why window burn TC is so important
• How proper OMF/AAF delivery can save you time and money
• How sound skills can give you a competitive edge
• Sound Utility Files handout

Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of sound editing features of any video editing software.

Claes Nystrom has a long tenured background as a supervising sound editor, re-recording mixer and head of a post production sound facility in Los Angeles. In 2001, he received a peer award nomination from Cinema Audio Society for “Outstanding Achievement In Sound Mixing”. During his 15 year residence in Los Angeles, he has also been a film composer for all of the major Hollywood film studios, specializing in creating custom scores for movie trailers. His film composing work also includes long format original scores for clients like Sydney Pollack and Stanton Kaye. With a background both as a film composer and sound supervisor, Claes brings a unique view on the story telling aspects, techniques and methodologies of film sound—specifically as it applies to the desktop filmmaker.

Intro to Digital Filmmaking with HDSLR

When:Saturday, March 03, 2012
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Waltham Campus
Instructor: Paul Hirshberger
Cost: $125

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

In this intensive, one-day HDSLR (high definition DSLR) workshop we will exploring the Canon EOS DSLR and the equipment necessary for remarkable video. This workshop is designed for beginners and intermediate users. You do not need to bring a HDSLR camera, however we encourage those who have HDSLR cameras to bring them.

Topics covered in this workshop include:

Introduction to the Canon 7D DSLR
Essential equipment necessary to the DSLR’s filmmaking
Menu review and how to set up camera
Lens and Filter Selection
Choosing the right accessories for your DSLR
Video Monitoring
Recording proper sound for DSLR filmmaking
Sound options
Camera support
Exposure
Hands on shooting and review.
Timelapse recording with your DSLR
Data transfer and Production workflow techniques

Paul Hirshberger embraced HDSLR filmmaking early, and has worked on independent and documentary films as well as commercial shoots outfitted with the Canon 7D and Canon 5D MKII.

“Being able to use a still camera to make movies is not only fun, but adds to your job skills tool kit.” -Paul Hirschberger

Google Analytics for Business : Advanced

When: Friday, March 09, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Waltham MA Campus
Instructor: Jay Murphy
Cost: $99 CDIA/BU; $125 Public

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

* Advanced analysis
* Understanding Google Analytics cookies and JavaScript
* Advanced Techniques:
o Event Tracking
o Custom Variables
o Advanced Segments
o Data API
* Advanced Analysis
o eCommerce maximization
o Landing page optimization
o SEO Reports and Analysis
* Students will receive a Google Analytics book, all course material electronically and in hardcopy.

Prerequisites: Google Analytics Introduction and basic understanding of JavaScripting, tagging and search optimization.

HDR Photography, Creating Dynamic and Creative Images

When: Saturday, March 10, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Waltham MA Campus
Instructor: Damian Hickey
Cost: $99 CDIA/BU; $125 Public

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

This Workshop will focus on the creative and artistic possibilities of HDR (high dynamic range) photography.

In this intensive one-day workshop we will cover both creation and optimization of image exposure for your HDR images. This will cover composition, exposure, and use of software programs to create a final HDR image. We will begin the day discussing the concepts of HDR photography and controlling and optimizing light in your final images. We will then move on location to shoot images as a group. As a group will shoot one set of images and discuss techniques and concepts. We will then move back to computer labs and as a group bring this set of images through HDR software, including photomatix and Photoshop. We will discuss the Techniques and processing of multi image HDR. The day will by discussing basic and advanced masking techniques in Photoshop to fine-tune your HDR images.

Topics covered in this workshop include:
• How to capture optimal images, composition, exposure bracketing and control of light in your image exposures
• Software used to create HDR images (Photomatix and Photoshop)
• Avoiding over processed looking images
• Understanding light and the dynamic range of your camera
• Advanced layering in Photoshop

* Prerequisite: Students should have a basic to intermediate knowledge of their cameras and Photoshop. Students should bring their own digital SLR’s and any lenses they may have as well as a memory card, card reader, an external harddrive or a flash drive to store your files.

FCP200 Comprehensive Study of Final Cut Pro X

When: Monday,March 19, 2012 – Friday, March 23, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: CDIA – Waltham Campus
Instructor: R.J. Placko
Cost: $1200 Public; $960 CDIA/BU

Final Cut Pro X is a revolutionary video editing application that makes it possible for beginners and seasoned professionals to achieve stunning results. This five-day, hands-on course teaches students to perform basic editing functions while becoming familiar with the user interface. Start with basic video editing techniques and work all the way through Final Cut Pro’s powerful advanced features. Students work with dramatic real-world media to learn the practical techniques used daily in editing projects.

This course is based on the FCP 101: Introduction to Final Cut Pro X course. However, the lessons are covered in five days, providing more comprehensive coverage of the material.

What You Will Learn
• Creating Smart Collections to organize media based on metadata and keywords.
• Using the Magnetic Timeline for an exceptionally fast, fluid new way to edit.
• Combining multiple elements into a single Compound Clip.
• Finetuning clips in the timeline with the Precision Editor.
• Comparing alternate shots from a collection of clips with just a click using auditions.
• Applying effects, transitions and retiming clips.
• Finishing and final output.

Drupal Workshop

When: Saturday, May 26, 2012 – Sunday, May 27, 2012
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Waltham, MA Campus
Instructor: Dani Nordin
Cost: $199 CDIA/BU; $249 Public

Please contact us to register: REGISTER ONLINE or by phone 800-808-CDIA (2342)

In this workshop students will learn:
• A strategy for setting up a local development on the Mac platform for faster development;
• How to install and configure Drupal 7 on their local development environment;
• How to talk to clients about information architecture, and what information you need up front to work efficiently in Drupal;
• How to find the right modules to support your site plan;
• How to break down a wireframe or design layout, to determine how Drupal constructs content within the site;
• The basics of setting up content types, blocks and Views (two fundamental activities in Drupal site building);
• How to choose the right base theme for your project, and create a sub-theme for customization;
• An overview of the theme layer, LessCSS and theming strategy.

Prerequisites: Students should be familiar with HTML and CSS, familiarity with some PHP is a bonus. Students must be proficient in Dreamweaver or Textmate and know how to look at code in order to take this workshop. Also, they should understand the basics of developing for content management systems.

Suggested Reading:
Note: these books are not required for the workshop; however, they have a lot of valuable information that will help you as you move forward in using Drupal.

• Using Drupal, Addison Berry and Angela Byron. This book focuses on “recipes” for building a variety of websites in Drupal, and is extremely useful to have around. The newer version focuses on Drupal 7, the focus of this workshop.

CDIA will be providing computers installed with software for this workshop, however If students would like to use their own laptops, you are expected to:

• If on Mac, have installed Less.app (incident57.com/less) and MAMP (mamp.info) on their laptops.

• If using Ubuntu, visit https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ApacheMySQLPHP for help installing the LAMP stack on your machine.

• If on Windows, visit http://www.wampserver.com/en/ for information on how to install the WAMP server on Windows. NOTE: Unfortunately, some aspects of Drupal development (particularly Drush, the Drupal shell module, which we won’t discuss in the workshop, but you should know about) are known to be problematic on Windows machines.

• For both Windows and Ubuntu folks who don’t have site editing software installed, check out Aptana Studio 3. It’s open source, free, and pretty comprehensive. There’s a Mac version available, but I prefer Coda, for ease of use and Terminal access right within the application.

Dani Nordin is an independent user experience designer and strategist who specializes in smart, human-friendly design for progressive brands. She discovered design purely by accident as a Theatre student at Rhode Island College in 1995, and has been doing some combination of design, public speaking and writing ever since. Dani was one of several contributors to “The Definitive Guide to Drupal 7”(Apress); she is currently writing “Drupal for Designers,” a series of guides for Drupal designers, being published by O’Reilly Media. She blogs almost regularly at www.daninordin.com.

Events Calendar

Upcoming Events at BU CDIA:

See our Events Calendar for a list of upcoming workshops, guest speakers, and networking events scheduled at BU CDIA:
Calendar Page