Journalism & Media Production Multimedia How-To Video Series

We are looking for women or nonbinary lens-based workers for a series of short, introductory-level videos on technical topics in visual journalism. You pick the topic, and we offer production support.

The internet has lots of great video resources for learning multimedia, but nearly all of them feature white men as experts and many are geared toward commercial work and influencers, not journalism. We looked at YouTube videos about three-point lighting, for example, and more than 30 relevant videos came up in search results before the first video to feature a women of color as the expert.

We know representation matters to our students, both in practical ways and in how they envision what's possible in their careers. We always welcome guest speakers and professional mentors in the classroom, but we know your time is valuable and logistics can make that tough. Short tutorial videos are an effective way to supplement classroom learning and extend the reach of your expertise to many undergrads figuring out their own career goals.

The funded pilot round supports 3-4 videos produced by the end of 2023. Additional funding may be available next year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as funding allows.

The grant supports a $500 honorarium for each subject matter expert. An additional $500 is available for the editing/production of each video, which may be available to experts who can do their own video production.

Subject matter experts* should be women or nonbinary visual journalists in Washington state employed by a news organization or actively involved in publishing visual journalism within the past two years. Preference is given to people with a connection to Washington state, such as working in the state currently or being a graduate of Washington State University.

*If you're reading this and thinking "I'm not really an expert" please just substitute the word "coach" or "instructor" or "mentor" instead. And give yourself more credit for your experience and skills! We are supporters of lifelong learning and passing on what we know while still striving for more.

Videos should focus on a single technical topic explained at an introductory level. Examples of possible topics include:

Setting up a traditional interview shot
Why shutter speed matters in sports photography
How to set white balance
Why frame rate matters
What is an SLR camera vs. mirrorless?
What to pack for a press conference
Choosing which photo to publish with a story

We are especially interested in introductions to technical topics that students cannot learn hands-on because of equipment limitations, such as drone videography, telephoto lenses or soundboards.

Some examples of technical video tutorials we've used in class before are collected in this YouTube playlist.

To express interest, please send an email to Prof. Lisa Waananen Jones at [email protected] with "How-To Video Series" in the subject line:

In the email, please suggest 1-3 ideas of technical topics in your area of expertise that you think may work for a short tutorial video.
Include a résumé or portfolio link.
Indicate your preferred form of communication, if there are certain days or platforms that are best for you.

You will receive a response about scheduling a short meeting to discuss your proposal and video requirements. After review from a small committee, we'll make a plan for production and completion.