Mastering Video: A Beginner’s Guide to Better Videography
with Malik Longstreet at Anderson Lane
and
Joey Zheng at The Woodlands
You don't need a complicated camera setup or a shelf full of expensive gear to start creating great video. You need to understand how to see, shoot, and tell a story.
This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to take the guesswork out of videography and give you a solid foundation for creating better-looking, better-sounding video with the equipment you already have.
Whether you're creating content for social media, shooting videos for your business, documenting events, making music videos, or simply want to get more out of your camera, you'll learn practical techniques you can start using immediately.
Learn How to Shoot With Intention
We'll start with the fundamentals of what makes video feel polished and professional. You'll learn how to make stronger creative decisions before you hit record, including:
- Composition & Framing — Learn how to place your subject in the frame and create visually compelling shots.
- Shot Selection — Understand wide, medium, close-up, and detail shots and how to use them to build a sequence.
- Camera Angles — See how changing your camera position can influence perspective, emotion, and storytelling.
- Intentional Camera Movement — Explore pans, tilts, tracking shots, and other movement techniques that add energy without making footage feel chaotic.
- Resolution & Frame Rates — Understand common video resolutions and frame rates and when to use them.
- Essential Camera Settings — Get comfortable with the settings that actually matter when shooting video, without getting buried in technical jargon.
- Creating Better-Looking Footage — Learn simple techniques that can immediately improve the quality and consistency of your videos.
- Building Confidence Behind the Camera — Develop a repeatable approach so you spend less time second-guessing your settings and more time focusing on your creative ideas.
From "Press Record" to "Tell a Story"
Great video isn't just about having a high-end camera. It's about knowing what to capture and why.
Throughout the class, you'll learn how individual shots work together to create a sequence and how thoughtful framing, movement, and camera choices can turn ordinary footage into something that feels intentional.
The goal is to give you the confidence to pick up your camera, know what settings to use, and start creating video that looks like you meant to make it that way.
Who Is This Class For?
Beginner videographers and photographers looking to add video to their skill set.
No advanced videography experience is required. If you've ever looked at your camera's video menu and thought, "Where do I even start?"—this class is for you.
Bring your camera, your questions, and your ideas. Leave with a stronger understanding of how to create video and the confidence to start shooting.
About Malik Longstreet
Malik Longstreet is an Austin-based videographer with four years of professional experience creating music videos, brand content, and event productions. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Malik moved to Austin to continue developing his creative career and immerse himself in the city's vibrant visual and music scene.
His experience working across different types of productions has given him a practical understanding of how to adapt his approach to different subjects, environments, and creative goals. Malik brings that real-world perspective into the classroom, helping students move beyond camera settings and focus on the creative decisions that make video compelling.
About Joey Zheng
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As a Houston-born Cinematographer, Photographer, and Colorist, I've freelanced for a huge variety of projects, ranging from short and feature films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries all over the US, China, UAE and more. I began my journey as an amateur photographer in 2008 shooting for my high school yearbook, eventually finding my way studying photography and imaging at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where I eventually discovered a love for filmmaking. I currently shoot a variety of film and photography projects in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston, and occasionally marketing content for industrial clients like SLB, Phillips66, Halliburton, and others.
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Specialties:
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Cinematography/Videography
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Interior/Exterior Lighting
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Natural Lighting
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Camera Operation
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Gimbal/Steadicam Operation
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Preferred Cameras (in order of experience greatest to least): RED, Arri, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic
Ready to Start Shooting?
You don't need more gear. You need a better understanding of the gear you already have. Start building your video skills, find your visual style, and walk away ready to create with confidence.