Introduction to Drone Video Editing - Summer 2026

FACULTY Sky Safari Drone Photography Senior Pilots Chuck Porter and Mark Erskine DATE / TIME July 25 - 26, 2026 | Saturday & Sunday 12:30-5:30pm TUITION $290 + tax Payment & Refund Policy Scholarship Opportunities FORMAT In-person, enrollment is limited to 10 students LEVEL Foundation PREREQS No prior video editing experience required, but prior experine in digital photo editing helpful. Join us for this two-day workshop introducing the fundamentals of drone video editing. Designed for beginners, this workshop assumes no prior experience with video editing software. While the focus will be on drone footage, the skills learned apply to editing any type of digital video. Over the course of two days, students will learn how to transform raw video clips into a cohesive, polished project using DaVinci Resolve. Day one will focus on understanding the editing interface, working with video and audio media, importing footage, and building a basic sequence. Students will learn how to select effective clips, trim and arrange them on a timeline, and create smooth transitions between shots. On day two, we will refine projects by exploring layering techniques, incorporating music and sound effects, and shaping pacing to support visual storytelling. We will also discuss best practices for capturing drone footage that edits well, including practical camera setup considerations. Students will work with instructor-provided drone footage and may bring their own media to edit during the workshop. During this workshop you can expect to gain: A foundational understanding of video editing workflow Confidence navigating DaVinci Resolve Practical experience building a short, edited project Tools for organizing and shaping drone footage into a cohesive piece Topics include: Overview of video editing software and workflow Understanding video and audio files (media) Importing and organizing footage Selecting and trimming clips Building a continuous sequence on the timeline Working with transitions Working with titles Layering video clips for composite effects Adding music and foley sound effects Introductory discussion of drone camera setup for improved editing results What to Bring: Windows or Mac laptop Power cord DaVinci Resolve (Free Version) installed prior to arrival Instructor project files downloaded to your laptop prior to arrival Headphones or earbuds connected to your laptop Optional: Personal video footage INSTRUCTOR BIOS Mark Erskine is a private (single engine land) pilot and an FAA 14 CFR Part 107 commercial drone pilot.He is an Emmy-award-winning writer, producer, and videographer. His career spans broadcast TV, corporate media, and communications among the Fortune 100. At Boeing, he oversaw a large team of Photographers, Videographers, and Editors located nationally and internationally. His TV broadcast production career went from being a videographer/editor/producer to Executive Management at major market television stations, as well as founder and owner of his own broadcast production company. There he produced complete series for HGTV, Discovery Communications, Food Network, and more. Chuck Porter is a private (single engine land) pilot and an FAA 14 CFR Part 107 commercial drone pilot. He is an internationally recognized, award-winning photographer and adventure traveler. He's traveled to nearly 80 countries during his consulting career, and as a photographer, diver, motorcyclist, and commercial drone pilot. He has taught and continues to lecture at Seattle University, has held numerous advisory and search roles at the University, served as their Chief Information Officer, and currently sits on the Seattle University Board of Trustees. He is a commercial photographer specializing in travel, landscape, adventure, architecture, and astro-photography. He's been published in BMW Owners News magazine, Alaska Airlines in-flight magazine, numerous books, and numerous client commercial websites. Images © Sky Safari Drone Photography