Cinematography Masterclass for Beginners

Interested in being a cinematographer? In this lesson, Hollywood cinematographer Will explains the ins and outs of becoming a professional cinematographer.

In this cinematography lesson, learn if you should choose a film or digital camera, plus review the difference between DSLR, cinema, and mirrorless cameras.

In this cinematography lesson, learn all about video resolution, including what standard HD resolution is, and the difference between 2K and 4K resolution.

In this cinematography lesson, learn about frame rate, or frames per second (FPS), including what standard FPS is, how to shoot in slow motion, and more!

In this lesson, learn how to pick a lens for your camera that will give you high quality cinematography and review different memory card types and speeds.

In this cinematography lesson, learn what latitude means when it comes to video, and challenge yourself to create your own camera kit so you can start filming.

To master cinematography (or videography) you need to have skills to expose shots well with any camera, and this hands-on lesson covers the basics of exposure!

In this cinematography lesson, gain insight into the important role that the ISO number plays on your camera's sensitivity to light by reviewing demonstrations.

In this cinematography lesson, discover what the aperture is (also known as f-stop and iris), and how this affects camera exposure in cinematography.

In this cinematography lesson, learn how shutter speed works in film and digital cameras, and find out how to calculate how much shutter speed you need.

In this cinematography lesson, review the uses of neutral density (ND) filters, and discover how to use them to properly expose shots in bright situations.

In order to produce great video, exposure is key. In this videography lesson learn to adjust a camera (or DSLR camera) using the waveform and exposure meters.

Discover the definition of composition in this cinematography lesson and see why composition is another key film skill for all video creators to master.

Discover how to expose better video shot manually with any video camera—regardless of lighting conditions or production type—in this cinematography lesson!

A commonly used technique in film is to shift focus from a foreground object to a background object. This technique is called rack focus, and it's covered here!

In this lesson for aspiring cinematographers, review essential advice on how to get better shots for documentary, wedding, commercial, or narrative videos.

Considering a real cinematography project is helpful for applying your new filmmaking knowledge. In this lesson, review a conversation with a film producer!

Taking your cinematography skills to the next level includes adding movement to your shots. Discover the reasons why camera movement will improve your videos!

Shooting with movement can add emotion to your film. In this cinematography lesson, learn how to shoot tripod tilts and pans, and how to use a handheld camera.

Improve your skills and marketability as a cinematographer or camera operator by adding movement to your video work with dolly shots and steadicam shots!

Continue reviewing camera movement in this videography lesson and check out examples of jib shots. Then, see how drones can be used for aerial cinematography.

Lighting is a key factor in creating a beautiful image. In this lesson on cinematography for beginners, discover how lighting impacts video quality.

Did you know that color temperature affects an image? In this cinematography lesson, learn about different types of lights and how to set camera white balance.

In this cinematography lesson, learn how to power your lights on set. Review how to power lights, choose light stands, and stay safe when using electricity.

Try applying lighting concepts on set! In this video lighting lesson, review a lighting demonstration that shows how by changing lights, you can alter mood.

In this lesson on video lighting for cinematographers, cover a quick trick to make interviews and any shot of a person look better: three point lighting.

Being a cinematographer isn't easy and competition runs rampant! In this lesson, learn how to find work as a cinematographer and review the best way to network.

It's very important to have a website and reel to get cinematography work. In this lesson, discuss building a website, going to festivals, and working for free.

Choosing a rate, especially when starting out as a videographer or cinematographer, can be really tough. Learn to negotiate a rate and invoice for work here!

Beyond mastering camera skills, successful cinematographers need to understand how to operate on set, manage crews, and communicate with movie directors!

In this bonus cinematography lesson review a typical cinema digital camera (the Sony FS7) and check out all the various features this camera offers!