Learn Photography / Videography
Master camera exposure physics, 3-point lighting setups, composition techniques, audio recording, color grading, and video editing workflows.
Course Curriculum
Chapter 1: Manual Camera Exposure, Lenses & Composition
Goal: Master the exposure triangle, lens characteristics, and cinematic framing rules.
1.1 The Exposure Triangle (Aperture, Shutter, ISO)
- Aperture (f-stop): Control depth of field to isolate subjects with smooth background bokeh (e.g., f/1.8) or keep landscapes sharp (e.g., f/8).
- Shutter Speed & 180-Degree Rule: Set shutter speed to double your video frame rate (e.g., 24fps at 1/50s) for natural motion blur.
- ISO & Sensor Noise: Keep base ISO low (100–400) to minimize noise, utilizing secondary native ISOs in low light.
1.2 Composition Rules & Lens Selection
- Framing rules: Master the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, negative space, and foreground framing elements.
- Focal lengths: Understand the visual characteristics of wide (24mm for environments), standard (50mm for natural perspective), and telephoto lenses (85mm+ for portraits).
- Camera movement: Execute smooth pans, tilts, tracking shots, and parallax push-ins to add cinematic motion.
Chapter 2: 3-Point Lighting, Audio Capture & Post-Production
Goal: Master studio lighting setups, clean audio recording, and video editing in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro.
2.1 3-Point Lighting & Clean Audio Capture
- 3-point lighting setup: Set Key light (main subject exposure), Fill light (soften shadows), and Rim/Hair light (separate subject from background).
- Diffusing light: Use softboxes, diffusion silks, and bounce boards to eliminate harsh specular reflections on faces.
- Audio recording: Position wireless lavalier or directional shotgun mics within 12 inches of the speaker, keeping peaks between -12dB and -6dB.
2.2 Video Editing, Color Correction & Grading
- Rough cut pacing: Assemble footage, cut dead air, and match cuts to speech cadence and music beats.
- Color correction: Correct white balance, set true black/white points using video scopes, and apply balanced LUTs.
- Export settings: Export high-bitrate MP4/H.264 masters formatted specifically for YouTube (4K) and Instagram Reels (1080x1920).
Chapter 3: Required Books for Detailed Knowledge
Goal: Study cinematography techniques, lighting theory, and visual storytelling.
3.1 Essential Reading
Master camera exposure physics, cinematic composition, and studio lighting with these industry books:
1. **Understanding Exposure (4th Edition)** by Bryan Peterson
*The essential guide to mastering aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and creative exposure control under any lighting condition.*
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2. **Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting** by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, Paul Fuqua
*The definitive textbook on lighting physics, reflections, diffusion, and illuminating difficult subjects.*
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3. **The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age** by Steven Ascher & Edward Pincus
*The authoritative bible covering cinema cameras, lighting, audio capture, directing, and digital editing workflows.*
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Chapter 4: Required Tools
Goal: Equip your photography and video kit with professional lighting, audio, and camera gear.
4.1 Gear and Software
Recommended camera equipment, lighting, and audio tools for creators:
1. **Godox SL60W / SL60IID Continuous LED Video Light**
*Daylight-balanced 5600K continuous LED studio light with Bowens mount for professional softbox diffusion.*
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2. **DJI Mic / Rode Wireless GO II Compact Dual Microphone System**
*Broadcast-grade wireless lavalier microphone system with onboard recording and crystal-clear range.*
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3. **SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Memory Card (V30 / U3 / 200MB/s)**
*High-speed memory card capable of handling continuous high-bitrate 4K video recording without dropped frames.*
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