Lessons

Photography, Videography & Cinematography

This course will guide you through the fundamental principles and techniques of capturing the world around us. In this first section, we'll start with the basics, defining the core terms that form the foundation of photography, videography, and cinematography, and clarify the distinctions and overlaps between these three disciplines.

The History and Evolution of Visual Capture

The journey of visual capture is a tale of human curiosity and innovation, stretching back centuries before the invention of the camera we know today. It all started with a simple observation of how light behaves.

Types of Cameras

Over the years, cameras have evolved dramatically, from simple box-like contraptions to sophisticated, high-tech gadgets. Today’s cameras are not only versatile but cater to a broad spectrum of needs, from casual snapshots to professional cinematic masterpieces. This lesson will guide you through an understanding of the different types of cameras available today, while also taking a brief look back at their historical development.

Understanding Focal Lengths

This lesson will explore the fundamental concepts of camera lens focal length, a critical aspect of photography and filmmaking. We will define focal length, understand its impact on field of view and perspective, and explore its practical applications in various shooting scenarios.

The Exposure Triangle

The exposure triangle is a foundational concept in both photography and cinematography. It refers to the three primary camera settings that dictate the amount of light captured by your camera's sensor or film: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Mastering their interplay is essential for achieving well-exposed, creative, and visually compelling images and videos.

Exploring Depth of Field

Depth of field (DOF) is a fundamental concept in both photography and cinematography, referring to the area within an image that appears acceptably sharp. It's the region in front of and behind your subject that is in focus. Understanding and controlling depth of field is a powerful tool for visual storytelling, allowing you to guide the viewer's eye, emphasize specific elements, and create unique aesthetic effects.

White Balance

This lesson provides an overview of white balance in photography and cinematography, explaining its purpose, how it's measured, and various methods for achieving accurate and creative color rendition.

Digital Media File Formats

In the world of digital visual capture, the image or video you capture is not a single, monolithic entity. It's a collection of data, and how that data is packaged and stored is a critical decision that affects everything from image quality to editing flexibility and storage space. This chapter will demystify the two most common file formats in photography and videography. Understanding their fundamental differences is essential for taking full control of your creative workflow.

Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio

This section of our course dedicated to the art of arranging visual elements within your frame. It's one thing to know how your camera works, but it's another entirely to create compelling, meaningful images. This chapter will introduce you to two foundational principles that have guided artists for centuries, The Rule of Thirds and The Golden Ratio.

Leading Lines, Symmetry, and Patterns

Building on an understanding of fundamental compositional principles, this chapter explores additional techniques that guide the viewer's eye and create visual harmony. Leading lines, symmetry, and patterns are all tools you can use to add structure, depth, and rhythm to your images and videos.

The 180-Degree Shutter Rule

This lesson will delve into the 180-degree shutter rule, a crucial guideline for filmmakers aiming to achieve natural and visually appealing motion in their video projects. We will explore its definition, underlying principles, practical applications, and creative exceptions.