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Phil Ebiner, William Carnahan, and Video School

You want to get better at shooting video, right?

This online Cinematography Course will teach you how to shoot beautiful videos with any camera.

This course is designed to teach you the ins and outs of professional cinematography - the art of making motion pictures. While there are plenty of video courses, it's hard to find a comprehensive course that teaches you everything you'd want to know about shooting video.

This is the course for you, taught by a professional Hollywood cinematographer.

Read more

You want to get better at shooting video, right?

This online Cinematography Course will teach you how to shoot beautiful videos with any camera.

This course is designed to teach you the ins and outs of professional cinematography - the art of making motion pictures. While there are plenty of video courses, it's hard to find a comprehensive course that teaches you everything you'd want to know about shooting video.

This is the course for you, taught by a professional Hollywood cinematographer.

  • Learn the basics of getting great shots with any camera
  • Use the manual settings on your camera to expose your shot properly
  • Learn how to use camera movement to get more impressive shots
  • Light your video sets with traditional filmmaking techniques and lighting setups
  • Become a professional director of photography (cinematographer) with tips on how to find work in the video/film industry
  • Make money shooting videos

Improve Your Video Creation with This Complete Course

What makes us qualified to teach you?

We are Will and Phil, professional cinematographers and video creators. Plus, we're the creator of some of the world's most popular video production courses - with over 150,000 students and thousands of 5-star reviews like these ones from this course:

Everything they are talking about is very clear and easy to understand. The instructors do make anything boring and have really good facts. To me everything about this course was just put together correctly. I would definitely recommend this course to others. - John Tyler Hardin

Great fundamentals, straight forward, professional - Steven Farmer

Excellent course because instructor is very knowledgeable and he explained everything in a very clear English. - Pawan Babbar

Regardless of the type of camera you are using - DSLR, Professional Cinema Camera, GoPro, iPhone, or Film - you can shoot beautiful video. Learn professional techniques that Hollywood filmmakers are using to capture powerful images.

If you want to learn how to shoot great videos and making money doing what you love, this is the course for you.

Our Promise to You

We'll be here for you every step of the way. If you have any questions about the course content or anything related to this topic, you can always post a question in the course or send me a direct message.

We want to make this the best course on how to shoot better video. So if there is any way we can improve this course, just tell me and we'll make it happen.

Dive Right In

This course dives right into shooting better video with 5 tips for better cinematography. You'll learn the basics of cinematography including choosing the right camera, ISO, frame rate, shutter speed, f-stop/aperture, and lens options.

Learn how to expose your videos properly, including learning the different styles of exposure styles of commercial, TV, and narrative filmmaking.

Learn how camera movement with tripods, handheld, dollys, steadicam systems, and drones can help you take beautiful shots.

Learn how to light your video shots with different styles and lighting kits.

Learn how to work with the producer, director, camera team, grip and electric team, and other departments on a film set.

Learn how to find work as a cinematographer / videographer. Learn how to network, negotiate a good rate, and get jobs.

Start shooting better videos today.

With our 30-day 100% money back guarantee, there is nothing holding you back from jumping in right now and trying the course out.

Go ahead and click the enroll button, and I'll see you in lesson 1.

Cheers,

Phil & Will

Enroll now

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Cinematography masterclass: learn video production, video lighting, filmmaking on any camera
  • Shoot beautiful video with any camera - from professional cinema to your iphone
  • Get paid to shoot video as a cinematographer / videographer
  • Expose properly with iso, shutter speed, and aperture
  • Light your set like a professional director of photography
  • Work and navigate a film set
  • Choose the right tools (camera, lights, stabilization)

Syllabus

Students will dive into some great tips on shooting better videos, and learn what this course is all about.

Welcome to the best online cinematography course. In this video, you'll get to meet Will Carnahan, a professional Hollywood cinematographer with a number of music videos, narrative films, documentaries, commercials, and corporate videos under his belt. Learn what this course is all about!

Read more

Let's dive right into learning to be a better cinematographer - how to shoot better video. This video tutorial shows you the top five tips for better cinematography. Right off the bat, you'll learn some very crucial tips to shooting better videos.

In this cinematography tutorial, let's cover the basics of what a cinematographer (also known as a director of photography) is and does.

The philosophy of a cinematographer is a great one. This is what Will shares with you in this cinematography course lesson.

Tips to Improve Your Course Taking Experience | Cinematography Course
Students will know what type of camera they should choose, and what options those cameras have that will affect their shots.

Welcome to a new section on understanding the basics of the camera. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

Here is a list of equipment that we use every day to make our own videos. Take it as suggested equipment that we love and trust. Of course there are other options out there, but we want to provide some direction to you.

In this video, Will covers the basics of choosing a camera in terms of film versus digital. While most people will be using digital cameras, it is important to understand the history of film because so much of what we do with digital cameras comes from how we used film cameras.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about the difference between DSLR, cinema, and mirrorless cameras. While DSLR cameras like the Canon 5D, Canon 7D, Nikon D800, and others changed the game in terms of taking digital video quality to the next level, now cameras made by Arri, RED, and Sony show the full capabilities of digital cinematography. The new kid on the block is the mirrorless camera like the Sony A7S, which makes shooting in low light possible unlike before.

This cinematography tutorial, we cover video resolution. As cameras get more and more powerful, the resolution of video gets better and better. But better resolution comes with more data and isn't always necessary. After watching this video, you'll know what resolution to choose and why.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about frame rate in the film and digital age. Understanding frame rate will help you get the cinematic quality you want or shoot for slow motion.

The lens is a very important part of your camera. Using a camera that allows interchangeable lenses like DSLR, cinema, and mirrorless cameras, gives you high quality cinematography with whatever camera you are using. Do you want a prime or a zoom? How does a lens speed affect depth of field? this is all covered in this video.

Get More Video Resources & Tips | Cinematography Course

Since most of us don't shoot on film anymore, we need something to record the digital data that our camera reads. We use memory cards to do this. Memory card type - like SD and CF - and speed is important. We'll cover these topics in this video.

Throughout this course, we use the term latitude frequently. We'll explain what this means in this video.

Welcome to a new exercise lesson. We ask you to take action, which will help you learn. In this exercise, we ask you to put together your camera kit. It doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to be available for you to use for future challenges.

In this bonus lecture, Will goes over a typical cinema digital camera (the Sony FS7) with our friend Caleb who will be using it on a documentary/commercial shoot in Italy. Will goes over the main functions of the camera including all of the manual buttons Caleb will need to know. Now, we know this is a specific camera that most of you will not be using. But we thought it would be interesting for you to see an in depth camera overview. Most of the functions and buttons on this camera will appear on your camera in some shape or form. So try to understand the concepts behind the buttons, rather than just focusing on where the buttons are and if your camera is exactly the same or not. Hope you enjoy!

Learn how to properly expose your video or film, which is one of the most important jobs for a cinematographer.
Welcome to a new section on how to expose better video shot manually with any camera. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.
This cinematography tutorial covers the basics of exposure. Exposing your footage properly is one of the very first and most important things you'll need to do. So this is a hugely important lesson and section to understand.
This cinematography tutorial we continue understanding exposure by learning how choosing a frame rate affects exposure.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn what ISO is and how it affects your exposure.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn what shutter speed is and how it affects exposure.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn what the aperture is (also known as f-stop and iris), and how this affects exposure.

Please take a little break to leave a review for this course. Even though you are still in the middle of the course, we would appreciate a review so that other students can get your initial impressions. You can always change it later! Thanks!

Here is a downloadable guide to aperture sizes.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn about neutral density (ND) filters, and how you can use them to properly expose in bright situations.

Now you know what ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are, we need to understand how to use your camera to adjust the exposure. In this video, we'll talk about using the waveform and exposure meters.

When you walk onto a set (or anywhere you film), how do you go about adjusting exposure. Here is how!

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn about shooting with color profiles and LUTs - look up tables.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about shooting RAW video for better color correction.

Welcome to a new exercise lesson. We ask you to take action, and practice shooting video in two different situations.

In this section, students will be able to get better looking shots by understanding the basics of composition.

Welcome to a new section on how to compose a better video shot. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will teaches you about what composition is. Composition is another key skill for all video creators to have. Let's first learn what composition is.

In this cinematography tutorial, we show you the different types of shots you can get. It is important to understand the differences, so that you can fully cover a scene with enough footage - whether you are shooting a documentary, wedding, commercial, or narrative.

In this cinematography tutorial, you'll learn how to get better rack focuses.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will gives advice on how to get better shots for narrative and commercial videos.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will gives advice on how to get better shots for documentary and event videos.

Here's a little bonus lesson that we shot with a good friend Caleb, a professional film producer who is learning how to be a cinematographer himself. In this video, we get to see Caleb ask Will about a project that he will be working on in the near future.

Students will learn how to add movement to their shots with the help of tools like the tripod, dolly, steadicam, or drone.
Welcome to a new section on how to add movement to your video shots. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

Taking your cinematography skills to the next level includes adding movement to your shots. In this video, Will will share the reasons why this will improve your videos.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of tripod shots to learn how to get better shots with your tripod.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of handheld shots, and learn how to get better shots of your own.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of dolly shots and how to shoot your own.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of steadicam shots. Systems like the Movi help add high-production value at a cheaper rate.

In this video lesson, see some great examples of jib shots, which will make your cinematography top-notch.

In this video, we'll cover how we use drones as a cinematographer to really boost the quality of your video.

Welcome to a new exercise lesson. We ask you to take action, practice shooting video with a tripod.
Learn how to use lights to make your videos look better. In this section, you'll learn how to do different lighting setups.

Welcome to a new section on how video lighting. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

Lighting is an important part of cinematography. This video shows you why lighting can truly affect your videos.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn about the different types of lights out there in terms of lighting temperatures.

Here's a downloadable light temperature chart, so that you can reference what types of lights you are using.

In this cinematography tutorial, we learn how to set white balance manually and automatically with any camera.

Here's a downloadable white balance symbol chart.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about how to power your lights. Wattage, amps, volts - this is all important to understand for cinematographers working on a film set.

In this cinematography tutorial, we look at different types of stands for lights.

In this cinematography tutorial, we talk about how to handle lights safely.

Welcome to a new section on video lighting. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

Now that you've learned about the different types of lights, it's important to learn about why we light.

In this cinematography tutorial, we give you a lighting demonstration that shows you how by just changing the lighting setup of your scene, you can dramatically change the mood of your video. We show you basic three-point lighting for an interview scenario, warm lighting for a commercial or romantic comedy scene, and a darker lighting set up for a scary tension-filled scene.

Here's a downloadable guide to help you remember how to shoot with the 3-point lighting style.

In this cinematography tutorial, we cover a quick trick to make interviews and any shot of a person look better.
In this cinematography tutorial, Will gives you his top tips for shooting outdoors with natural light.
Welcome to a new exercise lesson. We ask you to take action, practice setting up a 3-point lighting setup.
Learn how to find work and get paid to shoot video or film. This section includes great tips on networking, negotiating rates, and invoicing.

Welcome to a new section on how to make money as a cinematographer. Phil will introduce what you'll be learning in this section.

In this cinematography tutorial, Will Carnahan dives into the top ways that he finds work. These are exact ways that he is doing today to be a successful filmmaker, so listen up and take action!

In this cinematography tutorial, we give you advice on how to negotiate a rate. Choosing a rate, especially when starting out as a videographer or cinematographer can be really tough. So use these tips to get started!

This cinematography tutorial shows you how to get paid with an invoice. We've also included a sample invoice that you can use as a template when starting out.

This cinematography tutorial, we talk about taxes - and how important it is to save for taxes as a freelancer.

This cinematography tutorial covers how to charge as a freelancer - fixed price or hourly?

Learn what the cinematography job entails when working on a set.
This cinematography tutorial, Will talks about what it is like to be on set. What will you be doing? Who will you interact with?
This cinematography tutorial explains the order of things that happens on set from walking on to rolling camera.
This cinematography tutorial gives you tips on how to act on set.
Learn how to become a Hollywood-grade cinematographer with these four tips.

It is so important to have your own website and reel to get work. Will and Phil have found the most success by constantly creating videos and posting them online to share with the world. When someone is thinking about hiring you, they should ask for your website and/or video reel. So please take the time to create a beautiful website and reel of your own.

This cinematography tutorial, we talk about why networking is key. And speaking of networking, going to film festivals is a big part of networking as a cinematographer because that is where you will find directors and producers to work with.

Working for free might be the best way to kickstart your cinematography/videography career. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you do so. Learn more in this tutorial.

Learn some basic video editing techniques that every cinematographer should understand.

Learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro's Lumetri Color to do color correction and grading.

Learn how to apply a LUT to your footage in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Thank You

We appreciate you taking this course, and want to give you due recognition for following through!

Bonus Lecture: Learn More from Phil + Video School

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches many elements of shooting video (composition, exposure, camera movement, lighting, audio), and is appropriate for a variety of skill levels, from beginners to experienced videographers
Provides opportunities to practice using equipment and techniques in exercises and challenges
Taught by two experienced cinematographers with multiple credits in a variety of video and film productions
Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee
May be somewhat expensive for some learners
Requires learners to have their own camera equipment, which may pose a barrier to entry for some learners

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Reviews summary

Well-received cinematography course

According to students, this cinematography masterclass is well received. Learners say this informative course offers good clarity and precise information. The course does not buffer. Well done!
This course does not buffer during video playback.
"Very informative and good clarity both video and sound no buffering."
This course offers good clarity.
"Very informative and good clarity both video and sound no buffering."
This course is very informative.
"Very informative and good clarity both video and sound no buffering."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cinematography Masterclass: Videography + Cinematography with these activities:
Read 'Made to Stick'
This book is an excellent introduction to creating memorable and persuasive messages, perfect for anyone who wants to get their ideas heard.
Show steps
  • Read the book and highlight key ideas.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter.
  • Apply the principles of 'Made to Stick' to your own work.
Revise your knowledge of photography and lighting
Revising the basics of photography will help you capture better footage and light your scenes more effectively.
Browse courses on Photography
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks on photography and lighting.
  • Practice taking photos and adjusting lighting in different settings.
Review the basic principles of storytelling
Reviewing the basic principles of storytelling will help you create videos that are more engaging and impactful.
Browse courses on Storytelling
Show steps
  • Read a book or article on storytelling.
  • Analyze a well-made film or video.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on filmmaking
Attending a workshop is a great way to learn from experts and get hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment.
Browse courses on Filmmaking
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that fits your interests and budget.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare for the learning experience.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
  • Follow up with the instructors after the workshop to continue learning.
Practice shot composition and camera movement
Practicing shot composition and camera movement will help you create more visually engaging videos.
Browse courses on Shot Composition
Show steps
  • Create a storyboard for a short video.
  • Set up your camera and practice different shot compositions.
  • Experiment with different camera movements, such as panning, tilting, and tracking.
Create a short video showcasing your skills
Creating a video will help you solidify your understanding of the filmmaking process and showcase your skills to potential employers.
Browse courses on Video Editing
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your video.
  • Write a script and storyboard.
  • Film and edit your video.
  • Share your video on social media or your portfolio.
Create a portfolio of your best work
Creating a portfolio of your best work will help you showcase your skills to potential employers and clients.
Browse courses on Portfolio Development
Show steps
  • Select your best work to include in your portfolio.
  • Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
  • Share your portfolio with potential employers and clients.
Plan and shoot a short film
Planning and shooting a short film will give you the opportunity to apply all of the skills you've learned in this course.
Browse courses on Filmmaking
Show steps
  • Develop a concept and write a script for your short film.
  • Create a shot list and storyboard.
  • Gather a crew and equipment.
  • Shoot your film and edit it together.

Career center

Learners who complete Cinematography Masterclass: Videography + Cinematography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cinematographer
As a Cinematographer, you apply artistic and technical expertise to the filming of motion pictures, television shows, music videos, and commercials. You will often collaborate with directors and other crew members to determine the overall look and feel of a project. If you dream of working as a Cinematographer, then this course is the perfect fit, featuring lessons on everything from lighting to movement.
Director of Photography
Directors of Photography are very similar to Cinematographers and work in the same roles for film, television, and other media. You'll have creative control over all things related to visual composition and are heavily involved in deciding how footage should be shot and recorded. If you want to pursue a career as a Director of Photography, this course provides a great overview of how to do just that.
Film and Video Editor
As a Film and Video Editor, you're a storytelling and media expert. This course helps you hone the 'storytelling' part of your skillset, teaching the basics of cinematography. Whether you're new to the field or just looking to refresh your understanding, this course provides a great foundation in cinematography for you to build upon.
Photographer
Photographers use their expertise in lighting and composition to take quality photos, similar to the cinematography techniques you'll learn in this course. Get a start on building your skillset with this course's comprehensive lessons and advice.
Camera Operator
Camera Operators, in a more general sense, work in many fields. They use studio and motion picture cameras to shoot film and television shows. They also film live events, such as concerts, sports games, and speeches. But regardless of location or purpose, this course is a helpful start to understanding the basics of cinematography for any Camera Operator.
Television Camera Operator
Television Camera Operators use high-quality cameras to shoot footage for television and video programs. The fundamentals of shooting video in this course are useful for both film and television, so whether you're set on television work or not, you'll still find this course helpful.
Visual Effects Artist
As a Visual Effects Artist, you bring scenes to life in television shows and movies by creating digital imagery and effects. You'll need a strong understanding of cinematography techniques, such as those taught in this course, to succeed in this role.
Audio and Video Equipment Technician
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians install, maintain, and repair audio and video equipment. They often work on cameras and associated equipment, meaning a good understanding of cinematography basics, such as the ones you'll learn in this course, is a useful asset.
Broadcast Technician
Broadcast Technicians operate and maintain equipment used in the production and broadcasting of radio and television programs. To be truly successful, they need to understand the cameras they work with, and this course can begin building that foundation.
Motion Picture Projectionist
Motion Picture Projectionists operate and maintain motion picture projection and sound reproduction equipment. Similar to Broadcast Technicians, they need to have a working understanding of cameras, and this course can help build that foundation.
Video Producer
Video Producers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of video production, from planning and budgeting to shooting and editing. While this course focuses on the cinematography aspect, it may be helpful in getting a start in producing.
Stunt Coordinator
Successful Stunt Coordinators can direct action sequences, handle stunt performers, and instruct them on how to perform complex stunts. To do this, they need to be able to visualize action and movements, and this course may help them develop that ability.
Film Editor
While this course focuses more on the filming side of the video creation process, it may be helpful in building your knowledge for more advanced video editing.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the design and production of movie and television sets, as well as other visual aspects of a production. This course may give you a better understanding of cinematography and lighting, which could be helpful when working in this role.
Lighting Designer
Although this course focuses on cinematography, the lighting lessons may be a helpful primer for Lighting Designers beginning their career.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Cinematography Masterclass: Videography + Cinematography:

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cinematography Masterclass: Videography + Cinematography.
This classic text by a legendary filmmaker and theorist explores the fundamentals of cinematography and includes examples from Pudovkin's own work.
Considered a standard text in the industry, this book covers all major aspects of cinematography, including practical applications and theory.
A perfect book for those interested in the business side of moviemaking, this memoir and guide provides tips for filmmakers working with low budgets and limited resources.
A useful quick-reference guide for filmmakers, this book provides detailed information on a wide range of camera lenses.
Covers the role of the director in the filmmaking process, making it a useful additional resource for those interested in working as a cinematographer.

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