Cinematography Course: Shoot Expert Video on Any Camera from Udemy

Want to shoot amazing video like the pros?

This course is designed to deliver you the most up to date cinematography tips WITHOUT all the useless fluff. No one wants to sit through a 9 hour course and walk away with only 2 hours of useful information. This course brings you all the professional knowledge that you need to shoot like a seasoned cinematographer AND you can can start practicing today WITHOUT spending thousands of dollars on expensive gear. It is designed for DSLRs and smartphones so there's nothing stopping you from getting started immediately.

What makes me qualified to teach you?

My name is Dale McManus and I’m a professional Cinematographer, Photographer, and Award-Winning Youtuber. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and 7 years of experience in the field of cinematography and photography.

Quotes from my students:

"Thank you Dale for a class that was simple on my tech challenged brain, yet in depth enough that it was totally satisfying and engaging."

"The instructor has a friendly, encouraging and relaxed style. Very good. I recommend. "

"Very clear and easy to follow."

"To the point and very practical. Makes you want to go shoot right away."

"Because of how he explained everything so clearly, I feel I will become a pro in no time. "

"The instructor is articulate and very direct."

"Dale makes it all very easy to understand. "

"Well presented with dynamic illustrations. "

As your instructor, I'll be here every step of the way to answer any questions you might have.

Just send me a message.

If you want to take your videos to a whole new level, boost your social media content, or even start a career in professional cinematography, then this is the course for you.

This course is designed for:

-Anyone that wants to become a skilled videographer/cinematographer.

-Anyone that wants to shoot incredible video without spending thousands on expensive gear.

-Anyone that wants to stunningly document their travels and amp up their social media accounts.

-Anyone that wants to turn video & cinematography into a professional career.

-Anyone that wants to shoot short films & movies and learn the art of storytelling.

Here’s just some of what you’re going to learn:

-How to shoot professional video by utilizing shot composition.

-How to optimize your camera settings for taking better video.

-How to replicate cinematic movie-like movement for your video.

-How to create professional lighting for any scenario.

-How storytelling can instantly boost your production quality.

-How to film people, landscapes, architecture, and more.

-How to properly document your travels, shoot short films, and boost your social media content.

This course comes with a 30-day 100% money back guarantee, so you can get started right now with no fears or reservations.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Shoot professional video by utilizing shot composition.
Optimize your camera settings for taking better video.
Replicate cinematic movie-like movement for your video.
Create professional lighting for any scenario.

Apply storytelling to your shots to instantly boost production quality.
Film people, landscapes, and architecture like a pro.
Properly document your travels, shoot short films, and boost your social media content.

Shoot professional video by utilizing shot composition.
Optimize your camera settings for taking better video.
Replicate cinematic movie-like movement for your video.
Create professional lighting for any scenario.
Apply storytelling to your shots to instantly boost production quality.
Film people, landscapes, and architecture like a pro.
Properly document your travels, shoot short films, and boost your social media content.

Syllabus

Meet the instructor, get an overview of the course, and understand the real definition of cinematography.

Welcome to Your Online Cinematography Course!

What is Cinematography?

Understand the inner mechanics of your camera and adjust detailed settings for better cinematography.

Intro to Camera Section

What is Video Resolution?

What is Aspect Ratio?

Why Frame Rate is So Important

Lenses

How to Change Resolution and Frame Rate on a DSLR

How to Change Resolution and Frame Rate on the iPhone

What's in My Camera Bag?

Camera Quiz

Quickly set proper exposure and avoid very common exposure mistakes by understanding aperture, shutter speed, f-stop, and more.

Intro to Exposure Section

Understanding Aperture for Cinematography

Why a Little Darker is Always Better

How Frame Rate and Shutter Speed Affect Exposure

Exposure Quiz

Shoot your scenes with new angles and perspectives that help drive the story of your video.

What is Shot Composition?

The 6 Perspectives and Storytelling

Vantage Point

Rule of Thirds

The 180 Degree Rule

Lead Room and Head Room

Shot Composition Quiz

Apply appropriate, meaningful, and smooth movement to your shots to help drive the story and keep your viewer engaged.

Intro to Movement Section

Handheld Vs Stabilized

The Types of Movement in Cinematography

Starting and Clearing the Scene

Drone Cinematography

Movement Quiz

Professionally light indoor and outdoor scenes with proper color balance by utilizing everyday household equipment.

Why is Lighting Important for Cinematography?

Shooting Outdoors With Natural Light

Shooting Indoors With Controlled Light

Understanding White Balance / Color Temperature

Lighting Quiz

Seek out the best locations for shooting videos by pre-visualizing the scene and answering specific questions.

Intro to Section: Visualize The Scene

Why the Time of Day Matters

Find helpful resources for this course, rate/review the instructor, and congratulations!

Before You Go!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Meets the needs of aspiring and experienced professionals in filmmaking

Delivers industry-standard cinematography techniques

Taught by Dale McManus, a professional cinematographer and award-winning Youtuber

Provides practical, hands-on training without requiring expensive gear

Covers essential aspects of cinematography including composition, lighting, and storytelling

May require students to have access to a camera and computer

Reviews summary

Illuminating cinematography

learners say this is largely positive course that covers the basics of getting started with cinematography. It is suitable for those with no prior knowledge or those with some experience who want to refresh their knowledge. Dale McManus presents the material in a clear, engaging and entertaining way, with lots of examples, tips, and resources. However, some students may find the course too basic, and it does not cover some more advanced topics such as lighting techniques or editing. Overall, this is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about cinematography.

This course covers the fundamental concepts of cinematography, including: - Resolution and aspect ratio - Exposure and lighting - Camera settings and movement - Composition and framing - Storytelling and editing Dale explains these concepts in a clear and concise way, with plenty of examples and demonstrations. He also provides practical tips and advice on how to apply these concepts in your own work.

"I really enjoyed this course! Not only did I learn a lot of new info, there were also some concepts that I knew somewhat, but Dale has such a way with words, and puts an interesting spin on things, that it makes them so much easier to understand!"

"He does a great job of breaking down the more intricate/complicated parts without making you feel stupid, while also managing to throw in some humor to lighten the mood!"

"She explains these concepts in a clear and concise way, with plenty of examples and demonstrations."

In addition to the theoretical knowledge, Dale also provides a number of practical tips and advice on how to improve your cinematography. These tips cover a wide range of topics, including: - How to choose the right camera and lens for your project - How to set up your camera for optimal results - How to light your scenes effectively - How to compose and frame your shots - How to edit your footage These tips are invaluable for anyone who wants to improve their cinematography skills.

"Dale McManus is top tier. You won't regret buying this course for cinematography."

"He talks to you like you're an able person, and instills total confidence within me while I'm learning from him."

"I really love this course. Love Love."

Dale McManus has a very engaging presentation style. He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and funny. He also does a great job of using visuals and examples to illustrate his points. As a result, the course is very easy to follow and understand. Even if you have no prior knowledge of cinematography, you will be able to learn a lot from this course.

"Dale is so fun to watch, very engaging and his explanations are very clear and easy to understand along with his examples."

"His videos were straight to the point. He didn't want to go into the nerd stuff and provide you with tons of explanation to make you fall asleep."

"He got straight to the point by making the videos condense and concise."

This course does not cover some more advanced topics, such as lighting techniques or editing. This may be a drawback for some students.

"This course does not cover some more advanced topics, such as lighting techniques or editing."

"This may be a drawback for some students."

"It would be great if you came out with a second, practical based video going further in depth walking viewers through more shooting techniques and how to execute them from start to finish."

Some students may find that this course is too basic. It does not cover some more advanced topics, such as lighting techniques or editing. However, it is a good starting point for those with no prior knowledge of cinematography.

"This is a very basic course. If you have any experience with video, it is not likely to provide much new information."

"This course is basically just a talking head. It would have been nice if he actually filmed himself doing some of the things he talked about."

"This course was very good at teaching the basics of cinematography. That being said it is more of an introduction to cinematography, but if that is what you are looking for then I recommend it as a quick way to learn the basics."

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 Course: Shoot Expert Video on Any Camera with these activities:

Review your smartphone camera settings

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Reviewing your camera settings will ensure that you understand the basics of how to use your camera.

Browse courses on Camera Settings

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Open the camera app on your smartphone.
Navigate to the settings menu.
Review the different settings and their options.
Experiment with different settings to see how they affect the photos you take.

Review 'The Cinematographer's Bible' by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson

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Gain insights into the history and techniques of cinematography from a renowned text.

View Poetics of Cinema on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to key concepts and principles.
Highlight and make notes on important passages.
Summarize the main ideas and how they relate to cinematography.

Organize a study group with other students taking the course

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Enhance your learning experience by discussing concepts, sharing insights, and practicing together.

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Reach out to classmates and form a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, work on assignments together, and ask questions.
Provide constructive feedback to each other.

Ten other activities

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Show all 13 activities

Follow tutorials on lighting techniques for cinematography

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Master the art of lighting by studying expert tutorials and applying them to your projects.

Browse courses on Lighting

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Search for reputable tutorials on lighting for cinematography.
Follow the tutorials carefully, taking notes on key techniques.
Practice the techniques with your own equipment and setup.

Watch tutorials on lighting for video

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Watching tutorials on lighting for video will help you to understand the basics of how to use light to create different moods and atmospheres in your videos.

Browse courses on Cinematography

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Find a tutorial on lighting for video that is appropriate for your skill level.
Watch the tutorial and take notes on the key points.
Practice using the lighting techniques you learned in the tutorial.
Review your results and identify what you did well and what you could improve on.

Practice shooting videos with different angles and perspectives

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Enhance your storytelling skills by experimenting with various angles and perspectives.

Browse courses on Camera Movement

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Identify a suitable location and subject.
Experiment with different camera positions, such as high angle, low angle, and eye level.
Capture footage from various distances, including close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots.
Review and analyze your footage to identify effective and engaging angles.

Practice shooting different types of shots

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Practicing shooting different types of shots will help you to develop your compositional skills and learn how to use different shots to tell a story.

Browse courses on Shot Composition

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Choose a subject to shoot.
Experiment with different camera angles and distances.
Try using different lenses to see how they affect the look of your shots.
Review your shots and identify what you did well and what you could improve on.

Volunteer on a film or video production crew

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Gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting and build valuable connections.

Browse courses on Cinematography

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Contact local production companies or film organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend orientations or training sessions to learn about the production process.
Assist the cinematography team with camera setup, lighting, and other tasks.
Network with professionals and learn about different aspects of cinematography.

Attend film festivals or cinematography workshops

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Connect with professionals in the field, learn about industry trends, and get inspired.

Browse courses on Cinematography

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Research upcoming film festivals or cinematography workshops in your area.
Register and attend the events.
Network with other attendees, ask questions, and share your experiences.

Join a cinematography discussion group

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Joining a cinematography discussion group will allow you to connect with other aspiring cinematographers and get feedback on your work.

Browse courses on Peer Review

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Find a cinematography discussion group that is a good fit for your interests and skill level.
Introduce yourself to the group and share your work.
Participate in discussions and offer feedback to other members.
Attend group events and workshops.

Analyze and critique professional cinematography techniques in various films

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Improve your artistic eye and technical understanding by studying exemplary cinematography.

Browse courses on Cinematography

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Select films or TV shows that showcase excellent cinematography.
Pay attention to camera work, lighting, composition, and movement.
Analyze how these techniques contribute to storytelling and visual impact.
Discuss your observations with peers or write a short critique.

Create a short film or video project

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Apply your cinematography skills and storytelling techniques by creating a visual narrative.

Browse courses on Video Production

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Brainstorm a concept and write a script.
Plan your shots, including camera angles, lighting, and movement.
Shoot and edit your footage.
Add sound effects and music to enhance the storytelling.
Share your project with others for feedback and critique.

Create a short film using your smartphone

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Creating a short film using your smartphone will help you to put all of the skills you have learned in this course into practice.

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Come up with a concept for your short film.
Write a script.
Shoot your film.
Edit your film.
Share your film with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Cinematography Course: Shoot Expert Video on Any Camera will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cinematographer

Cinematographers work on films, television shows, commercials, and other video projects to capture the visual elements of the story. It is expected that they can work as a part of a team or independently. This course may be useful, as many Cinematographers operate cameras professionally.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematographer

Camera Operator

Camera Operators work on films, television shows, and commercials to operate the camera and capture the visual elements of the story. A Camera Operator must be familiar with different types of cameras and how to use them to create different effects. They must also be able to work as a part of a team and follow instructions. This course is helpful, as it teaches the basics of cinematography and how to use a camera to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Camera Operator

Video Editor

Video Editors work on films, television shows, and commercials to edit the visual elements of the story. As technology advances, the role of a video editor is expanding to other industries where video is becoming more common. This course is helpful, as it teaches the basics of cinematography and how to use video editing software to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Motion Picture Director

Motion Picture Directors are responsible for the overall creative vision of a film or television show. They work with the other members of the production team to bring the script to life. They must have a strong understanding of cinematography and how to use it to create the desired effect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Picture Director

Television Producer

Television Producers are responsible for the overall production of a television show. They work with the other members of the production team to ensure that the show is produced on time and within budget. They must have a strong understanding of cinematography and how to use it to create the desired effect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Television Producer

Commercial Director

Commercial Directors are responsible for the creative vision of a commercial. They work with the other members of the production team to bring the commercial to life. They must have a strong understanding of cinematography and how to use it to create the desired effect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Director

Film and Video Editor

Film and Video Editors edit the visual elements of films, television shows, and commercials. They must have a strong understanding of cinematography and how to use it to create the desired effect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film and Video Editor

Screenwriter

Screenwriters write the scripts for films, television shows, and commercials. They must have a strong understanding of cinematography and how to use it to create the desired effect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Cameraperson

Camerapersons work on films, television shows, and commercials to capture the visual elements of the story. This course may be useful, as many Camerapersons operate cameras professionally.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cameraperson

Multimedia Artist

Multimedia Artists work on a variety of projects, including films, television shows, commercials, and video games. They use a variety of media, including video, photography, and animation, to create their work. This course may be useful, as it teaches the basics of cinematography and how to use it to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Photographer

Photographers take pictures of people, places, and things. They use a variety of cameras and techniques to create their work. This course helps build a foundation in the basics of cinematography and how to use a camera to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They work with clients to determine the goals of the website and then design and develop the site to meet those goals. This course may be useful, as it teaches the basics of cinematography and how to use it to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Lighting Designer

Lighting Designers design the lighting for a variety of projects, including films, television shows, commercials, and live events. They work with the other members of the production team to create the desired look and feel of the project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lighting Designer

Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual elements of a project, such as a film, television show, or commercial. They work with the other members of the production team to create the desired look and feel of the project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director