Cinematography Basics: Introduction to Lighting Techniques

Ever wonder how films and TV get that cinematic look? Join cinematographer Zak Mulligan to learn the secrets of lighting and how to use it to evoke feelings and create a sense of story.

In this class, Zak gives students a deep dive into the most important tool that cinematographers have: lighting. This is an essential class for understanding how to shoot movies, videos, photography. Zak breaks down lighting into 7 key elements:

1. Direction
2. Shape
3. Color
4. Intensity
5. Quality
6. Texture 
7. Movement

With each of these elements, Zak shows you how he's used them in movies of his like We the Animals, then demonstrates how you can start experimenting with them in your own work. 

This is the perfect class for aspiring cinematographers, filmmakers, photographers, or avid movie and TV watchers. By understanding the power of lighting, you will start to understand the magic of film and television, and watch with a more critical eye.

At the end of the class, Zak will show you how to start putting these techniques into action to create your own Visual Haiku — a compilation of shots that evokes a feeling or mood. 

• Introduction
• Tools & Materials
• Story and Lighting
• Element I: Direction
• Element II: Shape
• Element III: Color
• Element IV: Intensity
• Element V: Quality
• Element VI: Texture
• Element VII: Movement
• The Final Project
• Conclusion