Video Essentials: Using Lenses & Lighting to Convey Emotion

What does your favorite film have in common with that YouTube vlog you can’t stop watching? Both rely on cinematography to grab attention and pull you in. Learn how you can create content that does the same, no matter your budget!

Join director of photography Oren Soffer to learn how to elevate any video using simple and accessible techniques of cinematography—the art of visual storytelling in film. Designed for anyone who wants to create compelling content, each hands-on lesson builds on the last to help you develop the eye and expertise of a pro, while working with the equipment you already own.

Key lessons cover:

• Styling your home or set to enhance your story
• Choosing the right combination of lens and camera placement 
• Evoking emotion through simple lighting adjustments
• Creating two distinct looks using the exact same tools

Plus, Oren shares his favorite gear, go-to settings, and top tips for shooting on a shoestring, developed from years of working on commercials, music videos, and features.

Whether you’re an aspiring content creator finally launching that YouTube channel or an experienced videographer looking to level up, this hour-long class will unlock a new level of creative control. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence you need to translate your vision to the screen in every video you create!

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This class is geared at students who already produce content of some kind. To follow along, you’ll need a camera with interchangeable lenses, plus basic familiarity with shooting and lighting techniques—or the curiosity to learn!

• Introduction
• The Power of Cinematography
• Planning Your Project
• Essential Equipment
• Evaluating Your Location
• Styling the Space
• Placing Your Camera
• Framing Your Subject
• Initial Camera Settings
• Setting Your Key Light
• Adding Your Fill Light
• Finishing with Backlight
• Working with Natural Light
• Final Thoughts