Intro to Camera: Filmmaking & Cinematography Basics

$355.00

A weekend, hands-on workshop designed to teach the fundamentals of camera operation, composition, and visual storytelling.

Through guided exercises, you’ll get hands-on experience with a myriad of camera setup, exposure, and framing while building the confidence to bring your ideas to life.

What You'll Learn:

  • Camera Operation: resolution, frame rate, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more.

  • Types of Cameras: Explore DSLR and non-DSLR cameras, understanding their unique features.

  • Types of Lenses: Explore types of lenses, adapters and troubleshooting

  • Composition & Framing: Learn how to frame and follow action effectively.

  • Understanding Lighting: Learn how lighting impact camera and image crafting, exploring how light shapes mood, depth, and visual storytelling.

  • Accessories: Get hands-on with tripods, ND filters, LCD screens, light meters, and more.

  • Technical Terminology: Gain an understanding of film-specific terms to enhance communication and professionalism.

Hands-On Experience:

  • Work with at least three different types of cameras and other film/video gear such as lighting, flags, scrims, apple boxes, c-stands and more.

  • Cameras used may include Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro, 4K DSLR, 6K Cinema Camera

  • This workshop offers hands-on exercises in film and video production through practical scene recreations across various settings. Participants will tackle indoor and outdoor shoots, from interview setups to location filming, putting their new knowledge of video production and camera basics to the test - this includes camera operation and lighting. Each session includes opportunities for applying techniques, receiving professional feedback, and skill refinement.

Optional: If you own a camera and would like to learn how to work with it, feel free to bring it along!

MORE INFORMATION

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of video camera operation and filmmaking best practices, including shot types, angles, composition, and essential camera accessories. No prerequisites required — beginners are welcome! Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.

What’s Included: All equipment is provided for the duration of the class. Participants are also welcome to bring their own video camera if they’d like hands-on practice with personal gear.

Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program

Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

Damage + Responsibility Clause: Students will be working with professional filmmaking equipment. Respect for the tools and studio environment is essential. While Austin School of Film is not responsible for damages to personal property due to misuse, staff will provide proper instruction and supervision to ensure safe operation throughout the workshop.

HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?

Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.

Schedule:

A weekend, hands-on workshop designed to teach the fundamentals of camera operation, composition, and visual storytelling.

Through guided exercises, you’ll get hands-on experience with a myriad of camera setup, exposure, and framing while building the confidence to bring your ideas to life.

What You'll Learn:

  • Camera Operation: resolution, frame rate, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more.

  • Types of Cameras: Explore DSLR and non-DSLR cameras, understanding their unique features.

  • Types of Lenses: Explore types of lenses, adapters and troubleshooting

  • Composition & Framing: Learn how to frame and follow action effectively.

  • Understanding Lighting: Learn how lighting impact camera and image crafting, exploring how light shapes mood, depth, and visual storytelling.

  • Accessories: Get hands-on with tripods, ND filters, LCD screens, light meters, and more.

  • Technical Terminology: Gain an understanding of film-specific terms to enhance communication and professionalism.

Hands-On Experience:

  • Work with at least three different types of cameras and other film/video gear such as lighting, flags, scrims, apple boxes, c-stands and more.

  • Cameras used may include Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro, 4K DSLR, 6K Cinema Camera

  • This workshop offers hands-on exercises in film and video production through practical scene recreations across various settings. Participants will tackle indoor and outdoor shoots, from interview setups to location filming, putting their new knowledge of video production and camera basics to the test - this includes camera operation and lighting. Each session includes opportunities for applying techniques, receiving professional feedback, and skill refinement.

Optional: If you own a camera and would like to learn how to work with it, feel free to bring it along!

MORE INFORMATION

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of video camera operation and filmmaking best practices, including shot types, angles, composition, and essential camera accessories. No prerequisites required — beginners are welcome! Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.

What’s Included: All equipment is provided for the duration of the class. Participants are also welcome to bring their own video camera if they’d like hands-on practice with personal gear.

Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program

Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

Damage + Responsibility Clause: Students will be working with professional filmmaking equipment. Respect for the tools and studio environment is essential. While Austin School of Film is not responsible for damages to personal property due to misuse, staff will provide proper instruction and supervision to ensure safe operation throughout the workshop.

HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?

Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.

Who Should Attend:

  • Individuals interested in learning about video camera operations and videography/filmmaking best practices, including shot types, angles, composition, accessories, and more!

  • No prerequisites required; beginners are welcome!

Certificate:

  • Digital Video Certificate Program core class

Supplies:

  • All equipment provided for the duration of the class

  • Feel free to bring your own video camera if you own one!

Certification:

  • This course, along with all Austin School of Film courses, is certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Educational (CPE) credits.