Cinematography for Beginners: Foundations of Visual Storytelling
About This Course
This beginner course introduces the visual and technical foundations of cinematography. You will learn how composition and framing shape meaning, how to control exposure and focus, how lenses affect perspective, and how lighting and color set mood.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to analyze scenes and make deliberate creative choices that translate story into compelling images.
Learning Objectives
Understand the language of cinema through composition and framing
Control exposure using aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Select lenses intentionally for perspective, compression, and storytelling
Achieve critical focus and use rack focus to guide attention
Apply lighting setups and color control for mood and continuity
Use filters (ND, polarizer, diffusion) to improve image quality and style
Requirements
- No prior cinematography experience required
- A smartphone camera or any basic camera is enough to start
- Willingness to practice with short shooting exercises
Target Audience
- Beginners interested in film and video production
- Content creators and aspiring cinematographers
- Students preparing for more advanced filmmaking courses
Curriculum
25 Lessons
Module 1: The Language of Cinema (Composition & Framing)
Introduction to Composition & Framing
Leading Lines: Directing the Viewer’s Eye
Rule of Thirds: Dynamic Balance
Depth of Field: Shallow vs Deep Focus
Symmetry vs Asymmetry
Shot Sizes: From Establishing to Extreme Close‑Up
Headroom & Leadroom: Using Space Intentionally
Module 2: Camera Technology and Operation
Module 3: Lighting Techniques and Color Control
Your Instructors
