This 20-hour intensive course is designed for aspiring filmmakers, photographers, commercial videographers, & creative individuals seeking to elevate their visual storytelling skills. Whether you’re pursuing a career in film and media or simply looking to improve your personal video & photo work, this hands-on course provides essential technical training & creative guidance.

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the visual principles & tools that define professional-quality photography and video. Through guided instruction & hands-on workshops, participants will learn the core elements of image composition, lighting, & camera operation, culminating in the production of a short film segment, where students take on real crew roles to apply their new skills in a collaborative setting.

Class Details

  • Age: Adults & Teens
  • Dates:
    • Friday, October 17, 6:00 pm – 9:00pm
    • Saturday, October 18, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
    • Sunday, October 19, 9:00 am – 6:00pm
  • Workshop Fee: $95
  • Location: The Syd Blackmarr Arts Center
  • ​Class size is limited to 20
  • Online registration required 
  • Purchase is nonrefundable

This class will be held at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center located at 255 Love Ave.

TOPICS COVERED:

  • Composition for Photography & Film: Learn how to frame visually compelling shots using principles such as rule of thirds, leading lines, balance, depth, & motion dynamics.
  • Lighting for Still & Motion: Understand natural & artificial lighting setups. Explore key lighting techniques including 3-point lighting, available light, & creative lighting for mood and tone.
  • Camera Settings & Manual Control: Hands-on exploration of ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, & frame rates for photography & video, using phone cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless or high end cinema cameras, for both photo & video.
  • Lens Selection & Perspective: Discover how focal length, depth of field, & lens types affect storytelling & visual aesthetics.
  • Lighting Workshop: A practical session where students set up lighting scenes, experiment with modifiers, & learn how to shape light for different subjects & scenarios, such as interviews, portraits, & narrative scenes.
  • Final Project – Short Film Segment: As a team, students will plan, shoot, & produce a short film segment. Each student will take on a film crew role (e.g., director, camera operator, gaffer, audio, etc.) to apply the techniques learned in a real production environment.
Register Here