Filmmaking and Photography Lessons For Beginners

Learn the skills to shoot professional videos and photos for your new business clients or for pleasure!

Created byAndres Galarza

Last updated 4/2026

English

What you'll learn

You will master all of the relevant and necessary principles behind how any digital camera and its lenses work to create and craft the very best possible image.
You will completely dominate the rules of professional work with digital cameras, from soup to nuts, in order to break them and bend them like a true artist.
You will learn the essential building blocks of successful film making, from the psychology of your frame, to best practices for shooting in the real-world.
You will see verified proof-of-concept on how continued success when shooting each genre in modern day film making is achieved and delivered in the real world!
You will learn and have access to my specific tips and tricks that are unique to my years of experience. I'll share secrets that will elevate your final image.
You will learn how to start and maintain your own photo and video business through real world application and subject matter experts who have relevant advice!
Not everyone learns the same way! Besides the video lessons, you will also be able to keep Word documents of the lessons for your study in your space and time.
You will learn actual, real-world, specific ways to generate new clients and new income, while keeping existing clients consistently hiring your new services.

Course content

3 sections • 35 lectures • 6h 37m total length

How Cameras Work12:55
Sensors? Pixels? Exposure? What? It's always wise to start at the beginning. With that in mind, let's talk about the basic building blocks behind all digital cameras in our first Module!

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Exposure - The Aperture11:46
It all comes down to Exposure. But not like Instagram exposure! In the next three Modules we're going to break down what it all means, starting with the aperture in the lens! Get ready to be exposed...

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Exposure - The Shutter13:41
The shutter of the camera is like a curtain. Let's peek behind it and find out why Bigfoot is always blurry in his pictures, right here in our next Module on Exposure.

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Exposure - The ISO8:12
When the acronyms come out, you know things are getting serious! The ISO is a fundamental part of exposing yourself ... I mean, Exposure! We'll learn why it can make or break your image in our final Exposure Module ... or is it?

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Bringing It All Together6:07
It's no good to learn about the principles of creating a visual image if you can't see it how it all works at the same time, in the real world. In this Module we'll get some practice under our belts and solidify the all-important concept of Exposure.
Choosing The Right Lenses Part 111:24
Choosing the right lens for your camera is like choosing the right tires for you car ... if you use the wrong ones you are in for a bumpy ride! I'll show you how lenses behave and how you can always make sure you are shooting with the best one for what you want to create.

This Module is split in TWO video parts but the literature is all in the document below!
Choosing The Right Lenses Part 210:52
Here is Part Deux as promised. Pardon my Spanish...

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Lenses and Sensor Sizes10:25
It's a Friday night! You're looking for kicks but the big question looms: does the size of my crop factor matter? Well, of course it does. We'll dive deep into what that and why that is in a Module that will also help us understand sensors and lenses a whole lot better. Get ready for some math...

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Colour and Light11:28
Cameras all need light to create an image, and the best artists know how to paint with it. When you're shooting, the world is your canvas and your camera is your brush. Let me show you how to make sure you are getting the most out of your colour and your light by diving into the science and the theory behind it all.

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Lighting 10116:21
Lighting is the most important part of creating an image. And the principles of lighting come down to two important concepts: Soft Light and Hard Light. Let's explore how the two can affect the effect you want to go for in our first Module on lighting.

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Effective Lighting Part 111:00
Like I said, it's all about painting with light, and getting creative with it can make a world of difference in your image. Here we'll learn about lighting techniques that have been tried and tested.

This Module is split in TWO video parts but the literature is all in the document below!
Effective Lighting Part 28:36
We're not done learning about how to paint with light just yet. Here is Part 2 for you now!
Framing and Composition12:50
After you choose the right Exposure and colour, now comes the frame. In this Module, we'll learn all about the basic principles of framing an effective image that will apply every time you shoot.
Make sure you're in the right frame of mind for this one ...
that was a terrible joke!

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
Starting Equipment14:22
I know what you're thinking: what equipment should I buy? Well, that's always changing so it can be a bit of maze. But in this Module I'll give you some sound advice that will apply for getting started that will cut across any brands and any need.
FIN

UNIT 1 - Composing the Frame14:56
The frame is everything. When you are composing your image, way in which you choose to do so can make or break your story. Let's take a deep look at the frame and best practices when you're shooting.

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
UNIT 1 - The Axis Rule10:54
One of the most important principles that sets apart amateurs from professionals is knowing how to always observe the 180 degree rule, or as I call it the "Golden Axis Rule." Let me show you what I mean in this Module!

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
UNIT 1 - Movement and the Camera10:55
Moving the camera should never be done without giving it much thought. In this Module I'll show the best ways you can move the camera effectively while telling your story visually.

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
UNIT 1 - The Right Frame Rate11:53
Let's get a bit technical. The best filmmakers know when to use different frame rates to suit their needs. In this Module we'll learn all about frame rates and how to manipulate them to our advantage.

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
UNIT 2 - The Psychology of Composition & Movement Part 113:27
Filmmaking is all about psychology and in this Session we'll learn all about the psychology of telling a visual story, no matter what the genre, starting here with composition and camera movement.

This Module is split in TWO video parts but the literature is all in the documents below!
UNIT 2 - The Psychology of Composition & Movement Part 27:04
Here is Part Two!
UNIT 2 - The Psychology of Lighting11:56
If cameras work with light, then how you light your scenes is extremely important. In this Module we'll discuss how to manipulate the psychology of your audience using tried and tested lighting techniques to complement everything we have been learning so far!
UNIT 2 - The Psychology of Colour11:57
As we have been learning, colour is a major factor in crafting the mood behind your narrative. Let's take a look at some basic principles of colour theory including how to manipulate them to best tell your story.
UNIT 3 - Documentaries & Testimonials Part 111:07
Documentary filmmaking can be done many different ways. I want to show you the best method for ensuring that you will always have a successful documentary, no matter what the conditions are. We'll take a look at real-world practices and put together a documentary of our own!

This Module is split in TWO video parts but the literature is all in the documents below!
UNIT 3 - Documentaries & Testimonials Part 28:06
Let's finish where we left off with Part Two, and get ready to see our documentary!
UNIT 3 - Marketing Spots & Social Media Promos10:06
UNIT 3 - Dramatic Filmmaking Part 19:15
Dramatic filmmaking is an ocean of possibilities but there are so many ways it can go wrong. Just ask literally any filmmaker that's ever lived! Once again, I want to show you the best method for ensuring that at least on the technical level you will always have a successful piece, no matter what the story. We'll take a look at real-world practices and put together a short film of our own!

This Module is split in TWO video parts but the literature is all in the documents below!
UNIT 3 - Dramatic Filmmaking Part 211:06
Here again is Part Two where we'll get to see our short film!
UNIT 3 - Recording Audio13:52
Audiences may forgive a bad picture ... but they will never forgive bad audio. In this Module I will show you the basic principles of sound recording to make sure you never miss a beat on set. Did you hear that?

*The Q&A SECTION has 10 SECONDS per question. PAUSE the video as needed to read the multiple choice options!
UNIT 3 - Final Thoughts5:04
In our final Module, I simply want to leave you with some sincere final thoughts on filmmaking for your consideration. Thank you for taking my course, and all the best! :)

Understanding Your Market13:10
To get into business, you must understand what it is you want to accomplish. And for that you need to understand your market. In this Module we will take a look at how to best analyze and plan for your particular marketplace.
Building Your Brand5:57
Your brand identity is everything in this business, and having the right brand can make or break your progress. In this Module we'll touch on the secrets behind building an effective brand for your potential clients!
Create a Service Offering10:50
So, you have all these new skills. The question now becomes how do you offer them to people in a way that guarantees success. Many try and fail at this step. In this Module we'll look at the science behind an effective service offering that attracts clients in the short and long term.
Acquiring Clients16:00
The whole point of being in business is to make money. And you can't make money with your photo/video business without clients. There is a right way and many wrong ways to do that. In this Module we'll explore the best ways to acquire new clients, and maintain your current ones.
Scaling Your Business9:39
As you progress in business you want to make sure you are accommodating for any growth you will experience. In this Module we'll touch on the standard principles to make sure you are giving your business a chance to, scale, grow, and become all it can be in your market!
Personal Tips20:00
Experience is king in any business. In this Module, I hope to save you years of learning curves and heartache by providing my personal, real-world strategies for being successful in the photo/video business. We'll talk about best practices for the shooting day, and how to ensure your clients will always be happy to hire you back.

Requirements

All you need is a digital camera (your cell phone works fine) and a willingness to have a laugh while learning.
Microsoft Word or software that can open Word documents for the study guides.

Description

Ever wanted to learn how to get the perfect shot for your photo reel or your movie? Ever wanted to start your own photo/video business? Some people can be intimated by a camera, but it’s never been easier to learn the skills you need to shoot like a pro. If you have a DSLR or a camera phone, you’re halfway there.

In this course we will start with the basic building blocks behind how to create an image with a digital camera in Session 1. We'll discuss principles like Exposure, colour theory, framing, and choosing the right lenses for your particular camera. And by the time we are done, you will have a full understanding of how every digital camera forms an image, and you'll be able to confidently shoot with any camera in the world.

And then we will move on to learning the skills behind successful filmmaking in any genre in Session 2, from documentary to dramatic films. We'll learn about the psychology of filmmaking from the framing to the lighting as well as effective sound recording, and everything in between. The fact is this is a skill that takes experience to master above all! But mastering the tried and tested principles that professionals have used for decades comes first.

In Session 3, we'll talk about the concepts of starting your own photo and video business in your local area, and how you can maximize your time and your potential. Learn the best practices behind getting off the ground, and maintaining your business from multiple subject matter experts.

Let me show you how to shoot your best shot and make some money doing it!

Who this course is for:

Content creators and aspiring visual media professionals who want to get serious about their work!
Professionals who want to get a refresher in the basics as well as new tips and tricks to boost their craft!
Anyone who wants to start shooting photos and videos for money or pleasure!

Filmmaking and Photography Lessons For Beginners

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

INTRO TO DIGITAL CAMERAS14 lectures • 2hr 40min

FILMMAKING 10115 lectures • 2hr 42min

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS6 lectures • 1hr 16min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: