Master Cinematography in 5 Steps: Top Workshop Insights

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

If you've ever been mesmerized by a beautifully shot film and wondered how cinematographers create such visual magic, you're in the right place. This blog will guide you through five key steps that are often covered in top cinematography workshops. With these insights, you can start your journey to mastering the art and craft of cinematography. So, sit back, grab a notepad, and let's dive into the world of cinematic visuals.

1. Learn the Language of Lens

Just as a poet uses words to express emotions and ideas, a cinematographer uses lenses. Understanding lenses—how they work and what they can do—is the first step in becoming proficient in cinematography. Let's break down some key lens concepts.

Understanding Focal Length

Think of focal length as the lens's eye. It determines how much of the scene your camera sees. Short focal lengths—like 18mm—give you a wide view, perfect for epic landscapes or cramped interiors. On the other hand, long focal lengths—like 200mm—zoom in on your subject, which is great for close-ups or making far-off objects seem nearby. So, the next time you're watching a film, pay attention to the shots. Ask yourself, "Is this a close-up or a wide shot?"—you might start noticing the focal length used.

Comprehending Aperture

Aperture, also known as f-stop, controls the amount of light hitting your camera sensor. A lower f-number—like f/1.8—lets in more light, which is great for low-light situations. A higher number—like f/16—allows less light in, which can be useful in bright conditions. But aperture also affects depth of field—low f-numbers result in a blurred background, while high ones keep everything sharp. So, remember, aperture isn't just about light—it's also a creative tool to focus the viewer's attention.

Exploring Lens Types

Now, you might be asking, "How do I pick the right lens?" Well, that depends on your story. Different lenses create different visual effects. Wide-angle lenses can distort reality, making spaces seem larger and distances greater. Telephoto lenses can compress space, making far-off objects appear closer. In cinematography workshops, professionals often recommend starting with a 50mm lens, also known as a "normal lens", as it closely resembles the human eye's view. So, experiment with different lenses, find what you like, and remember—the best lens is the one that tells your story most effectively.

2. Decipher Lighting Techniques

Light is the paintbrush of the cinematographer. Just as artists use different strokes to create their masterpieces, cinematographers use varying lighting techniques to create mood, depth, and atmosphere. Let's illuminate some popular lighting techniques often taught in cinematography workshops.

Mastering Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is a classic setup used in both film and photography. It combines three light sources: key light, fill light, and back light. The key light is the main source, often placed at a 45-degree angle to the subject. Fill light softens the shadows created by the key light, and back light separates the subject from the background by creating a rim of light. It’s a versatile setup that you can tweak depending on your scene's mood and the characters involved.

Molding Moods with Light

Lighting isn't just about visibility—it's also a powerful tool for storytelling. For instance, bright, even lighting can create a cheerful, upbeat atmosphere—think of a sunny sitcom. On the other hand, dark, shadowy lighting can evoke suspense or mystery—imagine a classic noir film. Remember, the way you light your scene can tell your audience how to feel even before a single line of dialogue is spoken. So, how will you use light to tell your story?

Lighting Equipment Breakdown

So what tools do you need to light your scene? At a basic level, you'll need lights, of course. These could be professional film lights, like Arri or Kino Flo, or even practical lights, like desk lamps or candles. You'll also need modifiers to shape your light—think softboxes, reflectors, or gels. And don't forget stands and clamps to position your lights just right. Remember, just like a carpenter's toolbox, your lighting kit can be simple or complex, depending on your needs and budget. The magic lies in how you use it!

3. Compose with Intent

Composition is the arrangement of elements within your frame. It's a visual language that can guide your viewers' eyes and enhance your storytelling. Mastering composition is a key goal of many cinematography workshops. Let's break down some of the concepts.

Rule of Thirds

Imagine your frame divided into nine equal rectangles, three across and three down. The rule of thirds suggests placing your main subject along these lines, or at their intersections. This technique creates balance and interest, drawing your viewers' eyes into the scene. Have you ever noticed how a sunset looks more captivating when the horizon falls along the bottom third of your photo, or how a portrait becomes more engaging when the eyes fall along the top third? That's the rule of thirds at work!

Leading Lines

Leading lines are lines within your frame that guide the viewer's eye towards your main subject. They can be anything: roads, fences, shadows, even the edge of a table. Leading lines can create depth, show perspective, and strengthen your composition. For instance, think of a shot in a film where a long, winding road leads to a lonely house in the distance. Those lines aren't just guiding your eyes—they're guiding your emotions, too.

Depth of Field

Depth of field refers to the range in your frame that's in sharp focus. A shallow depth of field has only a small part in focus, with the rest blurry. This technique can draw attention to a specific subject, like a character's face in a close-up shot. A deep depth of field keeps more of the scene in focus, which is great for wide shots where you want your audience to take in the whole scene. Just remember: whether shallow or deep, your depth of field should serve your story.

4. Navigate Camera Movement

Camera movement is more than just shifting from point A to B. It's a dynamic storytelling tool that can add layers to your narrative. Be it a simple pan or an intricate tracking shot, learning to navigate camera movements is an integral part of cinematography workshops.

Dolly Zoom Effect

Ever watched a movie scene where the background seems to stretch away from the subject, creating a sense of unease? You've witnessed the dolly zoom effect. In this technique, you move the camera away from your subject while zooming in, or vice versa. This creates an unsettling visual illusion—think of the famous scene in "Jaws" when Chief Brody spots a shark attack from the shore. Try it out next time you want to heighten the drama in a scene!

Tracking Shots

Tracking shots follow a subject as it moves, keeping it in frame. It's like the camera is on an invisible track, hence the name. These shots can build tension, reveal new information, or simply immerse viewers in the scene. Remember the gripping opening sequence of "The Shining", with the car moving along winding mountain roads? That's a tracking shot at its best. It’s a favorite in cinematography workshops and a fun technique to experiment with.

Steady Cam Use

Steady cam is a stabilizing mount for a movie camera, which mechanically isolates it from the operator's movement. It allows for smooth and stable handheld shots, even when the operator is moving over an uneven surface. Think of those smooth, flowing shots in "Goodfellas" or "Rocky"—those were made possible by a steady cam. Mastering its use can add a professional touch to your films.

5. Grasp Post-Production Processes

Post-production is where the magic happens: the raw footage is shaped into a story, colors are fine-tuned, and sound is mixed to perfection. It's the final step in making your film come alive, and cinematography workshops offer a deep dive into this process. Let's get started.

Basic Editing Techniques

Editing is like the final draft of your story. It's where you decide what stays, what goes, and in what order events unfold. You'll deal with cuts and transitions, pacing, and continuity. Ever noticed how in "Star Wars", scenes from different locations are often separated by a wipe transition? That's a creative editing choice. Become best friends with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. They'll be your tools to carve out your masterpiece.

Color Grading

Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture, video or, in our case, your film. It can set the mood, time of day, or even signify character development. Remember how in "The Matrix", scenes inside the matrix have a green tint while reality has a blue one? That's color grading at work. Experiment with various color grading software to find your preferred one. DaVinci Resolve is a popular choice in many cinematography workshops.

Sound Design and Mixing

Last but not least, sound. Good sound design and mixing can elevate your film to new heights. It's not just about dialogue, but also ambient sounds, sound effects, and the musical score. Ever noticed how the sound of lightsabers in "Star Wars" is so distinctive and memorable? That's the power of good sound design. Dive into audio editing software like Pro Tools or Audacity to start building your film's soundscape.

If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of cinematography, don't miss Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'Understanding Cinematography'. This workshop will provide you with essential knowledge and techniques to further enhance your cinematography skills and bring your vision to life on screen.