Cinematography 101

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Class Overview | Schedule | Tuition

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Cinematography 101

Cinematography 101 – Course Description

Cinematography 101 is an introductory course focused on the fundamentals of visual
storytelling for film and digital media. Students will learn the basics of camera operation,
shot composition, lighting, color, and camera movement, and how these elements work
together to support narrative and emotion. Through hands-on projects, demonstrations, and
film analysis, students will develop technical skills and creative awareness while gaining
experience working individually and in collaborative production environments. By the end of
the course, students will be able to plan, shoot, and evaluate visually compelling scenes
using foundational cinematography techniques.

Potential careers for students studying cinematography:

Director of Photography (DP) / CinematographerCamera Operator
Camera Assistant / 1st AC, 2nd AC
Gaffer / Lighting Technician
Grip / Key Grip
Film Editor / Post-Production Specialist
Colorist / Color Grading Artist
Production Designer (visual collaboration)
Videographer / Content Creator
Film / TV Production Crew Member

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Remember & Understand:
Identify the roles and responsibilities of camera, electric, and grip departments, basic cinematography concepts (angles, movement, exposure, lighting), and how each element contributes to visual storytelling.

2. Apply & Analyze:
Plan shots, create shot lists and storyboards, set exposure, frame compositions, and operate cameras and lights. Analyze peer work to discuss how camera angles, lighting, and movement influence story and mood.

3. Evaluate:
Critically assess short scenes and exercises based on composition, lighting, camera movement, and technical execution, providing structured, constructive feedback.

4. Create:
Produce original short scenes demonstrating intentional use of camera angles, movement, exposure, and lighting while collaborating effectively in professional filmmaking roles.

BENEFITS

Benefits of Taking Cinematography 101:

Learn to operate cameras and control exposure, framing, and lighting
Master visual storytelling and shot composition
Gain hands-on experience with lighting, camera movement, and scene planning
Collaborate like a professional film crew
Build practical skills for film, video, or media projects

SCHEDULE

WEEKLY CLASS SESSIONS – Tuesdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (from February 3 – March 3rd)

February 3, 2026
Course introduction; overview of cinematography; camera, electric, and grip departments; crew roles; introduction to camera angles.

February 10, 2026
Cinematic techniques; five rules of composition; framing; camera movement; overview of cinematography equipment.

February 17, 2026
Exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO); camera functions; cinematic lighting fundamentals; three-point lighting.

February 24, 2026
Shot planning and visual execution; shot lists explained; recap of camera angles and camera movement.

March 3, 2026
Experiential production day; filming a scene; final review and feedback.

TUITION

Tuition, Payment, and Cancellation Policy

Total Class Cost: $500 | Deadline to Apply – February 2nd, 2026
Last Day to Pay: February 2nd, 2026
(Limited slots – first-come, first-served)

Total Class Cost: $500
Option 1 – Installment Plan:
- Downpayment to Reserve Your Spot: $200 (due upon acceptance; last day to secure your spot)
- Remaining Balance: $150 × 2 automatic payments every 2 weeks from your initial payment date
This bi-weekly payment schedule is processed automatically through our secure online system. Students do not need to manually make additional payments.
Option 2 – Pay in Full:
- Full Payment: $450 if paid in full by February 2nd, 2026 ($50 off)

Payment Requirements:

Full tuition must be paid in full to participate in the final class project or show and receive any class-related deliverables.

Cancellation Policy:

No Refunds: All payments are non-refundable once made.
Spot Transfers:
- If a student cannot attend, the only way to recover tuition is by transferring their reserved spot to another eligible student.
- The new student must pay the full tuition to the school.
- Once the school confirms payment from the new student, the original student may be reimbursed from those funds.
After Class or Production Begins:
- Once the class or filming production has started, cancellations may not be possible.
- Removing a student at this stage can disrupt production schedules, crew coordination, equipment use, and other students’ learning.
- Because of these potential disruptions, students cancelling after the class begins may forfeit tuition entirely and may not be allowed to participate in the final project.
Administrative Approval:
- Any exceptions to this policy (including spot transfers after the start of class) are at the sole discretion of the administration.

Purpose of Policy:
This policy ensures that all students can participate fully, protects the integrity of the production schedule, and ensures the class can cover costs for instructors, equipment, locations, and other production resources without disruption.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
1 unexcused absence participation reviewed
2 unexcused absences participation may be removed

Cinematography 101

APPLY NOW

Cinematography 101 – Course Description

Potential careers for students studying cinematography:

Benefits of Taking Cinematography 101:

Tuition, Payment, and Cancellation Policy

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