By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently set up your camera for different shooting scenarios, adjust exposure settings for the perfect image, and apply professional lighting techniques to make your videos stand out. You will also gain the skills to frame your shots effectively and maximize both natural and studio lighting.
Cinematography & Videography Guide: Camera Basics
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Cinematography & Videography Guide: Camera Basics
This course is part of Learn Cinematography Specialization
Instructor: Skillshare
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
September 2025
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Learn Cinematography Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 5 modules in this course
This module introduces the core principles of cinematography, from lighting basics to on-set decisions about framing, lenses, and movement. Through guided exercises, you鈥檒l practice planning your shots and ensuring you capture the coverage needed for smooth edits.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you鈥檒l gain confidence in using camera settings to control exposure, motion, and image quality. From professional cameras to smartphones, you鈥檒l learn how to balance ISO, shutter speed, and frame rate for cinematic results while testing your understanding with hands-on exercises.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This module explores the deeper impact of technical settings on visual style. By studying aperture, focal length, and frame rate, you鈥檒l see how these choices affect depth of field, motion, and perspective. Hands-on activities will reinforce your ability to set and adapt camera profiles with confidence.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This module bridges technical settings with creative intent. You鈥檒l combine ISO, focal length, and depth of field adjustments with studio lighting techniques to build cinematic compositions. From rule of thirds to high key and rim lighting, you鈥檒l practice techniques that elevate your footage beyond the basics.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
The final module challenges you to adapt both studio and natural lighting for cinematic results. You鈥檒l experiment with gels and practical lights before moving outdoors to optimize natural light, background, and framing. A summary exercise ties everything together, preparing you to confidently shoot in any environment.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don鈥檛 give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
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