Filmmaking For Photographers
We'll make this Video below Step-by-Step
What You'll Learn
Don’t let a bunch of unknowns stop you from making your first film.
We’ll go step by step through the making of a complete travel film, and you can look over my shoulder through the entire process.
Then you’ll get to download all of the video clips from the final video and learn each step of my editing process, hands-on.
If you’re a photographer making your first film, or if you just want to learn more about my thought process when I’m shooting in the real world (where mistakes do happen and things don’t go according to plan), I made this for you!
THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF...
You’ve always wanted to start making videos but didn’t know where to get started.
You’re a photographer and you have a camera that shoots video but never ventured into video mode before.
You’ve seen my videos and you want to get a more complete look at how I put it all together from start to finish.
Imagine if You Could...
Feel confident about being able to shoot a full video with minimal gear anywhere you go.
Know how to tell a story with your videos even without having a full plan beforehand.
Know how to use video editing to express yourself in your own style and voice.
“In Filmmaking For Photographers I’ll teach you how to get started shooting and editing using the same process I use for all of my personal videos. This is a unique process I’ve developed over my own filmmaking journey, and I’m excited to share it with you.”
BRANDON LI
LESSONS
26
LENGTH
3h 6m
LEVEL
Beginner
SOFTWARE
Final Cut Pro X
DaVinci Resolve coming in Q2 2023
Filmmaking for Photographers: Shooting Lessons
Island Memories: Short Film
2:32
A simple travel video that can be filmed in a few days
Filmmaking for Photographers Intro
1:53
Learn what you’re going to learn! A full run-through of what this course will offer.
Filming a Landscape: Camera Setup + Basic Camera Movement
6:59
Get your camera settings right and learn the critical skill that separates video from photography: movement! You’ll learn concepts like parallax, handheld movement, and basic gimbal skills.
Filming a Landscape II: Human Subject, Slow Motion, 30 Degree Rule
4:14
Add a person to your landscape shots! Learn how to use your photography skills for better framing in slow-motion footage. Learn the “30 degree rule” for shots that will edit together smoothly.
Directing an Actor: Scene Coverage and Directing Performance
12:47
Simple basics of directing, including blocking, screen direction, scene coverage, and getting a natural performance.
Complex Gimbal Moves
3:43
Watch me do a more advanced gimbal move (and mess up a few times along the way) – and see how you can plan gimbal moves for your own cinematic scenes
Street Shooting: Lavalier Audio, Camera Setup, Filming a Process
12:55
Filming in a busy market! Use a lavalier and on-camera mic for better audio. Capture the process of making street food.
Filming a Hyperlapse
7:37
A basic introduction to shooting a moving timelapse with a gimbal. Bonus tips for Sony Alpha users and 360 cameras!
Filming a Moving Vehicle + Startup Sequence
6:21
Film the start-up of a vehicle in a series of close-ups. Then get coverage “vehicle-to-vehicle”, filming a scooter from a moving car.
Drone Filmmaking
7:13
Combine your drone shots with other footage to capture a complete scene. Learn the difference between shooting b-roll with your drone, and telling a story.
Action Sports: Scene Coverage and Storytelling
8:16
Use multiple techniques to film a game of football – telephoto lens, wide-angle close-ups, and a GoPro on a gimbal.
Impromptu Portraits
4:24
Film video portraits of your friends that are full of life and expression. Help them overcome awkwardness and camera-shyness.
Low Light Shooting
7:28
The grand finale! A fireworks party at night. Capture the dusk and night lighting vividly by using incidental
Filmmaking for Photographers: Editing Lessons
The editing lessons are taught in Final Cut Pro X. You can download Final Cut Pro X and use it for 90 days for free.
We are making an DaVinci Resolve version which will be added at no additional cost when it's ready in Q2 2023. DaVinci Resolve is also available for free.
Organization (Importing and Logging Footage)
8:02
Get your footage organized so you never lose a clip. My method works for small to gigantic projects!
Organization II: Scenes, Stringouts, and Master Project
6:48
Watch me take un-edited raw footage and break it down into smaller and smaller chunks, until I am working with only the clips I need. This will help you manage massive amounts of footage without losing your mind.
Island Memories: Opening Title
5:01
Creation of the main tile of the short film Island Memories
Camera Zoom and Hyperlapse Sequence
11:46
Create a fast-flickering photo montage effect and edit a hyperlapse for smooth movement
Arrival, Scooter Sequence, and Market Scene
13:23
Watch me turn raw footage into a storytelling sequence. Basic reframing, Ken Burns Effect, and color correction.
Sunset, Action Sports and Improvised Portrait Scenes
11:40
More storytelling tips, plus slow-motion “speed ramp” editing and changing up the mood and rhythm to indicate passage of time. Watch me discover and change the story as I work with the clips.
Night Party Scene
11:08
Build the intensity of a party scene by picking the facial expressions and moments that really sell the mood. Layer video clips of fireworks to create a richer ambience. Use digital slow motion and layers to enhance a lightning shot.
Final Drone Shot
3:26
Use video transitions, digital zooming, retiming, and motion blur to create a mega zoom-out from close-up to super wide!
Sound FX Part 1
10:43
Learn how I select and layer sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere with realistic foreground elements.
Sound FX Part 2
9:36
Learn how I select and layer sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere with realistic foreground elements.
Sound FX Part 3
11:56
Learn how I select and layer sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere with realistic foreground elements.
Music
12:19
Search for music online, audition different tracks against the video footage, edit and trim music to fit the timing.
Final Touches (Color Correction/Grade, Audio Master Level)
14:31
Add digital motion blur, a basic color grade, and adjust the overall volume to the proper level.