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!
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.
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
26
3h 6m
Beginner
Final Cut Pro X
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.
12:47
Simple basics of directing, including blocking, screen direction, scene coverage, and getting a natural performance.
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
12:55
Filming in a busy market! Use a lavalier and on-camera mic for better audio. Capture the process of making street food.
7:37
A basic introduction to shooting a moving timelapse with a gimbal. Bonus tips for Sony Alpha users and 360 cameras!
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.
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.
8:16
Use multiple techniques to film a game of football – telephoto lens, wide-angle close-ups, and a GoPro on a gimbal.
4:24
Film video portraits of your friends that are full of life and expression. Help them overcome awkwardness and camera-shyness.
7:28
The grand finale! A fireworks party at night. Capture the dusk and night lighting vividly by using incidental
8:02
Get your footage organized so you never lose a clip. My method works for small to gigantic projects!
5:01
Creation of the main tile of the short film Island Memories
11:46
Create a fast-flickering photo montage effect and edit a hyperlapse for smooth movement
13:23
Watch me turn raw footage into a storytelling sequence. Basic reframing, Ken Burns Effect, and color correction.
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.
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.
3:26
Use video transitions, digital zooming, retiming, and motion blur to create a mega zoom-out from close-up to super wide!
10:43
Learn how I select and layer sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere with realistic foreground elements.
9:36
Learn how I select and layer sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere with realistic foreground elements.
11:56
Learn how I select and layer sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere with realistic foreground elements.
12:19
Search for music online, audition different tracks against the video footage, edit and trim music to fit the timing.
14:31
Add digital motion blur, a basic color grade, and adjust the overall volume to the proper level.
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