$350.00 USD

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Designing For The Camera - Understanding Cameras & Lenses

Payment Details:

One payment only.
Payment will be deducted from your Credit Card account automatically and you'll be emailed a receipt from Stripe.

What's Included:

There are over 4 hours of instructional videos which you’ll be able to replay indefinitely. And, you will have access to a private class site where you can interact with the other students in the class.

Through the sequence of videos, you'll gain a firm understanding of the basics of cameras and lenses as well as the more involved topics of exposure, lighting, and in-camera optical effects:

Cameras - Film vs. Digital
Lenses - spherical vs. anamorphic, prime vs. zoom
Specialty lenses - lenses and attachments that solve tricky shooting issues
Understanding focal lengths
Understanding depth-of-field
Aperture settings - F-stops vs. T-stops
Dynamic range - over and under exposure comparisons
Lighting - color temperature, typical lighting styles
The Inverse square law of lighting
The basics of optics for in-camera effects such as foreground miniatures and forced perspective sets.
And, an analysis of the camera work of the new German film, All Quiet On The Western Front, which won the Oscars for both Art Direction and Cinematography in 2023. I'll examine how the choices of shots influenced and affected the set design.

The course also includes a manual which explains the concepts of the course in text and diagrams for later reference.

In addition, you will also gain access to the Community Lounge which is only for students, where you can connect with other students and ask questions.

Each Wednesday evening we have a live Zoom session where you can ask questions or get your drawings evaluated. These are recorded and posted on the website in case you can't attend in person.

What Happens Next?

After you enter your payment details, you'll be taken to a thank you page with further instructions.

Because of the special nature of the class material and proprietary materials refunds will only be offered within 14 days of course registration.

What People Are Saying:

This is an amazing course taught by an industry pro. Randall is an excellent, kind, and patient teacher who somehow manages to cover everything from the construction of a single flat to measuring a cathedral in Florence from just photos. I cannot speak highly enough about this class. Anyone who is serious about a career in set design should be required to take this course.

Garrett Brown

"The Set Design Fundamentals Series was an invaluable part of my Art Department education. It answered my questions about working full-time as a Set Designer and making a career in the entertainment industry. I learned so much about the tools, practices, and technical skills necessary for a successful start in film and TV. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend it to anyone looking to further their design skills!"

Patricia Witt

"When I started the 12-Week Set Design Fundamentals Series class, I was hoping to learn about the drawings that a Set Designer needs to produce, but I learned much more. This course covered everything: drawings, how to do a site survey, what the set designer's responsibilities are, and their position in the Art Department. My favorite part was learning about what not to do as a set designer. Learning from others' mistakes made me feel more confident in my work process. I started a Set Design job shortly after finishing the class. The class helped me do my first job with confidence. This class is a perfect start for anyone who is beginning a career in Set Design."

Olesya Golub