Do you want to see how to set up cinematic shots – step-by-step? This set of twelve cinematography tutorials gives you exactly that – detailed information on equipment, camera settings, the camera and sun positioning (including diagrams) and color correction.

The Lighting Dozen - Natural Light shows how to work with available light. I will explain how to control and shape the sunlight in order to get different moods and looks.

The great thing about shooting in natural light is that you can create stunning images with minimal equipment. It is also a great way to learn and experiment with cinematography because you can shape and modify the sunlight just like you would artificial lights.

The light modifiers I use are affordable to most indie filmmakers. Plus, I present do-it-yourself alternatives to make it possible to achieve these great-looking shots on the smallest of budgets.

I color correct these tutorials in the free version of the DaVinci Resolve 12. This means that all of you will be able to use this powerful colour corrector and easily follow my examples, regardless of which editing program you work in.

I have also included a tutorial on the basics of DaVinci Resolve 12, in case you are unfamiliar with the program.

If your prefer, instead of Resolve 12 you can use one of the standard three-way colour correctors that are included in most editing programs, since all these tools work in a very similar way.

I used the Panasonic GH4 and the Sony a7S to film these twelve shots, but you can get similar results with more affordable cameras (ex. Canon T3i, Sony NEX-5). Most budget DSLR/DSLM cameras these days produce great images - just make sure that your camera gives you manual control over settings such as shutter, aperture, ISO and white balance.

The set gives you twelve varied lighting scenarios that will greatly enhance your films, music videos, commercials and other video projects.

By reproducing these twelve cinematic shots, you will not only impress your audiences and clients, but you will also build a foundation on which you can experiment and develop your own creative shots. Reproducing the work of others and then enhancing it with your own ideas is the best way of learning. This is exactly how I learned.

Contents

Introduction

1. Studioless Portrait
2. Mystic Lake
3. Bright Dreams
4. Twilight Flame
5. Spec Ops
6. National Geographic
7. Dark Side of Eden
8. Soft Petals
9. Fields of Dreams
10. Dark and Hip
11. Hollywood Star
12. Garden of Eden

Plus: The Basics of DaVinci Resolve 12

(Total running time: 6.6 hours)